Met Gala 2021 Analysis Essay
The text I will be analyzing is the 2021 Met Gala. The Met Gala took place on September 13th, 2021 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 2021 Met Gala suggests that the current divisions faced by society today can be solved through the fashion statements of America’s wealthiest elite. I will read this text by analyzing various fashion choices from the event-goers and by the theme, “American Independence”.
The fashion statements made by some of those in attendance at the Met Gala brought to light pressing issues faced by our society during the past year. Some chose to make political statements while others brought attention to social concerns. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showed up in a white gown with the words “Tax the Rich” embroidered on the back in bright red lettering. This political move emphasizes a need for tax reform while advocating for the lower and middle class. By wearing this dress to the Met Gala, it provided a message to the people that needed to hear it most, the wealthiest and most powerful people in America. However, what good does supporting one of the most cost-prohibitive events of the year do while attempting to advocate for tax reform? Real action occurs in congress and as a U.S. representative, AOC has a responsibility to use her position to make this change and not the red carpet.
Our society is more divided now than ever especially surrounding the politicized Covid-19 pandemic and the 2020 presidential election. Lili Reinhart, an American actress, walked the Met Gala red carpet in a sheer gown representing the state flower from all fifty states. The message of unity within our country was there, however, a lavish celebrity walking around in a dress does nothing for the unity of America. Her attempt fell short by trying to represent America as a meadow of flowers. By looking at these people at an event made for and by the wealthy, you can only think that it divides society to a greater extent. When I realize my country is struggling and is hurting, I would much rather these celebrities put their platform and money to use towards actual change rather than flaunting our divisions on the red carpet.
LGBTQ+ communities are still a minority in this country and still face discrimination plainly because of who they are. Many in attendance at the Met Gala chose to display messages for LGBTQ+ visibility and attempted to bring awareness to such a silenced community. Nikkie de Jager paid tribute to activist Marsha P. Johnson with the words “Pay It No Mind” embroidered on the bottom of her dress. Daniel Levy wore an outfit the showed two men kissing on the chest in hopes to bring awareness to the community, and Megan Rapinoe accessorized her red, white, and blue suit with a clutch that read “In Gay We Trust”. Again, the message is being brought to public attention, but it is what we do with that message that counts. What will be done going forward to make a change after seeing these celebrities on the red carpet? Not one singular event will put to end the decades of discrimination faced by these communities. Discrimination against minority groups will still take place in every part of our country despite who is.
The theme for this year’s Met Gala was “American Independence”. America has experienced its most devastating hardships to date this past year and we have yet to see the end of it. In the midst of one of the deadliest pandemics in the world, it does not seem very “American” to see those taking a free pandemic pass in order to attend a party when so many people are going through hard times. I believe that it would have been possible to keep the spirit of the Met Gala alive during this time while not having the event at all. Instead of seeing celebrities walk around in expensive designer suits and gowns sponsoring perfunctory messages, donations could have been made to help fund those who are struggling due to the pandemic or minority charity groups. Every year the Met Gala raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, however, the American theme could have been centered around the American citizens, and not unmasked celebrities flaunting expensive gowns to “raise awareness”. To celebrate American independence during such a polarizing time for America seems rather tone-deaf. In 2021, America is still fighting for equal rights for so many people. The theme could have been centered around those minorities to bring considerable awareness to them.
“American Independence” gave these celebrities the freedom to pick a multitude of routes to take in order to represent this theme and what it means to them. Using the polarizing state of our country should not have been the chosen theme that defines our country. Some celebrities took a different take and chose to represent American fashion icons such as Billie Eilish who paid tribute to Marilyn Monroe, Kendal Jenner as Audrey Hepburn, and Jennifer Hudson who honored Aretha Franklin. Collectively, these women represent an America we all know and love and gained support as a positive take on the American theme.
The 2021 Met Gala fell flat in its attempt to resolve America’s most pressing matters through high fashion. Attempts were made to shed light on the division among classes, the LGBTQ+ minority groups, and the unification of America altogether, but what really came from this event? The weaknesses of America being emphasized on fancy suits and dresses does nothing for the resolution of these issues. Through reform and activism from ourselves and members of congress, changes will be made to rebuild America from the destruction it saw in 2020. The Met Gala is an event to come together and celebrate fashion, however, to hold such an event during such a troubling did not make the impact those in attendance thought that it did. Activism does not take place in the form of a beautiful expensive gown; it takes place within us and the people willing to go out and make change happen.
