Sex sells. Music videos have created a new element of publicity since the first music video was introduced in the 1980s. As commercialism has become an increasing necessity, music artists have found sexuality to be a quick and easy way to attract an audience. The music industry has given into perpetuating female stereotypes by portraying women based on their physical appearance. How often do you see a hip-hop music video where women are dancing provocatively, wearing skimpy clothing, or modeling? Most music videos reinforce the stereotypical role of women.
In a study performed in 2007, "In the billboard top 100, six out of the top ten songs have lyrics that talk about a girl physically, like some sort of object. Ironically, three of those songs are sung but female singes, who talk about their own bodies"(Vangegas, 2007). This information holds true today as both men and women are performing songs that perpetuate women stereotypes. In the music videos below, men and women are depicting women as sexual objects. There are very little differences in the way that men portray women and the way women portray themselves.
In a study performed in 2007, "In the billboard top 100, six out of the top ten songs have lyrics that talk about a girl physically, like some sort of object. Ironically, three of those songs are sung but female singes, who talk about their own bodies"(Vangegas, 2007). This information holds true today as both men and women are performing songs that perpetuate women stereotypes. In the music videos below, men and women are depicting women as sexual objects. There are very little differences in the way that men portray women and the way women portray themselves.
Candy shop- 50 cent
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In 50 Cent's "Candy Shop" music video, women are portrayed as objects. The video takes place in a brothel house where 50 Cent is the dominant figure and the women are represented in limited clothing. The focus is on the bodies of these women and their promiscuous roles. 50 Cent is using sexuality to promote his song. He is instilling and concentrating on the negative stereotypes surrounding women. The boundaries of the traditional gender roles are strong and obvious in this video as there is no sign of power from the women outside of the use of their bodies in a sexual manner.
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BOTTOMS UP FT. NICKI MINAJ- TREY SONGZ
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"Bottoms" Up by Trey Songz objectifies women as the fulfillment of a sexual fantasy. With little clothing and ropes constricting the movement of the women, the women in this video are used to attract heterosexual males. Trey Songz has designed this video to reenforcing the stereotypical role of women in our society as the women are being presented in a sexual manner. In this video, the women are constrained while the men are presented as confident and wealthy individuals. The women are used in this video to further develop the powerful image of man.
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BEST I EVER HAD- DRAKE
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As Drake takes on the role of the head coach of a women's basketball team in his video "Best I Ever Had", he shows his dominance over women. He provides the women with non traditional basketball uniforms that resemble lingerie rather than a uniform. The video focuses on the sweaty bodies of these women as they stretch in a provocative manner. As Drake leads these women to act in this manner, he is illustrating male dominance over women.
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WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN- RIHANNA
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Rihanna uses her sexuality to attract heterosexual men in her music video "Where Have You Been". The provocative imagery including the costumes, nudity, and dancing represents the sexual aspect of women. This video is unique because Rihanna chose to present herself in this form. Men did not force Rihanna to represent herself in this form.
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umbrella- rihanna
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Rihanna has built a career on her provocative images and seductive mannerisms. Her music video for her song "S&M" has been banned in 11 countries for its sexual content. This video, "Umbrella", although not banned, has been voted by views as more provocative than "S&M". Due to Rihanna’s dancewear and nudity, she presents herself as a sex icon. She enhances her sex appeal by moving in seductive ways while using an umbrella as a prop for pole dancing.
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