Although a lot of what is represented in the media presently, is of 'perfection' which can be damaging to society, there are some aspects which have an extremely positive representation/message. Pop culture is becoming more and more diverse such as Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful'.
Meghan Trainor
"Pop's weighty issue: All About That Bass and other body-positive anthems"
"Physical scrutiny of female pop artists is intense, but stars such as Meghan Trainor, with her breakthrough chart smash, are fighting back with fierce celebrations of flesh"
It’s the defiance of a woman who’s been made to feel she’s not the right size (later in the song she allows herself a dig at “skinny bitches”, and their “silicone Barbie doll” looks), but has decided to see her boom-boom as an asset rather than a flaw."
Taken from The Guardian online: click here
Lily Allen, Music Video Controversy
I thought that the controversy related with Lily Allen's newly released music video for her latest single is a perfect example when discussing the ways in which women are portrayed in the music industry and media as a whole. Allen uses exaggerated sarcasm to get her viewpoint across in this video, showing what unfortunately the music induustry is like for women.
This is the music video to Lily Allen's new single 'Hard Out Here'. She has received lots of controversy for her choice of content in the video, and people have different opinions on it. It is a great example of the representation of female artists in the music industry as her lyrics and video mock the stereotypical and general views of women and female musicians.
This article from the daily mail shows some views on the matter.
'The gaze' is mentioned where Allen sings the lyrics "don't you want to have somebody who objectifies you?" as in the idea that women are representated to please men.
In my opinion, the video simply reflects the lyrics being sung, where she explains how women are exploited in the music industry, shown in her video, although this does not necessarily mean that she agrees with it. For example, she sings
"If I told you about my sex life
You'd call me a slut
Them boys be talking 'bout their bitches
No one's making a fuss"
which shows how women are much more criticised in the media in comparison to males. I do not think that Lily Allen is exploiting black females in her video, although it is very uncomfortable and stereotypical, I think that these measures needed to be taken in order for her point to be made. It has aroused publicity and debate, which is what I think she wanted in order for her views to be recognised.
Robin Thicke also received negative criticism for his music video to the single 'Blurred Lines' however, I think Allen's video is vastly different since sarcasm is clearly highlighted in both her lyrics and the video contents itself.
For example, in one part of the video, Allen parades in front of balloons spelling out "Lily Allen has a baggy pussy", a sarcastic imitation of the Blurred Line's "Robin Thicke has a big dick" display. Although, Lily's choice to open the audience up to such a personal remark, shows her strong self confidence, where she says this about herself so that the media can not.
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