Look up some of the videos discussed in this week’s readings. In two paragraphs, discuss what it means to "flip the scripts" of hetero-masculine sexual dominance. How does this also relate to re-appropriation and counter-appropriation? Who has the power to set the patterns for dominant forms of representation in the music industry and Why? (use “intersectionality” in your analysis)
Next find a couple of videos that demonstrate what you would consider to be empowering to the women (and men) involved in them (as well as those viewing them), especially in relation to what you observed and learned from the film Dreamworlds 3). Provide the name of the videos and in 2 paragraphs explain how female artists are using their messages, language, bodies, etc. toward greater gender empowerment?
Heternormativity is a painful form of prejudice in the world today. Patriarchy is also a very serious and difficult issue that women of all races are faced with in this day and age. The combination of the two, heter-masculine sexual dominance, can be deadly-literally. Between the readings of the week and the film “Dreamworlds 3,” a vast amount of violence has been portrayed. Fortunately, many of the discriminatory terms and acts that used to be acceptable have been re-appropriated, but still, violence and dominance are ever present in society. After the work from the week, I have begun to wonder whether females are doing all that is in their power to fight for their rights.
ReplyDeleteI believe that women have the power to change the way society allows men to treat them. It may be illegal to say and do many things that are done, but that’s just the thing-it is still being done. If women unite with each other against the oppressions from men, their will be a powerful force of change across society. The intersectionality will have to be thrown aside, and with that, hopefully various other social barriers will be destroyed. The victims, meaning women, have the power to change the representations of themselves in the music industry. If women stop allowing themselves to be treated like animals and take a stand, I believe that the men who patronize them will be shocked and impressed. When men see women in music videos reacting to a man’s control and sexual desires, they believe that women in reality will be the same way. Obviously, most women are NOT like the women shown in music videos, but when men expect them to be and they are not, men lose interest in their spouses physically and sexually.
Taylor Swift-Picture to Burn; Beyonce-Irreplaceable
These music videos as well as the lyrics found in the songs are empowering to women physically and emotionally. In both videos, the women are the ones kicking the men to the curb, and they are not dressed in provocative clothing while doing so. In “Dreamworlds 3,” women literally have meat thrown onto them and are seen performing sexual acts strictly to please the men. Taylor Swift and Beyonce are helping redefine women’s gender roles by not succumbing to society’s expectations that women should be dancing around in underwear in all music videos.
In both music videos, the women are telling the men that they are just another name to check off the list, they’re invaluable, and they’re easily replaceable. Also, they are saying that there are ways for women to get revenge on men regardless of how powerless men may think women are. The clothing that the women wear in the videos in simple and conservative. The main difference in these videos and the ones seen in “Dreamworlds 3” is that in my videos, the women are actually WEARING clothes. The fact that the women maintain their own image and speak their mind is empowering to the gender, and as more women make these changes, society’s idea of what is normal in music videos, as well as in reality, will change.
Part 1:
ReplyDeleteFlipping the scripts of hetero-masculine sexual dominance can come about through the display of sexual power by a female or through the display of sexual power dynamics in a queer relationship. However, if the sexual power that is displayed is still harmful and derogatory, to other females or to men, then it is more re-appropriation than counter-appropriation. Re-appropriation does not truly change any of the messages inherent in these power dynamics, whereas counter-appropriation would be a display of power in a way that does not connote the same things. Examples of this would be women dressing for themselves rather than for male attention in music videos, or if back-up dancers were chosen because of talent more than looks and sex appeal. These would both show women in a different light, though in the case of back-up dancers, the choreography, even if not inherently sexy, could possibly be staged in such a way that it is clear that the male is in charge and is the center. Limiting this could be problematic, though, because whoever the main artist is should be the focus of the video.
