People Often Use Masks To Hide Their Real Selves By Hustling ✓ Solved

People often use masks to hide their real selves by hustling and misleading through the things or lack of things they say. They may lie, obfuscate, dodge or just not answer things at all so no one knows their true identity or intentions. Analyze how the concept of 'masks' can be understood through literature, hip-hop, and other forms of art to illustrate the theme of hidden identities.

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In various forms of expression, from literature to hip-hop, the theme of masks and hidden identities is prevalent. This essay explores how artists like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay-Z, and Georgia O'Keeffe employ duplicity in their works to convey complex identities and social commentaries. The notion of ‘masking’ reveals underlying truths about human intentions and societal perceptions.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby," serves as a poignant example of how individuals create facades to conceal their true selves. The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, meticulously crafts a persona to escape his painful past. His lavish parties and enigmatic charm stand in stark contrast to his humble beginnings as James Gatz. This transformation is born out of a desire to escape poverty and attain the American Dream. Gatsby’s commitment to his façade not only masks his true identity but ultimately leads to tragic consequences. In Gatsby’s case, the mask serves both as a protective barrier and a prison that confines him to a life of loneliness and unfulfilled dreams.

Similarly, the character of Daisy Buchanan embodies the complexity of hidden identities. Daisy’s inability to be transparent about her feelings towards Tom Buchanan illustrates the societal pressures that force individuals to conform to specific roles. Her reluctance to disclose her true emotions reveals the fragility of human connections when built on deceit. The masks worn by both Gatsby and Daisy highlight the inherent disconnection between their authentic selves and the roles they play in society.

Hip-hop music, particularly the works of Jay-Z, further explores the duality of identity through art. In his song “99 Problems,” Jay-Z employs the metaphor of a mask to discuss broader societal issues, including race, class, and criminal justice. The narrative encapsulates the conflict between his authentic experiences and societal perceptions. The line “I got ninety-nine problems but a bitch ain't one” serves as a clever critique of how listeners often interpret the art of rap. On the surface, it seems to portray a brash confidence; however, delving deeper reveals Jay-Z’s commentary on systemic issues affecting African American identities.

In "Negative Space," Jay-Z articulates the challenges artists face when expected to conform to stereotypes. He emphasizes the importance of complexity in rap, arguing that great hip-hop should plant seeds of dissonance, urging listeners to engage with the art on a deeper level. By playing with language and structure, Jay-Z challenges the audience to reconsider their preconceived notions about hip-hop and those who create it. This layering of meaning allows Jay-Z to wear multiple masks—an artist, a hustler, and a commentator on society—demonstrating the multifaceted nature of identity.

Artists like Georgia O'Keeffe further extend the conversation about masked identities through visual art. O'Keeffe is famous for her suggestive depictions of flowers and landscapes, which often evoke femininity and sexuality without overt representation. By abstracting the human form and transforming it into natural elements, O'Keeffe provides a nuanced commentary on the female experience. Her art encourages viewers to engage with their interpretations, effectively making the familiar intriguing and complex. The layers of meaning in O'Keeffe’s work illustrate how masks can allow artists to explore sensitive subjects while maintaining a degree of distance from direct confrontation.

Moreover, the concept of the ‘trickster’ in hip-hop parallels the role of the artist in society. Just as the trickster uses deception to unveil truths, rappers like Jay-Z and others utilize their masks for artistic deception, allowing them to critique society while challenging listener interpretations. This creative approach mirrors the hustler's mindset, where language becomes a tool for both survival and provocation. In both instances, the mask facilitates a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in identity formation.

In essence, the masks that individuals wear in literature, hip-hop, and visual art serve as multifaceted expressions of identity. The exploration of hidden selves reveals not only personal struggles but also societal issues that merit consideration. Through the analysis of characters like Gatsby and Daisy, alongside the lyrical mastery of Jay-Z and the visual storytelling of O'Keeffe, one can appreciate the intricate relationship between masks and authenticity. Ultimately, uncovering the layers beneath these masks leads to a richer understanding of the human experience.

References

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
• Jay-Z. “99 Problems.” The Black Album, Roc-A-Fella Records, 2003.
• Jay-Z. Decoded. Spiegel & Grau, 2010.
• O'Keeffe, Georgia. The Art of Georgia O'Keeffe. The Museum of Modern Art, 2015.
• Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1961.
• Harvey, James. “The Double Life of Jay-Z: The Hustler and the Artist.” Journal of Rap Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-68.
• Hunter, D. S., & Spinner, B. “Artistic Identity and the Hustler Mentality: A Study of Hip-Hop Artists.” Cultural Studies Review, vol. 16, no. 1, 2020, pp. 23-42.
• Davis, Angela. Women, Race, and Class. Random House, 1981.
• Borresen, Lisa Marie. “The Role of Gender in the Persona of the Rap Artist.” Journal of Gender Studies, vol. 25, no. 4, 2016, pp. 408-417.
• Smith, Zadie. Changing My Mind: Occasional Essays. HarperCollins, 2009.