How many times have you heard the phrase “Money can't buy you happiness?” Well, I believe that the access to large quantities of money can be just plain dangerous if the mental state of the holder is not in good health. To some having money means, having the power to alter our lives, bodies, and minds - even unto destruction.

The physical appearance of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Lil' Kim is nothing less than tragic. They each have transformed themselves into the opposite of their original selves and they embody the very cultural biases we have struggled as a race to overcome. Their issues with their appearances and lives are now on display for the rest of us to examine. They show us their disappointments, insecurities, and small traumas in their dress, make-up, and physical appearances. Each of us gives the world a clue to our own personal issues in what we wear, what we say, and the things we do. Putting clothes on issues is what I call it. For the most part, most people have a below healthy but functional self-image - acutely aware of our faults but able to live a productive life without real cause for alarm expressed in our personal presentation to the world.

But what if we each had the money, access, and power to permanently change those little things that bother us? The wide nose, too light/too dark skin, or purple gums we were teased about as children. Those things stick with us somewhat in the deepest recesses of our minds. What would you change? We live in a cosmetic society to put it mildly. There is a quick fix for any and everything that we don't like about ourselves. Billions are spent each year on our insecurities - implants, extracts, injections, and various suctions. Some call them enhancements, but enhancements quickly become alterations as to a garment of clothing.

I'll start with Kim because there is something she did that led me to believe that she is aware that she is profiting from becoming rap's pseudo-black Barbie Doll. She kept it real with her video "How Many Licks" in which she depicted herself and her many personas as different Barbie Doll themes. Taking the bumper sticker "I want to be just like Barbie, the bitch has everything" to a whole 'other level - that my mind ever thought possible. It was because of this video that I began to focus on her during public appearances and compare what she says in her raps to how she acts in the public eye. I discovered that Kim is a very powerful, manipulating, confused but smart woman. There is a huge chasm between the lyrics and the public "lady", if that's what you wish to call her. In public her remarks are often void of any thought. Her lyrics speak of a woman that is cold, hard, and bitter but in need of male attention and dominance. Her regard for most men is low, but there are the powerful men that embody the qualities of fathers, pimps, hustlers and businessmen that she will do anything for. Her contempt for most men that she may consider weak or dumb, is expressed in seduction thereby she gains the "control" that she was unable to have when men like these did things that caused her pain, shame, or anger. Somewhere in her life she was a victim - repeatedly.

Now with money she can fashion herself to satisfy the cravings of any man - black or white. She looks at times, mythological or phony. I know it is intentional but by who? Kim? Or is she being molded to be the millennium Sex Kitten with interchangeable parts? The nasty-girl-thug-harlot. I wish she would exude the power she flexes in her songs. I think as a performer she is aiight sometimes but as an African-American she sets us (black women) back about 90 years to the 10's and 20's when black women "passed" for white for economic profitability. The saddest part are the young black girls that watch try to mimic her and begin to think that they also have to wear blue contacts, blonde/white hair, and opaque make-up to be beautiful and popular. I know she never set out to be a role model, but I don't think she set out to be what I consider a cultural embarrassment.

Kim refused an interview with Essence magazine. I'm glad she did, those intelligent black ladies would have eaten her ass alive because there is no solid or reasonable foundation in which she can rationalize her persona. Self-hate is evident. She is not ready to verbalize her pain, power, and fake presentation with no pretense. She will. One day, we will know what drives Kim, what motivates her, and what hurts her. I've listened to her lyrics but I'm talking about the real shit, without the hard bitch act. All of this said, I'm not passing judgment or hating on her, I am merely exposing the downside of using money and clothes to be a band-aid for an infected soul. What will she do next - hopefully - take the time to heal herself.

By far the grossest example of self-hatred is Michael Jackson but I will expound on him at a later date, if at all since there has already been so much discussion of the man here on this very site but it's deeper than insults. There are others that are also being swallowed alive by their issues and wealth. Whitney Houston is one also. Being talented and respected isn't enough. I think they are all miserable - I can't fathom they can even be remotely happy. Whitney, Lil' Kim and Mike are much like the wealthy eccentrics that become prisoners of their own wealth and emotional problems.

Of course most of us who visit this sight do not have the resources to drastically alter our physical appearances, but if we had the money and resources would we? My advice, come to terms with whatever issues you have with yourself, because these people are prime examples that money cannot buy happiness.

BitterBitch

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