Many different people have the power to set the patterns for dominant forms of representation in the music industry, including the producers and artists. However, they are most likely going to want to be as successful as possible, so they will market themselves as whatever the consumer wants. Society has conditioned consumers to want their women to be virginal or sexual, though they would really prefer both. It has also conditioned them to only want to see straight, white love portrayed, except in very specific music genres. If you want to be a hip-hop artist, consumers are fine with you being black because they feel it is a genre appropriate for the race. If you want to be a pop artist, though, and you’re not white, you’re going to have a more difficult time getting producers to believe that consumers will buy your music. It is not impossible, but there are more obstacles to jump through. If you display your queerness, you will have an audience, but producers are scared that you will be a niche artist because it’s mostly other queer people that will buy your music. At least, that’s what they think. You also have people though who essentially lie to their consumers in order to sell their music. (I’m looking at you, t.A.T.u.) This can be because they are scared that their sexuality will hinder them in the mainstream market, or it could be that they just want to exploit the joy the queer community feels upon recognizing themselves in public figures and want to capture that niche market. Ultimately, the wants the societal systems have conditioned into consumers determine who is represented in the music industry, because, in this capitalistic society, money is the driving force behind decisions by producers and the like.
Part 2:
ReplyDeleteOne video that I would consider to be empowering to both genders is that of “Never Forget You” by the Noisettes. The lead singer is portrayed in clothes that would not shock anyone if the video was more than just a video, for she is appropriately covered up. However, her sensuality is not denied, either. The other women are also portrayed respectfully, as are the men. They are simply shown playing their instruments and/or singing. However, it is important to note that, though the video is empowering, the song lyrics contain some instances where the main vocalist is falling into gender stereotypes. For instance, she says she will never forget her love, who is clearly shown to be a man. She also mentions that she “was so serious” and that her “boyfriend’s mother nearly had a heart attack” because of this. She does not mention, though, and it is not evident from her body language, how she feels about this. It could be that the fun shown in the video is her way of proving that she is not like that anymore, or it could just be an acknowledgment of the issues that come with being a serious woman while showing that she can have fun too. It is clear that most of the action revolves around the lead singer, as makes sense, but even in scenes where it is the other members of the band and back-up singers, the men and women are displayed as equal.
Another video that empowers the women in it is Ellektra’s “Do You Really Wanna Be With Me.” Though the women are extremely sexual beings in this video (it starts out with a close-up of them French-kissing), it is clear that they are in control of their own sexuality. Though the main singer is in a corset, tutu, garter belt, and heels, you realize by the end of the video that this could just be her way of mocking the traditional wedding night garb. Towards the end of the video, it shows her in a dated wedding gown about to marry a man, but the man leaves her for the priest who is their officiant. She pretends to be upset, but it is clear that she is glad to keep her freedom and (potentially) be able to go back to the girl from the beginning of the video. At the beginning of the wedding scene, she was mock-grinning, which reinforces the idea that her sadness is a pretense. Her body language is extremely sexual throughout the video, but it does not come across as being for anyone else; rather, it comes across as her doing exactly what she wants. This video flips the scripts by having a woman in control of her sexuality and by portraying non-heteronormative relationships. Also, because there is a sexual scene with two males as well as with the two females, it prevents it from coming across as two females being sexual together for the sake of men.
To “flip the scripts” means to me that identity is adopted or created by the Thinker, as a product of the mind. A person may create any Identity who is capable. Simple observation is that different persons of both sexes exhibit varying degrees of masculinity and feminity. These degrees are probably determined to a great degree by physiology, as inherited factors and body chemistry. It relates to reappropriation because these people are trying to reclaim their identities that were previously seen in a way that was disparaging of that specific group. And to whom has experienced oppression from this occurrence.
ReplyDeleteNo one has that specific power to be the complete dominate one in the music industry today. The only way to eliminate oppression in society is to eliminate the categories used to section people into differing groups. This is the reason why society is so complex that it has to be reduced down into finite categories and instead of recognizing the need for a specific approach in understanding intersectionality. Cultural patterns of oppression are not only connected, but are bound together and influenced by the intersectional systems of society and how they are portrayed.
