Christianity in Pop Culture: Unfair Portrayals and Double Standards
By Rifana Khanum
Renowned artist Rihanna faced accusations of blasphemy following her latest photoshoot for Interview Magazine, which stirred controversy with its disrespectful portrayal of a provocative nun. However, Rihanna is not alone in this; artists such as Lil Nas X, Sam Smith, and Lady Gaga have also been criticised for misrepresenting Christianity in their work. The question arises: why has mocking Christianity become socially acceptable in pop culture, while similar disrespect towards religions like Islam and Judaism would be unthinkable?
This article will delve into the double standards evident in the depiction of Christianity in pop culture emphasising its impact on the Christian community. It will also explore how these representations can fuel anti-Christian sentiments and contribute to discrimination.
Rihanna's Provocative Confession: Analysing the Interview Magazine Cover
Rihanna’s recent cover shoot for Interview Magazine, titled “Rihanna is Ready to Confess,” has stirred controversy for its portrayal of Christianity. Donning a provocative black-and-white habit with a daring low neckline, Rihanna’s suggestive pose and styling have drawn criticism for disrespecting religious symbols and practices.
Screenshot from Interview magazine webpage. Original photo courtesy: Rihanna Interview Spring Cover image
The photoshoot’s provocative use of the habit, a sacred symbol of religious devotion worn by nuns and monks, has sparked controversy for disrespecting Christianity. If Rihanna were to wear a hijab or kippah in a provocative manner, it would likely face backlash and be deemed socially unacceptable, highlighting the double standard. This isn’t the first time Rihanna has faced backlash for religiously themed attire, as seen with her Pope-inspired ensemble at the 2018 Met Gala.
The title of Rihanna’s photoshoot, “Ready to Confess,” draws troubling parallels to the Sacrament of Confession in Christianity, a deeply sacred practice. By associating it with a photoshoot, it seems to trivialise the solemn act of confessing sins. Additionally, the title suggests that nuns, typically seen as symbols of piety, may have a mischievous side, which could be interpreted as disrespectful to religious beliefs.
Screenshot from Harpers Bazaar webpage, original photo courtesy: JOHN SHEARER//GETTY IMAGES
Christianity is the largest religion in the world and has almost 2.4 billion followers globally, it is unsurprising that members of the Christian community have accused the artist of blasphemy. This sentiment is evident on Rihanna’s Instagram post, where the cover has garnered almost 2 million likes, accompanied by numerous criticisms. For example, one user’s comment, “Religion is not an aesthetic” garnered over 2,000 likes. Similarly, comments like “I’m tired of Christianity being mocked and belittled” echo the sentiment of many others.
Screenshot from Daily Mail, original image from Katy Perry’s ‘Dark House’ video
It is evident that there appears to be a troubling double standard in the portrayal and treatment of different religions in the media. For example, Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” music video, featuring an Egyptian queen zapping a man with a pendant inscribed with “Allah,” highlights how quickly action is taken in response to perceived disrespect towards Islam, while similar offenses against Christianity are often overlooked or dismissed. Furthermore, in 2020, Rihanna faced backlash for featuring a controversial song with an Islamic verse in her Savage X Fenty fashion show, prompting a swift apology. And yet, she is still to address numerous anti-Christian incidents such as the Interview Magazine shoot, raising questions about fairness and consistency.
Examining Double Standards in Religious Representation in Popular Culture
“Pop culture” is a set of beliefs, values, actions, objects, or goods and practices that are popular at any given time and space in society and is disseminated through mass media like TV, cinema, and social platforms. Examples could be “Barbenheimer” in which movies Barbie and Oppenheimer went head-to-head in a battle for box office dominance, Twitter’s rebranding to ‘X,’ and Rihanna headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show. While pop culture can raise awareness and promote social change, it’s often exploited by mainstream media for profit, sometimes at the expense of cultural and religious sensitivities.
Screenshot from Fandom webpage, original source is ‘Family Guy’
Interestingly, there is a noticeable double standard in how Christianity is portrayed compared to Islam and Judaism, with the latter two typically receiving more sensitivity and respect in pop culture. As an example, Seth MacFarlane’s animated sitcom Family Guy often delves into anti-religious themes, with Christianity being mocked more than often. In the episode “The Courtship of Stewie’s Father,” there is a scene where a teenage Jesus disputes Joseph’s fatherhood, asserting that Joseph isn’t his biological father. Following this, the teenage Jesus contacts God, addressing Him as his father, and requests to live with Him for a period. God answers the call but declines the request, and is depicted in bed with a blonde woman, insinuating imminent sexual activity. This portrayal can be offensive to the Christian community because it shows God, who is deeply revered and considered pure, involved in premarital sex. This goes against the respect and sacredness Christians associate with God, and it could be seen as disrespectful and blasphemous. While Seth MacFarlane has included jokes about Judaism and Islam in Family Guy, there’s a clear disproportion in the number of jokes targeting Christianity. Christianity is frequently mocked in the show, reflecting a double standard in how religions are portrayed in pop culture.
