Equality is a fundamental principle that advocates for equal treatment of individuals regardless of their social status, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other personal characteristic.
When this concept is commodified, it becomes more about pleasing others than about genuinely achieving true equality. This can result in liberation being transformed into an aesthetic experience, where people are no longer liberated but rather focused on looking good instead. In this essay, I will explore how the commodification of equality has resulted in the transformation of liberation into an aesthetic experience, what it means to be liberated, and why this is problematic.
What does it mean to be liberated?
To be liberated means to be free from oppression, restrictions, or limitations imposed by society. It implies having the ability to make decisions independently and have control over one's life without external interference. Liberation also entails freedom from internalized prejudices, biases, and stereotypes that limit individual potential.
A person who identifies as queer may feel liberated after coming out publicly because they no longer need to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity. Similarly, someone who challenges traditional norms may feel liberated if they do not conform to societal expectations.
The Commodification of Equality
The commodification of equality refers to the process of turning equality into a product or service that can be bought and sold. It involves creating products, services, or images that promote the idea of equality while still perpetuating inequality.
Advertisements for inclusive beauty products may include models with diverse body types, skin tones, and hair textures; however, these same companies often exclude those with disabilities or non-binary individuals. This makes them appear more inclusive than they actually are.
Transforming Liberation into Aesthetics
When equality becomes a commodity, it loses its meaning and purpose. People may become more focused on looking good instead of being truly equal. They may adopt certain lifestyles or behaviors to fit in with mainstream culture, which can be harmful to personal growth and development. This is particularly true when people aim to please others rather than themselves.
Some may use makeup or plastic surgery to enhance their appearance to fit into society's beauty standards. Others may participate in activism without fully understanding its meaning, leading to performative allyship. This can result in superficial liberation where individuals feel free but lack deeper understanding or empathy for others.
The commodification of equality transforms liberation into an aesthetic experience because people focus on pleasing others instead of achieving genuine freedom. True liberation requires self-awareness, introspection, and critical thinking about one's beliefs and values. Commodifying equality leads to false impressions of progress, obscuring systemic issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism that still persist today. It is crucial to recognize this trend and work towards authentic liberation for all individuals regardless of their background or identity.
How does the commodification of equality transform liberation into aesthetic experience?
As the world is becoming increasingly diverse, individuals are exploring new ways to express themselves through art, fashion, music, and other forms of creativity. The commodification of equality has emerged as an important aspect of this trend, wherein products and services that promote social justice and equality are marketed as desirable goods for consumers.