Sage Stream artist Deanna Colon has lived through it.
Music critique, Deanna Colon, the face of the original and ubiquitous Jardiance commercial, has been through the ringer – whether it’s admiration or criticism bordering on cruelty.
She first came to my attention from a newspaper article that delved into the societal divide that this commercial has spawned – love it, hate it. In reading about her, I was absolutely fascinated.
A Bit of History
She had a full ride scholarship at Berklee College of Music. During her time at Berklee she honed her singing, performing and songwriting skills. She landed her first, national jingles, performed with and for Diana Ross, Patti Labelle and Stevie Wonder. In 2014, Deanna was a contestant on Season 8 of “America’s Got Talent” and made it to the live, quarter semifinal round. A double threat, on Fox’s Master Chef in 2019, hosted by Gordon Ramsey she won a coveted white apron.
In getting to know her, I have become more enamored. I humbly asked her to participate in a live stream music network that I created for older people. She gladly joined, taking a fraction of the money she could make somewhere else, and was warm, engaging, and fun. And well, that voice.
Haters Abound
So why are there so many haters of that commercial that then drive hatred of her?
Online hatred has emerged as a perplexing yet prevalent part of our online conversations. She has become a lightning rod for both admiration and vitriol.
At the heart of this digital storm lies a now defunct Facebook group ominously titled “People That Hate The Jardiance Commercial,” boasting nearly 3,500 members before it was taken down. It’s counterpart, “People That Love the Jardiance Commercial” has 473 members.
What fuels this disparity in passion, with hatred seemingly eclipsing admiration?
Take this commentary: “The new singer isn’t as fat and a better dancer. That makes it better, which in my opinion sucks. I liked the chunkier one who dressed in blue and yellow. It brought to mind a blue whale and a school bus!”
Or: “I experience a Tourette’s syndrome-like profanity riddled exorcism every time that dancing cherub hits my TV screen.”
I surmise that Facebook took the group down because of so many nasty comments. Kudos to this rare action.
Fat Shaming is a Shame
A deeper analysis of the animosity directed towards Colon reveals a troubling trend: the relentless fixation on her physical appearance, particularly her weight. In a society where thinness is often venerated and equated with success, Colon, with her fuller figure, becomes an easy target for online detractors seeking to inflict maximum harm.
Consequently, what might have initially started as legitimate critique of her performance swiftly devolves into a merciless attack on her appearance, with comments ranging from thinly veiled jabs to outright cruelty.
However, beneath this veneer of online hatred lies a more profound issue: our collective failure to separate a person’s intrinsic worth from their outward appearance. Despite Colon’s undeniable talent as an actress and voice artist, she finds herself reduced to nothing more than her physical attributes in the eyes of her detractors. This reductionism not only diminishes her accomplishments but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about body image and beauty standards, contributing to a culture of toxic comparison and unattainable ideals.
Negativity is Click Bait
Moreover, the disproportionate prevalence of hatred over admiration in online spaces highlights a troubling aspect of human psychology. That is our innate bias towards negativity. Psychologists say that negativity bias, significantly influences our online interactions. In the case of Colon, the allure of joining a community centered on shared animosity often outweighs the appeal of celebrating her talent and contributions.
I joined the positive group and actually brought it to her attention. She was not aware of it. The comments, well let’s say, much more tame. “I had a dream that Yellow dress Jardiance girl was put in charge of welcoming people at the gates of heaven.” But even this group has made a shift, complaining about the newest Jardiance lady, Rachel Strutt. Bring Deanna back they implore.
Toxic and Cruel
Criticism, when constructive and rooted in genuine concern, can serve as a catalyst for growth. However, the relentless onslaught of hate directed towards Colon serves no constructive purpose. Instead, it fosters a culture of toxicity and cruelty.
As we navigate the intricacies of the digital age, it is incumbent upon us to cultivate empathy and kindness. We must challenge ourselves to confront our biases and resist the temptation to succumb to the allure of online hatred. For every voice that seeks to tear down, there must be a chorus of compassion and understanding to uplift and support.
Human Nature?
This is a stark reminder of the darker aspects of human nature. There is a need to move towards empathy, kindness, and inclusivity. Only then can we foster connection and understanding, rather than division and animosity.
One final thing. A commercial lover suggested Deanna to host Saturday Night Live. Excellent. Get me the tickets.