20 Feet from Stardom: "The Other"

The  film, 20 Feet from Stardom, looks at the various setbacks and obstacles faced by historic black backup singers. The film portrays the faces behind some of the biggest names in music like Ray Charles, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, etc. These backup singers were often overlooked and in the events of going solo, they were not successful. The film demonstrates the history of backup singers and how lead artists were interested in a deep vocal/gospel sound for their music. Only then did these main lead singers want black backups as they had something that the other girls did not; sass and depth. During a certain portion of the film the producers focus on the relationship of Claudia Leanne with Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Jagger mentions several times that she was “Hot.” In fact so hot, she inspired songs by both Bowie and Jagger; “Brown Sugar” and “Lady Grinning Soul.” 

In the Bell Hooks Piece, “Eating the other: Desire and resistance” we see the notion that the majority- those who are a part of the dominant strata (those who are white) are enticed by the exoticism of the other. The other refers to anyone in the minority, however, most accurately in regards to this discussion, the African American community. Hooks also discusses the commodity of the other. She states that those who are different to the majority add spice to season the otherwise bland and weak taste of mainstream White culture. In the example of this film we see this portrayed in the music industry. According to the documentary, these women were often exploited by those who they held a contract with. However, though the inclusion of diversity we see the lives of these white males become richer and better, yet, this demonstrates that the, “white male desire must be sustained by the “labor” of a dark other," an idea explained by Hooks.

 In the perspective of gender through  Gloria Anzaldua's novel Borderlands/ La Frontera: The New Mestiza, she states, "Males make the rules and laws;women transmit them." She also states, "Woman is the stranger, the other. she is man's recognized nightmarish pieces, his Shadow-Beast." The women in the film shadowed and served to benefit their lead singers (who were often men.) Despite the great talents of these women, they seemed to be overlooked, they were only wanted for what they could offer to the music of these producers.

The curiosity for “The Other” is something people will continue to look into. The majority finds excitement and thrill by attempting to see what it is like to become “the other.” This explains the desperate want for the black backup singers, as they brought a different flavor to the music industry.