This essay gives an overview of the impact of RuPaul on the art of the drag. Drag has always been an art form of the LGBTQ+ community. Nevertheless, the roots of the artwork arose in the 17th century during the Shakespearian period as male actors portrayed female characters in the theatre which implies that they also wore female clothes and make-up. Furthermore, drag shows had their origin during that period as well which emphasizes that this art form was always part of the society.
However, since the 18th century drag became an art which fights for the equality of the LGBTQ+ community. During the 1920s Julian Eltinge became the first famous American drag artist with their variety show and the American society was tolerant towards their queer art. However, after the Second World War, and the sex crime fears in 1930, drag acts were frowned upon.
Nevertheless, in 1970 drag emerged with the beginning of drag balls being organized. During those runway shows, experienced drag queens got the opportunity to take up upcoming drag artists and potentially give them a home which made them become drag mothers as well as the head of their own House.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- 1. The growing popularity of Drag into mainstream and RuPaul as the ultimate queen
- 2. Controversy around RuPaul - The representation and mistreatment of transgender drag queens on Rupaul's Drag Race
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study critically analyzes the impact of RuPaul on the art of drag, focusing on the mainstream popularity of RuPaul's Drag Race and the controversies surrounding the representation of transgender individuals. It examines how the show's format and RuPaul's role as ultimate judge shape the perception and practice of drag.
- The increasing mainstream popularity of drag and RuPaul's role in its rise.
- The impact of RuPaul's Drag Race on the diversity and inclusivity of drag.
- The controversies surrounding RuPaul's statements and actions regarding transgender contestants.
- The show's evolution from a queer space to a more mainstream production and its implications.
- The portrayal of different drag aesthetics and their acceptance within the show's framework.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introduction establishes drag's historical presence within the LGBTQ+ community, tracing its evolution from its theatrical origins to its modern form as a powerful tool for queer expression and advocacy. It highlights RuPaul's significant role in mainstreaming drag through RuPaul's Drag Race and frames the study's focus on examining the show's impact and the controversies surrounding it. The introduction lays the groundwork for a critical examination of RuPaul's influence and the representation of transgender individuals within the drag community.
1. The growing popularity of Drag into mainstream and RuPaul as the ultimate queen: This chapter analyzes RuPaul's Drag Race as a competition that sets specific standards for "good drag," often prioritizing certain styles and aesthetics over others. It uses the example of Nina West to illustrate how the show's judging criteria can marginalize queens who don't conform to RuPaul's vision of femininity. The chapter further explores the criticism of older queens whose drag styles are deemed "outdated," resulting in their early elimination and the suppression of important historical and cultural discussions within the LGBTQ+ community. The shift from Logo TV to VH1 is highlighted as a factor contributing to the show's increased focus on mainstream appeal, potentially at the expense of its queer identity.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race, drag, transgender representation, LGBTQ+ community, mainstream media, queer culture, reality television, inclusivity, diversity, controversy, drag aesthetics, body image, historical context, cultural impact.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Critical Analysis of RuPaul's Impact on Drag
What is the main focus of this study?
This study critically analyzes RuPaul's impact on the art of drag, particularly focusing on the mainstream popularity of RuPaul's Drag Race and the controversies surrounding the representation of transgender individuals. It examines how the show's format and RuPaul's role as ultimate judge shape the perception and practice of drag.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the increasing mainstream popularity of drag and RuPaul's role; the impact of RuPaul's Drag Race on diversity and inclusivity; controversies surrounding RuPaul's statements and actions regarding transgender contestants; the show's evolution from a queer space to a mainstream production; and the portrayal of different drag aesthetics and their acceptance within the show's framework.
What does the study say about the growing popularity of drag and RuPaul's role?
The study analyzes RuPaul's Drag Race as a competition that sets specific standards for "good drag," often prioritizing certain styles and aesthetics. It discusses how the show's judging criteria can marginalize queens who don't conform to RuPaul's vision of femininity, and how the shift from Logo TV to VH1 contributed to the show's increased focus on mainstream appeal, potentially at the expense of its queer identity.
How does the study address the representation of transgender individuals on RuPaul's Drag Race?
The study addresses the controversies surrounding RuPaul's statements and actions regarding transgender contestants, examining the impact of these controversies on the inclusivity and diversity of the show and the broader drag community.
What is discussed in the chapter about the growing popularity of drag and RuPaul’s role as the ultimate queen?
This chapter examines how RuPaul's Drag Race, through its judging criteria, can marginalize queens who don't conform to a specific vision of femininity. It uses Nina West as an example and discusses the criticism of older queens whose styles are deemed "outdated," resulting in their early elimination and the suppression of important historical and cultural discussions within the LGBTQ+ community. The chapter also highlights the show's shift from Logo TV to VH1 and its implications for the show's focus on mainstream appeal.
What are the key takeaways from the introduction?
The introduction establishes drag's historical presence within the LGBTQ+ community, tracing its evolution to its modern form. It highlights RuPaul's significant role in mainstreaming drag and frames the study's focus on examining the show's impact and the controversies surrounding it. It lays the groundwork for a critical examination of RuPaul's influence and the representation of transgender individuals within the drag community.
What keywords are associated with this study?
Keywords include RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race, drag, transgender representation, LGBTQ+ community, mainstream media, queer culture, reality television, inclusivity, diversity, controversy, drag aesthetics, body image, historical context, and cultural impact.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Cédric Becker (Autor:in), 2022, The impact of RuPaul on the art of the drag. A critical queer analysis on RuPaul’s empire and his TV show "RuPaul’s Drag Race", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1289682
