Zendaya: Language and Representations blog tasks

Introduction and background reading 

Read this Vox article on what makes Zendaya a great celebrity. Answer the following questions:

1) What was the 2015 Oscar controversy involving Zendaya?

In the 2015 Oscars controversy, Zendaya appeared on the red carpet wearing dreadlocks, and on the TV show "Fashion Police," Giuliana Rancic made a comment about her hair, suggesting it looked like it smelled like "patchouli oil" or "weed." This comment was widely criticised as racist, leading to a significant backlash and controversy.

2) How did Zendaya control the narrative of that controversy?

Zendaya took control of the narrative by responding thoughtfully and eloquently on her own terms. She posted a response on Instagram, where she explained why Rancic's remark was offensive and delved into the history of discussions about black women's hair. Zendaya's response went viral and garnered support from celebrities, ultimately leading to Rancic issuing an on-air apology. This allowed Zendaya to shape the conversation and advocate for positive change.

3) What examples are provided of Zendaya using her celebrity to raise issues of race and social justice?

Zendaya consistently uses her celebrity platform to address issues of race and social justice. She insisted on having a black family in Disney's "KC Undercover" to ensure better representation. She talks about her struggles to audition for roles that typically default to white actresses. Zendaya also addresses how her light skin, as a biracial individual, has made her a more acceptable option for casting directors, emphasising the need for more diverse representation in Hollywood.

4) Zendaya insisted on a black family in Disney’s KC Undercover show. How can we link this to the ideas of Paul Gilroy?

Zendaya's insistence on having a black family in Disney's "KC Undercover" aligns with the ideas of Paul Gilroy, particularly his concept of the "Black Atlantic." Gilroy's work explores the cultural connections and shared experiences of the African diaspora, emphasising the importance of recognising the diversity within black communities. Zendaya's demand for better representation onscreen reflects a commitment to portraying the realities of black life and promoting cultural diversity, in line with Gilroy's ideas.

5) Who is Zendaya’s stylist, and how did Zendaya use fashion and appearance to develop her celebrity persona?

Zendaya's stylist is Law Roach, who has been working with her since she was 14. Zendaya uses fashion strategically to tell stories and shape her public image. Her fashion choices have often been eye-catching and mature, signalling her transition from a Disney Channel star to a more sophisticated artist. Zendaya collaborates with Roach to select outfits that communicate her desired image, and her fashion choices have been widely covered in the media.

6) How has Zendaya influenced the representation of characters she has played?

Zendaya has influenced the representation of characters she has played by advocating for more diverse and nuanced portrayals. For example, in "KC Undercover," she pushed for her character to have a black family, breaking away from traditional casting norms. She strives to challenge stereotypes and expand the range of roles available for people of colour in the entertainment industry.

7) How did LL Cool J describe Zendaya?

LL Cool J described Zendaya as "cool" and highlighted her authenticity. He emphasised that Zendaya exudes a unique and genuine sense of coolness that cannot be manufactured.

8) Do you agree with his assessment? Is Zendaya authentically cool or just another manufactured celebrity?

LL Cool J's assessment of Zendaya as "cool" suggests that she possesses an authentic and unique quality. Zendaya's ability to handle controversies, address social issues, and make impactful choices in her career indicates a level of authenticity in her celebrity persona. While some aspects of celebrity images may be manufactured, Zendaya's commitment to advocacy and creative control suggests that her authenticity goes beyond mere manufactured celebrity status.

Zendaya textual analysis

Work through the following tasks to complete your textual analysis of Zendaya's social media. 

Social media analysis

1) Visit Zendaya's Twitter feed. Analyse her use of tweets - are they promoting her film/TV work, linked to fashion or sponsorship work or more socially or politically oriented? 

They are promoting her film/TV work

2) Look at Zendaya's Instagram account. She has said this is the one account that is always 100% created by her - can you find any evidence of that in the way posts or images are constructed? 

No, I can't find any evidence of it

3) Watch Zendaya's 73-question Vogue interview. How is this constructed to create a particular representation of Zendaya? 

It makes her seem relatable as she is answering questions about here everyday life and giving typical answers. For example, she said that she would do "absolutely nothing" if she had a full day off

4) Research Zendaya across any other social media accounts - e.g. Facebook. Do you notice any differences in how she represents herself on different platforms? Comment on text, images or tone/content.  

On Facebook, she is a lot more formal than she is on Twitter

Representations

Go to our Media Magazine archive and read the article on Zendaya, social media, feminism and celebrity (MM81 - page 12). Answer the following questions:

1) What are the concerns around social media discussed at the start of the article?

The concerns discussed at the start of the article include the potential negative effects of social media on mental health, particularly among young people. It is noted that social media can lead to anxiety and negatively impact one's self-esteem, especially when users compare themselves to others. The pressure to gain likes and comments on posts can also contribute to these issues.

2) What example is provided of Zendaya’s authenticity – or possible lack of authenticity?

The article provides an example of a video posted on Zendaya's YouTube channel in 2017, where she and a friend watched her old videos and criticised them for being inauthentic. However, it suggests that this video may not have been entirely genuine, as it was not uploaded by Zendaya herself, and the video description was written in the third person. This raises questions about the authenticity of Zendaya's online persona.

3) What is the one social media app that Zendaya manages entirely herself?

Zendaya manages her Instagram account entirely by herself, and she emphasises the importance of being honest and authentic on that platform.

4) What are the issues highlighted by Billie Eilish regarding self-representation and feminism?

Billie Eilish highlights the issues of self-representation and feminism in the context of social media. She points out that women are often judged for what they wear and how they present themselves online, leading to a lack of nuance in understanding self-representation. Eilish expresses frustration with the double standards placed on women, where they are expected to dress as they please but are also criticised for it.

5) How authentic do YOU feel Zendaya’s media representation is? Is it the real Zendaya or a media construction designed to look authentic?

The authenticity of Zendaya's media representation is a subjective matter, and opinions may vary. The article suggests that while Zendaya portrays herself as authentic, there may be elements of media construction and marketing strategy involved. Ultimately, the true nature of her online persona may be a blend of authenticity and strategic image management, and it is up to individual viewers to form their own judgements about the extent to which it reflects the "real" Zendaya.