Rihanna “whats my name” ft. Drake. In this video, Rihanna is a very powerful woman who knows what she wants and plays games with Drake in the video. She is a very confident woman and knows how to strut her stuff and is determined to get what she wants. Her body language in this movie showed woman’s dominance over the male when being approached by him. This video sends the message that a woman does have the capability of empowerment and authority in being a strong in dependent woman who only expects the best in life. When watching this video I get the message that women shouldn’t give in to a man, we are more powerful and have the capabilities of getting what a woman deserves.
Beyonce “Diva”. In this video Beyonce and her two girls refer to a “Diva” as being a “hustler” a reference toward a male. Through her body language Beyonce works her stilettos and shows off her curves in a leotard which it takes a woman of great confidence to wear such and outfit. This video exemplifies how a woman strives to understand who they are and that they can be a hard ass just like a man is when it comes to standing up for themselves in certain situations. Relating these two videos back to Dreamworld 3, the girls were striving for empowerment and the guys were literally taking advantage of the girls. That’s why I chose these two because they exemplified how women can have that empowerment and self confidence in them selfs in getting what they want in life.
In order to flip the script of hetero-masculinity, a display of counter-appropriation must be shown. While re-appropriation is simply reclaiming a word or situation (for example, when the LGBTQ+ community uses the term "faggot" as a term of endearment instead of heterosexuals using it as a slur), counter-appropriation is using a word or situation in a way that would not harm someone. To flip this script in music videos, more videos and music could be produced in a manner that does not take anyone for granted but rather includes all of their experiences and emotions while recognizing they are not objects but human beings.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with Kaylyn's statements on society's tastes. While the producers and big companies have the power to make these videos, it is the consumer who ultimately decides what becomes popular and therefor successful. The fact is that women are used in a sexual manner but not valued as a whole person in the industry. While women can star in the video for their own song, they usually must writhe around like some kind of messed up sexual snake in order to expect any kind of success. Even when alternative-to-the-mainstream people or situations are portrayed, they are done so in a manner that fetishizes them. once again, this sexually exploits them and reduces them to only part of a whole. The problem is not that sexuality is being acknowledged, but the manner in which it is being acknowledged. Dreamworlds did a perfect job of explaining and portraying this fact in a way that drew attention to something that usually gets overlooked or brushed off as "just the way things are".
The video for "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri can be taken as hetero-normative, but I believe it also highlights the importance of not growing co-dependent on your significant other. While it shows Chritina making out with her boyfriend, it shows that she initiated the contact and when she asks him to stop, he does. This goes against may of the videos shown in Dreamworlds 3 where the females often gave no permission but were just expected to want the sexual contact. Another point I think is important is that when dancers are involved in the video, they are well trained in their field and fully clothed yet still are beautiful. In a particularly emotional scene the video portrays an abusive (perhaps only emotionally) relationship through an interpretive dance as opposed to showing a woman getting hit, which could be triggering to someone who had been abused by a partner. The dancer breaks free from her "abuser" partner, and Christina begins her chorus of "Don't come back for me/Don't come back at all/Who do you think you are?"
A second video, from a band I love, is "When I'm With You" by Best Coast. While the song in genuinely sweet and talks about the vocalist enjoying time with her significant other, the band uses the video to mock popular perceptions of what a relationship should be. The boyfriend shown in the video is dressed up as Ronald McDonald, though his golden arches are replaced with the band's initials, BC. As Bethany Cosentino croons about her relationship with this unnamed person, we see that she is dressed in everyday clothing and not overly "done up" make up - wise. We see her and the Ronald McDonald's caricature going on an In-N-Out burger date, taking a walk on the beach, and finally him picking her up in his Jeep and then bringing her back to his place to grill out. None of this is overly sexual, yet it perfectly captures the silliness in some of what the mainstream expects a relationship to be. I think this can take a burden off people of all genders and sexualities by showing them that a relationship is whatever you and your partner agree on it being.
