Opinion: Katy Perry’s controversial kiss
Jazmyne Boozer, Assistant Editor
Photo Courtesy of: Pixabay.com
The views and opinions expressed on in this article are solely those of the original author. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of The Vision NGU or North Greenville University.
Katy Perry, the famous pop singer known for her explicit pop songs and catchy choruses, recently found herself in hot water. With the return of American Idol, Katy Perry found herself front and center of the judge’s table. Accompanied by Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Perry already seemed out of place with her relentless flirting.
Perry did not help herself or the reboot by adding a sexual harassment controversy due to her flirting. Like every good competition show, each competitor must have a story. It must be something the audience can connect with or something that can be easily remembered. American Idol has a history of rags to riches stories as well as goofy characters and memorable quirks. This season was no different when a conservative 19 year-old, Benjamin Glaze, stepped onto the iconic logo. He was obviously scripted when he revealed that he worked as a cashier and liked talking to the pretty girls.
As if this opener was not cringy enough, Glaze then reveals that he never kissed a girl before and that he wanted his first kiss to be special. The pop star, in all her sexual fluidity felt that this was a perfect time to take that special moment from him. She asked him to approach the judges’ table to which the flustered teenager obeyed. Perry proceeded to put out her cheek for Glaze to kiss. Perry dissatisfied with his first wimpy kiss sticks her cheek out again for Glaze to kiss. This time, at the last second, she quickly turns and kisses Glaze on the lips to which the flustered teen falls away stunned.
The following moments are a bit awkward and sad. The male judges whoop and holler congratulating the kid on his first kiss. Perry on the other hand offers a sarcastic “sorry” while Glaze still tries to recover. He gives an uncomfortable “Well, that’s a first.” And “How was it” to save face. To top this uncomfortable situation off, he then does not make it through to the next round.
Now, of course this caused some people to be up in arms. The main argument being that, if Katy Perry were a man and the contestant a young woman, the man would be hanged. Although this statement may be tired and overused…it’s true. Glaze was clearly uncomfortable but was a “good sport” about it. Even in an interview after his failed audition, he says it was no big deal.
“[I’m] not complaining about the kiss from Katy Perry at all,” Glaze posted on Instagram.
So, should we victimize a victimless victim? Probably not. If Glaze is not bent out of shape about his “first kiss” then the public should not be either. It appears that both parties were consenting adults that just made for an awkward T.V. spot.
Furthermore, this is not Perry’s first incident of flirting with contestants on the show. Perry often flirts with the male contestants during their brief introductions. In fact, that seems to be her character for the show. The pop star often flirts with the male contestants and drops sexual innuendos. Some of which seem to make the men noticeably uncomfortable.
Do these situations call for an investigation? Not unless the men come forward and say that they were uncomfortable. However, does this incident give insight into our culture as a whole? Absolutely. I firmly agree with the notion that the only reason why this woman is not in danger of her career being ruined is due to the fact that she is a woman. If we truly want equality…Katy Perry should be in trouble…like big trouble. It is not fair to hold one gender up to a higher standard than another regarding sexual harassment. All forms of sexual harassment are wrong…plain and simple.
I also believe that these situations should be judged on a case-by-case basis. If Glaze does not feel used or harassed, then there is no need to talk any further on this interaction. However, it does again show a double standard regarding men and women when dealing with sexual harassment claims. I just hope Bryan and Richie don’t take the cue from their female colleague and begin flirting with the women…then that would be a problem.
