Toward A Purple Aesthetic

Abstract

As a popular musician, Prince broke racial, gender, and socio-economic barriers and contributed to a legacy of artistic expression that advocated for individual freedom and empowerment. Nowhere else is this more evident than in Purple Rain, where Prince played with images of androgyny and race. This is particularly evident in the album, the movie, and even in the behind-the-scenes production of both projects. These were questions that Generation X was grappling with at the time, and that generations today continue to grapple with, in the struggle against a rigid hierarchical power structure. Yet this was also the same power structure of social, political, and cultural institutions that had failed as moral leaders, with issues of systemic racism, dysfunctional families, Reaganomics, gender dynamics, divorce, and problematic social and moral institutions (school, parents, etc.) affecting society. Prince’s music developed within this social context and spoke directly to Generation X. Purple Rain hit upon a theme of generational malaise and tension that is reflected in today’s current political climate as well, making Purple Rain a deeply resonant album. To explore this idea, I will look at the cultural factors behind the making of the album and the racial and gender barriers Prince had to subvert in order to get the album and accompanying film made.