In the videos that we watched in class, you constantly see the man dominating the woman in some shape or fashion. I don't think I've ever noticed it as much until I took this class. "Flipping the script" is when the women stands up for herself and takes control of her own body. This can be done by the woman singing about her independence, since we are all so "dependent" on men. Or by showing by how she dresses that she is not going to be like the other women.
ReplyDeleteWomen today who are "flipping the scripts" are probably looked down upon. Some men believe that women are supposed to give in to what they want, and by flipping the scripts, these women are proving they are their own person. From the readings, it talked about 'Lil Kim and some of her lyrics. She "flipped the script" by talking about her own sexual desires and what she expected from the men. Usually it's the men telling what the women should do.
I know this song is old, but I think of the song Independent Women by Destiny's Child (yes, going back to elementary school for most of us!). The lyrics of this song go against what most men say about women needing men. The only time that a man appears in the video is when they are getting their butt kicked by a woman. To me, they are saying we can take care of ourselves without you and if you get in our way we will kick your butt. I think more women need to be this way and know they don't need a man in their life to make them complete, and they are 100% capable of taking care of themselves. In the song it also says that relationships are 50/50, which I think is a great statement.
The next video I picked is What the Hell by Avril Lavigne. Her song is all about doing whatever she wants. She talks about messing around with different guys, and she doesn't care what anyone thinks. I think this is a prime example of "flipping the script" because it's usually only okay for guys to do this and she is showing that she is going to do it as well. In her video, there is a scene where she is surrounded by guys. In one of the dreamworlds 3 parts it talked about music videos having one man in it surrounded by girls, but in Avril Lavigne's video she was the only girl surrounded by men. In the video, she is also running away from the guy she slept with, which is another example of "flipping the script" because the majority of the time, men are running away from women after they've slept together if they want nothing from it.
Flipping the script came occur when a female artist displays dominance over men or when homosexual people display power of heterosexual people. In the article, “Ladies is Pimps too” the author discusses Lil’ Kim and Khia. These two female rappers write lyrics that describe men in a sexual way, much like male rappers who rap about females. Lil’ Kim and Khias lyrics are very graphic and sexual. Some people may think that they are grotesque (they are a little intense) but in a way if a man has the write to rap about a woman in that manner, a female rapper has the right to do that as well. However, if a man feels violated or insulted by these lyrics it is not right either. This would be an example of re-appropriation. However, if the woman is truly doing this for herself and it makes her feel beautiful than she is involved in counter-appropriation. Women definitely have the right to dress how they wish and if they wish to dress in a way that is revealing or sexual but it is for them and not someone else than that is acceptable.
ReplyDeleteSometimes an artist will be told how to dress or chose how to dress themselves. Artists know what the public wants and if that means sex than most likely he or she will do it. The artist might have a say in how they perform or dress but when it comes down to it they do what the public wants. Producers also tell the artist how to act and most likely the producer will also do what the public wants and what will sell and make money. The dominant forms of representation in hip-hop music videos are half-naked women dancing promiscuously. These women are sexualized and treated as objects. The Dreamworlds 3 film explains how this is a problem and how many men in the real world think it is okay to treat women this way.
The song entitled, “Dog Days are Over” by Florence and the Machines is a very tasteful and artistic music video. Florence is a female artist but does not use her body to express her talent. She has a beautiful voice and that is what you notice most in her video. She is not exposing her body or dancing in a sexual way. It is a very beautiful video and empowering to women because she is not using sex to sell her music. People buy her music because of her raw talent. Men also enjoy this song, not because of her body or looks but because of what a great voice she has.
Another female artist who does not use her body or sex to sell her image is Taylor Swift. Taylor writes her music for girls her own age. Young girls can relate to these lyrics and that is why she is so popular. Her video for her song, “Love Story” is G rated and really gets the lyrics across to her viewers. Taylor Swift sells out her music because she cares about her fans and can relate to them. She does not need to use sex to make money. She is a good example of gender empowerment as well because she also shows women as well as young girls that you don’t have to be sexual to be successful.
