If any person with the slightest tendency towards promoting women’s rights sat down and watched MTV or VH1 I think they would have a heyday of finding examples of the female exploitation.
I know the first examples that come to most people’s minds are the numerous music videos in which women are either barely clothed, dancing provocatively or both. However, music videos in which the women act, for lack of a better term I’ll call it slutty, are not the only examples of gender stereotyping.
I saw the music video for Beyonce’s song, “If I Were a Boy” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVTyLqkez6A), the other day and the stereotypes were so obvious that it kind of took me aback. Now, I’m a fan of Beyonce and I know she has songs geared toward “woman-power” and all, I just thought the video illustration of this particular song was interesting.
Okay, here’s some background… she’s telling a story from the perspective of a woman that feels taken for granted in her relationship. So basically, she’s saying that if her guy could see things from her perspective (if they could switch roles) just for one day then he’d understand how she’s offended by certain behaviors of his. However, because he’s a boy, he’ll just never understand.
So the first part of the video they’ve switched roles. She’s in his shoes as a police officer, working with a partner of the opposite sex, her male partner is obviously interested in her and she flirts back instead of discouraging it, she goes to dinner with coworkers while ignoring calls from her guy, flirts with her male partner at a bar, etc. Meanwhile… he’s doing what a girl would call “all the little things” in a relationship, these things go unnoticed, her guy’s feeling unappreciated, he’s working hard, doesn’t go out with coworkers that flirt with him, gets upset at the bar when he sees her flirting with her male partner, etc.
Then the “switched-roles” part culminates when they both ask each other, “Why are you so jealous? It’s not like I’m sleeping with her.”
Okay, working my way backwards: This question stereotypes all guys are being insensitive to girls’ feelings. Macho-ness may not allow guys to admit it, but they’re not ALL insensitive like this.
Second, there’s the stereotype that all girls are innocent victims of women-chasing boys and that all girls are really loyal, don’t cheat on their boys even when opportunities present themselves daily, etc. Once again, though the girls that do this might not blame themselves for cheating, there are disloyal, boy-chasing girls out there just like there are disloyal guys.
Third, the stereotype of jobs… the guy works this macho job, a policeman while the girl has more of a secretarial job position. Although there is a woman police officer in the film, there is no representation of a male secretary. In other words, even though there’s a display of gender equality in the police officer job there’s not an equal counterpart in the secretarial job that the woman works every day.
Fourth, the girl is shown to be the one charged with domestic duties such as cooking. That’s just a typical stereotype; no need for explanation.
For any women’s rights activists who are feeling slightly angered toward Beyonce now, no need to worry. Here are two examples of “woman-power” songs she sings too.
“Single Ladies” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLhEvu4QDVQ
“Irreplaceable” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsQvXgCcng8
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I see where you are coming from here. There are a TON of stereotypes about women in music videos, songs, movies, etc. Basically anything that is produced or published has some sort of stereotype. I also think it is unfair how the portrayal is put on women as being "slutty" and whatnot, when the guys in these movies, videos and songs are put up on a pedestal for getting so many ladies and being "pimps." How can guys get away with these actions and not girls? Is it because it is mostly men who write that music? But in your example above, the song is sung by Beyonce. Although, she does empower women. I used to love her song Survivor back in the good old days. She portrays the quintessential dependent woman. Why can't there be more music like that, instead of this trashy 'let's-talk-down-to-women' music? Respect is key.
ReplyDeleteToday, television, radio, and other various outlets evidently makes an impression on people today, whether it’s what they think they should look like or the qualities they associate with women and men. The media is a powerful tool that can either reinforce negative stereotypes or present strong role models for young girls and boys today. You gave an excellent example of how women can be stereotyped with Beyonce’s song. As you said, her songs are empowering yet still seem to challenge traditional gender roles. In “About a Boy,” she defines the drive of women to ignore the traditional gender lines. In the song, Beyonce faces those uncomfortable issues of feminism and equality, and allows her female listeners to place themselves in a traditionally male-dominated society.
ReplyDeleteI think that you gave a very good example of certain stereotypes are out there for women and men. Beyoncé’s video depicted those things very well. Also, I also agree with your statement towards today’s shows on VH1 and MTV there are some very belittling to females, although at time like you said it could potentially be because the girl herself is like that. But despite all of the stereotypes that are shown I believe many of those are disappearing as our country ages. As time goes by, women get more and more opportunities, which is evident. While we may not be completely equal at the moment, we have come pretty close.
ReplyDeleteI too love Beyonce, but am kind of in awe as well about her choice of lyrics for this song due to her past more woman empowering songs as you mentioned. The stereotypes presented in this song are the normal, day-to-day steryotypes about women. I find it annoying actually. We do live in the 21st century where not every woman is at home being June Cleaver, vaccuming the house in her pearl necklace anxiously awaiting the arrival of her husband from work, with dinner ready! While I do believe that being a stay at home mother is one of the most important and hard jobs out there, it isnt fair to assume thats what we all want.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree that there are girls out there who are boy crazy, un faithful, and not being "classy." I know some of these girls and I also know boys who are very loyal and sympathetic to others feelings.
I love how you pointed out that their was never a man in more of a stereotypical “woman’s job” position, for example a man working as a secretary. I don’t think that the thought of being an actual secretary would ever cross a man’s mind. While several women work in “men’s jobs” everyday. I also loved how you mentioned that in the video a girl was charged with domestic duties such as the typical stereotype cooking. Ever since I was born, I have been a girl for 22 years now and I still can’t cook! It just goes to show that yet again stereotypes are amongst us but it does not mean any of them are actually truthful.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how you brought to attention the example of the fact that all girls are honest, loyal, and trustworthy; which as most girls know is so wrong. In the majority of breakup scenarios where someone was unfaithful, most of the time the finger always gets pointed at the man in the relationship. I think that what many people should think about is, why do most guys cheat? Not to give them a copout (I don’t believe in cheating in any form) but in most cases girls who already have a boyfriend are super aggressive and pounce on guys despite what they do. Again, I’m not stating that men can use this as an excuse because we know that they are strong physically and girls can’t just “fall one’s lips.” However sometimes guys may not always get the benefit of the doubt they deserve due to the stereotype of girls acting like angels and boys acting like lions always on the prowl