Then I found the video created by girls who look to be around the same age as Willow (9-12 years old?), in which they dance in a playground and in front of a building, mimicking the choreography. It’s awesome. And by the way, there are no longer any excuses for adult graduate students and professors not to engage in digital technology – because if these preteen girls can organize, film, and upload their product to YouTube, then so can adults in the academic world.
I also found the official preview released by Willow’s label for the song, which features still images of Willow with the song playing in the background. It was actually this video which inspired me to write this post. But first, you need to watch the videos.
Official Preview of "Whip My Hair"
Official video for "Whip My Hair"
Fan-created "Whip My Hair" video
Now that Willow’s catchy tune is stuck in your head for all of eternity, let’s talk about what’s going on in these videos. In the preview, the images of Willow show a young girl who is not afraid of experimentation in terms of clothing, hair style, make up, and accessories. In fact, I would not hesitate to use the word “gender bendy” in referring to Willow’s appearance. By this I mean that her appearance is fluid, frequently crossing the boundaries of normative feminine and masculine clothing and hairstyles. And in no way do I mean this to be a negative criticism; rather, I think that it is wonderful that Willow’s self-expression is allowed such freedom.
Okay, so in the actual video itself, what I think is amazing is the agency displayed and enacted by Willow. The video opens on what appears to be a cafeteria. Everything is white - not the kids themselves but their clothing, the walls, the plates, the tables - dull, and homogenous. The children act like robots, woodenly lifting their cups to their lips. Willow enters, wearing high-top black and white shoes, a bright blue jacket, and bright orange pants. Her nails are multi-colored with jems, and she has metallic silver eye lashes. She brings in a boom box that contains containers of paint, which she dips her hair into, before flinging her head, spraying the paint all over the room. Did I mention her hairstyle (which rapidly changes throughout the video) includes a giant heart? My point is that she is an agent of change and revolution within this cafeteria, and later extends her influence into a classroom and hallway. Her power of influences includes multi-generations of people: children her age (pre-teens), teenagers, adults (a teacher), a little baby (so cute!), and even a grandmother.
The lyrics to the song are empowering as well, and encourages being true to oneself. Lyrics are available here. The song is inclusive to all ladies, no matter what your physical appearance (if your hair is short or long, it doesn’t matter). The video supports this inclusion as there is a wide variety of girls (and boys) shown participating in whipping their hair.
There are a lot of articles floating around the internet about Willow Smith and her debut video, so I’ll post them and let them speak for themselves. But my favorite line has to be this one, from an article on MTV: “The 9-year-old progeny of A-list actors Will and Jada Pinkett Smith explained that her BFFs are her Warriorettes, a supportive team that fully subscribes to the ethos espoused by her smash single ‘Whip My Hair’” (MTV). So not only does Willow inspire her fellow preteen Americans, she is also a women warrior in the making! I can’t wait to see what comes next from Willow.
- From InStyle: "Willow Smith's Best Hair Moments from Her Video" by Kendall Herbst
- From MTV: "Willow Smith Says 'Whip My Hair' Video is About 'Being Yourself'. The 9-year-old Roc Nation star talks to MTV News about filming the clip, her 'Warriorettes' and sticking to your grind" by Rebecca Thomas
- From People: "Willow Smith Whips Fans into Frenzy with First Single" by Tim Nudd
- From PopEater: "Willow Smith's Debut Single, 'Whip My Hair'" by Steven Avalos
- From PopEater: "Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' Meets 'Sesame Street'" by PopEater Staff
- From Washington Post (blogPOST): "'Whip My Hair' and 'Sesame Street': A power ballad for black hair" by Melissa Bell and Sam Sanders [Make sure you watch the mashup YouTube video - it's embedded in the article.]
- From Washington Post (Celebritology): "Too much too young? Nine-year-old Willow Smith debuts video for 'Whip My Hair'" by Liz Kelly
- From Yahoo: "Parental Advisory: Willow Smith's ‘Whip My Hair' Video To Influence Your Tween Daughter's Hairstyles" by Billy Johnson, Jr.
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