The music industry primarily is a male dominated universe. Women usually have to flip the script to get their foot in the door and being to make a name for them in the industry. After watching “Dreamworlds 3”, my perception of the music video industry has taken a 360. The best music artists are the ones that depict the male fantasy and in their videos show their heterosexual dominance. The movie showed me that women are degrading right in front every time I watch a music video on the computer or on T.V. That is just me, millions of people are subject to this epidemic in popular music. The most popular rappers are treating women like meat in all their videos and young kids and teenagers that watch these videos see this and this leads to disrespect to women in the real world. T.V. Is one of the most influential forms of media and ill minded people see this kind of oppression toward women.
ReplyDeleteTo “flip the script” means to switch the heterosexual dominance person from a male point of view and instill the dominance through a female perspective. This is important in the music industry because these women need to show the music world that women do have their own form of individualism and men do not determine their beliefs and their actions. If a female singer or rapper tries this method it can work sometimes and sometimes it does not work. It shows progress in the music industry and I do not think that record executives like the idea and they control if it happens or not. It is up too the artist to create this dominant persona and show that she is in control and not the man. When women sing about men as a body and not a person the woman is putting that dominance in her corner. That is what she needs to do to put her over the other female artist who just takes their clothes off in all their videos.
The 50 cent “P.I.M.P.” is a good example of the male showing his dominance and letting it be known through his lyrics. 50 cent considers himself a master of woman that he controls and they do whatever is asked of them. In the song he talks of women like they all belong in a strip club taking their clothes of for his money. He refers to women as that bitch the entire song. He shows his dominance through the lyrics and the chorus that he is the alpha male and women have no control in his lifestyle. He degrades women to dollar amounts and their body parts are all that matters to him.
From a female perspective there is “Rock Star” by Pink, which is empowering to women because it shows how Pink does not need a man in her life because she is individually strong. She sings about that fact that as a strong woman she does not live for her man and she has her own life to live. She is flipping the script by singing about her dominance in the relationship by the fact that without him she is still the same person.
Heterosexism encourages relations of the opposite sex. It is comfortable and some people often become shocked when people break those barriers. The same thing goes for dominance between sexes. Women are often considered weak in comparison to men but when they start to show that they can “flip the script” it can become shocking towards men. One way that women can take a dominate role is by their sexuality. Their sexuality is very attractive and can cast any man under a spell. However men who are taken aback buy this take advantage so they can still appear dominate. For example, in the Dreamwords video there was a rage of men violating women and demeaning them. This is one of men’s greatest tactics in feeling like hey are in control.
ReplyDeleteTypically men feel the need to be dominate. It comes natural with their masculinity. Also, we typically hear male rappers or male rock stars. However now, more than ever, we see female rappers and rock stars such as Niki Minaj and Ke$ha. These women are sexy and show that they can get on a stage and perform a great show just as well as an male can. I would say that males typically have the dominate role but women are slowly starting to change that.
"Feel like a Woman" Shaniya Twain is a great song to show empowerment to women. Her lyrics specify that women done need men to have fun and they have every right to go out and have fun. This song is all about what independent women are about and what it feels like to be an independent woman. It shows that women can indeed be independent from men instead of being under shadow.
“Never say never” Justin Bieber is a classic a typical song for empowerment in my opinion. This song is all about what someone can achieve if they try and being the best you can be. This song is really inspirational towards not only men but women as well. Anyone can accomplish anything if they ‘never say never’.
To flip the script of hetero-masculine sexual dominant means that other sexaulities can display sexual dominant that is portrayed against masculinity, rather than masculinity being the sexual dominant, which is considered normal and acceptable. Re-appropriation relates to this because sexual dominant over women is a negative aspect of the normaltivity of heterosexuality. This has always been a big issue and still continues to be. Re-appropriation does not change anything. It keeps everything as it has always been accepted throughout society. Counter-appropriation is completely opposite. It changes things from what is usually considered to be normal or accepted within society.