Screenshot from Disney fans on Pinterest, Original source is from Disney movie ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)
Another example would be Walt Disney’s adaption of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), the storyline follows Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, raised by his harsh foster father, Claude Frollo. Frollo, portrayed as a puritanical figure, seeks to rid Paris of its Roma population. The film highlights the theme of Catholicism through Frollo’s character, who aims to purify the world of sin. The song “Hellfire” encapsulates this struggle, as Frollo confesses his lust for Esmeralda, a Roma girl, while grappling with his vows of celibacy. However, this portrayal of Catholicism is problematic. It oversimplifies complex moral dilemmas and presents a distorted view of Catholic teachings. Frollo’s abusive behaviour contradicts the principles of celibacy and morality upheld by the Catholic Church. The song’s lyrics “Be mine or you will burn”, perpetuate harmful stereotypes of religious extremism and coercion, contributing to a misrepresentation of Catholic beliefs.
Disney has produced several movies with religious themes, but notably, there hasn’t been a movie focusing specifically on Islam or Judaism in a negative light. For example, Marvel’s Disney Plus series Ms. Marvel, features a Muslim Pakistani superhero named Kamala Khan, and in the show, Islam is depicted positively. This discrepancy suggests underlying biases, as Islam is shown positively while Christianity, as seen in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” was shown to be conservative and strict.
Screenshot from Dezeen, original source is the Nike campaign with Lil Nas X
Another example is rapper Lil Nas X who is known for his provocative portrayal of Christianity in his work, notably in his music video for “Montero (Call Me by Your Name),” where he gives Satan a lap dance. Additionally, he launched a controversial pair of “Satan Shoes,” adorned with a bronze pentagram, an inverted cross, and a drop of real human blood, which sold out rapidly. Such depictions perpetuate negative stereotypes about Christians by associating their faith with symbols of evil and blasphemy, potentially fuelling misconceptions, and prejudices.
Impact on the Christian Community
The examples of disrespect towards Christianity in pop culture, such as Rihanna’s controversial photoshoot and Seth MacFarlane’s satirical portrayals in “Family Guy,” can significantly amplify the potential consequences of perpetuating disrespect towards Christianity in the media. When influential figures and popular media platforms mock or trivialise Christian beliefs, practices, and symbols, it can reinforce negative stereotypes and biases against Christians. This, in turn, may fuel anti-Christian sentiments among audiences, leading to increased discrimination and hostility towards Christian individuals and communities. By normalising disrespectful portrayals of Christianity, pop culture contributes to a broader culture of insensitivity and intolerance towards religious diversity, ultimately undermining efforts to foster mutual understanding and respect across different faith traditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognise the impact of such representations and advocate for more thoughtful and respectful portrayals of Christianity in media.
Responsibility of Artists
The responsibility of artists and mainstream media in perpetuating stereotypes and biases raises important questions about cultural sensitivity and societal impact. While artists are entitled to freedom of expression, there must be a discernible boundary where societal impact and potential harm are considered.
Exploring the balance between freedom of artistic expression and the responsibility to consider societal impact is paramount in addressing these issues. Rihanna’s perspective on her photoshoot could shed light on the intentions behind such controversial portrayals, providing insight into the artist's awareness of potential impacts. Ultimately, there is a pressing need for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to representation in media and popular culture, one that considers the diverse beliefs and sensitivities of audiences, whilst simultaneously challenging stereotypes and biases.
Combatting Anti-Christian Prejudice
Combatting anti-Christian sentiment is crucial for fostering tolerance and understanding in our communities. Firstly, education plays a pivotal role; promoting accurate information about Christianity helps to eliminate misconceptions and stereotypes. Encouraging respectful dialogue across diverse beliefs encourages mutual respect and further understanding. Embracing diversity in religious expression reflects the diversity within our society. By actively challenging bias, discrimination and promoting inclusivity, we cultivate a culture of acceptance where all individuals, regardless of their faith, can thrive and contribute positively to society.
