Music Video Analysis
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University of Nairobi *
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Arts Humanities
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Nov 24, 2024
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Music Video Analysis
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Summary
The following three music videos examine gender roles, relationships, and bodies in the
context of pop culture and the music industry:
Beyoncé's song "Formation" from 2016: A little child dancing in a frock, Beyoncé's
pregnant figure, and a group of women performing amid a smoldering police car are just a few
striking representations of Black womanhood in this film. The Confederate flag and the picture
of Beyoncé seated on a throne are only two examples of the symbolism used in the video, which
makes it noteworthy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDZJPJV__bQ
Justin Bieber's song "Sorry" (2015): In this video, Justin Bieber dances provocatively in a
nightclub, a hotel room, and a bathtub, among other places. Although the film has drawn
criticism for objectifying women, it has also received praise for celebrating masculine sexuality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRh_vgS2dFE
Harry Styles's "As It Was" (2022): Styles appears in this video wearing various
androgynous ensembles, such as a skirt and a dress. The video has received recognition for
questioning conventional ideas of masculinity and celebrating gender flexibility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5v3kku4y6Q
A range of viewpoints on gender relations, bodies, and interactions are shown in these
three videos.
Gender interactions
The three music videos I selected each take a unique stance against conventional gender
norms. Beyoncé confronts the demeaning treatment of Black women in "Formation," a song in
which she presents herself as a strong, sensual woman. She is seen provocatively dancing in
front of a police car that is on fire, which could be interpreted as a representation of her
opposition to injustice.
Justin Bieber questions conventional ideas of masculinity in his song "Sorry," showcasing
his passionate and vulnerable side. It is typically considered taboo for men to weep and sing
about regrets, as he is depicted doing. In the song "As It Was," Harry Styles questions
stereotypical ideas of what it means to be a man by dressing more androgynous, such as in a skirt
and dress. Styles can also be seen dancing playfully and provocatively in the video.
Relationships
These videos also depict a variety of intricate relationships. In her song "Formation,"
Beyoncé honors Black family and love. In the video, she sings about the value of community and
family while accompanied by her husband and daughter. The vocalist examines the intricacies of
a love relationship in "Sorry," a song by Justin Bieber. In the video, he is shown fighting and
reconciling with his spouse, providing an accurate depiction of the highs and lows of a
relationship. Harry Styles doesn't offer a romance in "As It Was," specifically. On the other hand,
conventional ideas about relationships might be challenged by the video's embrace of gender
flexibility.
Bodies
These videos feature a varied range of bodies as well. In the music video for "Formation,"
Beyoncé flaunts her growing baby bump. The idea that women should be embarrassed of their
bodies, even when they are pregnant, is powerfully challenged by this image. In the music video
for "Sorry," Justin Bieber flaunts his toned physique. This traditional picture of masculinity
reinforces the belief that males should be powerful and muscular.
In the music video for "As It
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Was," Harry Styles showcases his androgynous physique. This unconventional definition of
masculinity casts doubts on the notion that males ought to be short-haired and muscular.
Conclusion
In conclusion, thoroughly examining the music business and the many artists' depictions
of gender shows nuanced and intricate themes. In general, the music business emphasizes body
image and beauty standards excessively, supports disparities in representation and frequently
reinforces old gender stereotypes. All of these factors add up to a story that is far from egalitarian
and inclusive, which makes necessary change possible.
References
Beyoncé. "Formation." YouTube, March 6, 2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=WDZJPJV__bQ
Bieber, Justin. "Sorry." YouTube, October 22, 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=fRh_vgS2dFE
Styles, Harry. "As It Was." YouTube, March 31, 2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=H5v3kku4y6Q