ReplyDeleteMusic artists and producers have the power to set the pattern for dominant form of representation in the music industry. If artists were more willing to take a stand for themselves, then the producers would eventually help empower their visions for their songs and msic vidieos that represents a more appropriate media. Women can change how they are portrayed in music videos, but many choose not to. They continue to let men influence their physical appearance. In sociey today, anyone that deviates from the sexual desires of a man is considered unacceptable. I am positive that men would rather not have a woman dressed conservative/modern in his video, than a woman who is practically nude. Some men love the thought of degrading the physical appearance of women and yet the women allow them to do so.
Mary J. Blidge's video "Not Gon Cry" is about her not shedding tears over a no good man. She is sending the message that women should not allow a man to bring her to the point where she stresses over the nonsense that he is or has done. Women are strong and independent human beings that should not have to depend on the satisfaction of a man. Men do not define the happiness of a woman, but many women struggle with being confident and rely heavily on a man's opinion.
Beyonce's video "Me, Myself, and I" sends a meesage similar to that of "Not Gon Cry". She emphasizes how she does not need a man and all that she has is herself, which is all she needs. In other words, the dependency of a man does not exist. She inspires women to realize that a man is not needed to be successful and to have true happiness. Men bring along the hurt that women endure, but women should not let the hurt overtake their emotional state. If women relied less on satisfying a man and more on respecting herself and doing what feels right to her, then certain issues will not be a big of a problem as they are today.
Some of the videos shown in Dreamworlds 3 reveled some important aspects of male domainance over women. Several of the videos show that women are submissive & full of sexual desire. Other videos show that women are just sex objects and the videos show certain body parts of the women's bodies. These music videos also show the heteronormative relationship between a man and a woman.
ReplyDeleteThe music videos just show women as sex objects and not as human being. They are degrading to women in several ways. In their own music videos, female performers turn the tables against this. One example is Lil' Kim, who was mentioned in our readings this week.
@Morgan G
ReplyDeleteI agree with your example of Beyonce's "Diva" video. I think that the song itself is an example of re-appropriation.
@ Emilie Paterson
ReplyDeleteI do agree from the video how when women show their dominance, it can upset men. I think it is more important that women take a stand against this, and gives women more incentive to express their freedom and independence.
@ Taylor Winkler
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about your mentality about music videos taking a 360 degree turn. It is true that some of the best artists in the music industry depict women in a bad way. Talking about this topic and learning more has really made me pay attention to lyrics and music videos more closely.
@Sarah Tate
ReplyDeleteThough I agree with your statement that "the women [in the videos you mention] are telling the men that they are just another name to check off the list, they’re invaluable, and they’re easily replaceable," I'm not entirely certain that that is a good thing. Rather than empowering both sexes, it seems as if this is re-appropriation of the traditional script rather than counter-appropriation. Rather than showcasing their power without harming anyone else, it seems that these women are showcasing their power by putting down the very men who they took the power from.
@emilie paterson:
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that Shania Twain's song "Feel Like a Woman" is empowering because it "is all about what independent women are about and what it feels like to be an independent woman." I think you could take this even further, though, for her outfit choices in the video include outfits that play with gender barriers a bit. Though she clearly shows her female form, she wears things, such as the top hat, that are traditionally thought of as for men only. Playing with gender boundaries, albeit lightly, helps take away a bit of the heteronormativity from her song.
@Emilie Patterson
ReplyDeleteI agree with your song choices, especially Shania Twain's song. I see a trend with country music having less male-dominated videos and lyrics.
@Taylor Winkler
ReplyDeleteI like the example of Pink's "Rockstar" because I think that she, in general, is an example of re-appropriation. She is a very headstrong woman, and other songs such as "U and Ur Hand" exemplify this.
