Representation of woman in music videos and the male gaze

Women are often objectified in music videos, or at least that is the view of many feminists. Funnily enough the idea of women being presented in a sexualised was runs back at least as far as the Show girls of the 1920's. Whilst many music videos use a hybrid these stereotypes, the way that women are presented in music videos can essentially be boiled down to 4 types.

Burlesque- Burlesque is a very sexualised dance style and, some would say, and art form. Corset clad women covered in feathery attire will dance in an erotic manner. Some of the key features of a burlesque dancer include:
-Corsets
-Feather Boas
-Fishnet stockings
-Top hats, show hats
-Canes/ Microphones
-Elbow length gloves
-'Sexy' dance moves.

With somewhat extravagant costume this style of entertainment is more about the performance than the idea of sexualisation.

The stripper- Obviously a much more sexualised style of dance in comparison to that of burlesque. With costumes being revealing and extremely sexualise it would not be uncommon to see skimpy bras and G-strings in this style of performance. Features of the stripper would include:
-The 'open' crotch
-The use of poles, walls or objects in a sexualised manner
-Bra and or G-string
-The 'Bum' shot or 'wiggle'
-Stripper shoes
-Glitter on clothing/ body and varied lighting

 

The 3rd stereotype of women in music videos is the "Gangsta hoe". These women are generally scantily clad in short shorts or a bikini top. and are show within urban environments. Gangsta hoe stereotypes include:

-Afro-American women and girls

-Bikini top/torn shorts (95% exposure)

-The "Backward cap"

-Humping moves

- Stimulating sexual positions

- Bling

 



Women ARE objectified in music videos and even a symbol of empowerment such as Beyoncé can often be found objectifying themselves. They dress scantily and perform somewhat seductive moves. This is supported by Laura Mulvey's theory of the Male Gaze. The idea of gaze is the way in which a certain demographic perceives media. Male gaze then is how an audience perceives media through the eyes of a heterosexual male. The camera will linger on the curves of a woman or the female body Events will also occur where women are presented largely in a mans reaction to these events. Women are relegated to the status of objects. One film franchise that contradicts this is that of aliens. Amanda Ripley is shown as a strong driven woman who is in no need of saving from the men of these films. While a maternal side is shown through the relationship with newt she is generally a strong independent woman who is reflected somewhat in the alien queen. Another woman in James Cameron's aliens is Vasquez, a self proclaimed "badass" who is shown carrying big guns and being and enjoy combat. These examples quite clearly do not follows the conventions of the "Male Gaze".