Explore the representation of women in music videos
focusing on , Robin Thicke Blurred Lines and
Intro
Evolution of perception of women
in music videos
Socialization, the process of teaching or
learning how to be a member of a group sets the standards, which are seen as
‘acceptable’ within what we call ‘gender roles’. This process is commonly seen
within music videos, which sets the standards that females should promote being
sexualised to seem attractive to the opposite sex. The use of promotion aids
the music video industry as they are used as publicizing devices.
Historically women first appeared in music
videos in the 1930s, but didn’t gain popularity until the 1950s, where the
sexualisation of women became more apparent. A sample of sixty-two videos from 1984 showed, that 60% included
"some portrayal of sexual feelings or impulses"[1].
Stereotypes
Robin Thicke – Blurred Lines
Instantly seen within Robin Thicke’s music video blurred
lines is a divide between the two sexes shown through costume as the men are
seen to be wearing black and the women are dressed in White. Establishing this
rift at the beginning allows the idea that women may be portrayed as inferior
later on within the video. Also the use of the colour White often symbolises
purity/innocence which is a juxtaposition of their derogatory, sexualised look.
The theme of purity and innocence is hinted numerous times throughout the
video, one being a shot of a woman holding a lamb, being the representation of
innocence as the lamb is a metaphor of the girl herself who is stood next to
Pharell whom is dressed as farmer. This frame as a whole shows how Pharell is
in control and is going to tend for her.
The lamb also links to one of the main themes depicted
within the video of
women being animals. This is accentuated by one of the lines
sung “OK now he was close, tried to domesticate you”, where the use of the word
domesticate refers to women, which clearly shows the power the men have over
them as this is word commonly used to describe the education of animals. The
strong link seen between women and animals emphasizes the point they are sexual
objects.
One scene within the video shows a woman playing with a red
car toy in childlike manner. This furthermore demeans the women as they are
seen as young and immature and need someone to discipline them. This midshot
shows the woman sexually bent down on the ground with the car rolling down her
body. This is key within the video as is connotes masculinity as these are two
possessions most important to men and they are seen to be getting along which
puts men in their element. Also the use of red of the car implies love and
passion which replicates the feelings men have to their possessions.
Girl lighting cigarette, close up, shows masculinity,
Masculinity – men all dressed in suits, positioned centre of
shot, shows sense of power
Video editing - #THICKE, bold writing connotes strength and
masculinity (representation of main character Robin Thicke), word thicke has
sexual characteristics of the male reproductive organ
Lighting – bright lighting to suggest things go right when
men are around, sign of intelligence
Lyrics – women referred to as bitches, links to animal
connotations
Camera movements – close ups of areas on the female body,
objectified
Robin Thicke pulls girl pony tail, as if an object, little
respect
Contrary to this Robin Thicke argues in an interview with GQ
in 2013 that when creating blurred lines they wanted “to do everything that was
taboo”.