Normally when I turn on MTV and see a typical rap video of girls scandalously dancing and being treated like sex objects I really don’t think twice about it. The fact that these images have become so normal and mainstream to us is very sad. It is sad that we have allowed the music producers and controllers of the mainstream media to brainwash us into thinking that this is what sexuality is all about and that it is normal for men to possess women and for women to be willingly subjected to this treatment. The fact of the matter is, is that the more producers push the sexual envelope the more attention and views the video will get. So of course this becomes an incentive for producers to make the videos as degrading and raunchy as possible. What was once deemed as inappropriate has now been re-appropriated for the sake of profit.
ReplyDeleteThe women in these videos are typically dream girls of every race and ethnic background there is. More and more music videos are surfacing with each race represented. Although at the same time black women seem to be the most widely represented in the hip-hop video scene and white women more in the rock scene. It seems like for every genre of music there is a different stereotypical girl to represent it. These women then become the mold for us to look at and aspire to be. But do we also aspire to behave like them? We are starting to. The more we are subjected to these videos the more normal the behaviors in them will seem to us. Music producers come across as sexist racist men who care nothing about the morale of America, and only about money. There will never be a time where producers do not have money at the forefront of their thought process, but they need to acknowledge that there are other ways to go about it. Since the TV is so populated with overly sexual raunchy programs and music videos I know for myself that when I see something that is clean and simply based on good quality it is very refreshing and appealing. I feel like a lot of America feel the same way I do. This doesn’t mean producers steering music videos in a strictly G rated direction, but if they were to focus more on the quality and story of the music and music video I believe they would receive the same if not more attention as the current. The solution to the sexually degrading music video trend is not to flip the hetero-masculine sexual dominance script, doing that would only mean giving the dominant power to the opposite sex leaving us in the same sex battle we are already in. If a rockstar wants a girl in the video there is nothing wrong with that, sexuality and attraction should be celebrated, but if producers were to do this is a tasteful non-degrading way I really feel like America would appreciate the change and once again be able to watch a music video without feeling uncomfortable or threatened.
Lee Hazlewood - Nancy Sinatra, Some Velvet Morning is a music video that consists of two lovers singing about one another in a respectable fashion. The video shows each of them singing in different locations. Nancy Sinatra is dressed in a modest dress and the little dancing she is doing would not be considered sexually suggestive whatsoever. The video is simple and shows the balance of power between a man and a woman.
Edward Sharpe and the magnetic zeros music video for their hit song “Home” is one of my favorite music videos. The tone is very positive and illustrates the kind love that Jade and Alexander have for one another. It shows them dancing in fields together with their bandmates and the attraction and sexuality and depicted very innocently. After watching this video I leave with a feeling of positivity and happiness which are two feelings I never get after watching most hip-hop videos.
@Kaylyn Johnson (your response to Sarah Tate)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your response to Sarah because it cleared up what exactly is meant by "re-appropriatnon" and "counter-appropriation".
So Beyonce's "Diva" song is somewhat of a counter-appropriation because it takes what would be a taunting title and flips it to show her power as a strong woman (???).
I don't know if the majority of female rappers are "flipping the script" because even though they're speaking out and showing some female dominance, some are still calling attention to females and the female body in a derogatory manner. They seem to still go with the unmoral flow of the male fantasy part of the music industry and flaunt their bodies to get people to even pay attention to what they are saying (*some not all female rappers*).
ReplyDelete@S. Terrell
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement about women in music videos. I still see plenty of women dressing provocatively in music videos. Its a great way to make money in the industry. Also I like your song choice by Mary J. Blidge. If women would stop letting men affect them so much and show that they can be independent things could really change. However I am not saying that's always an issue. I would be a hypocrite.
@Virginia88
ReplyDeleteI really like the fact that you chose Taylor Swift as one of your artists. I completely agree with you when you say that Swift is someone that can really set an example and help relate to girls in an independent way.