By Carla St. Louis
I can’t help feeling that the Grammy Awards are a bit hesitant about their influx of colored artists. Why, you ask?
Because they issued a glorious manifesto in the form of a Wardrobe Advisory that basically prohibits attendees from dressing like street-walking prostitutes.
To say the least, it’s comical considering this message is coming from the Grammy Awards, a venue that allowed Jennifer Lopez to attend wearing a see-through, plunging neckline Versace dress a few years ago and in 2010 didn’t even blink an eye when Pink performed in a flesh-colored bodysuit a la Britney Spears.
Pink, wearing a demure outfit to 2010’s Grammy Awards.
I ask, “Where was the prude police then?!” Which poses the question, since when did the Grammy Awards have any class and consideration for good taste?
Jennifer Lopez, wearing a completely non-revealing dress at the Grammy Awards.
Apparently, since CBS Standard and Practice got involved. According to an e-mail:
Date: February 5, 2013, 10:39:56 PM EST
Subject: 55th GRAMMYS: Standard And Practice Wardrobe Advisory***GRAMMYS 2013***
CBS Program Practices advises that all talent appearing on camera please adhere to Network policy concerning wardrobe.
Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered. Thong type costumes are problematic. Please avoid exposing bare fleshy under curves of the buttocks and buttock crack. Bare sides or under curvature of the breasts is also problematic. Please avoid sheer see-through clothing that could possibly expose female breast nipples. Please be sure the genital region is adequately covered so that there is no visible “puffy” bare skin exposure. Please avoid commercial identification of actual brand name products on T-shirts. Foreign language on wardrobe will need to be cleared. OBSCENITY OR PARTIALLY SEEN OBSCENITY ON WARDROBE IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR BROADCAST. This as well, pertains to audience members that appear on camera. Finally, The Network requests that any organized cause visibly spelled out on talent’s wardrobe be avoided. This would include lapel pins or any other form of accessory.
What do you think compelled CBS to issue such an atypical e-mail: this year’s attendees or the network honchos?
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