'In a world ordered by sexual imbalance, pleasure in looking has been split between active/male and passive/female. The determining male gaze projects its fantasy onto the female figure which is styled accordingly' - Laura Mulvey, 1992. What I think Laura Mulvey means in her quote is that music videos nowadays are very dominantly based on the male gaze, meaning females dress to how men want to see them, e.g., in tight, revealing clothes, portraying there sexuality, curves and promiscuity. I do agree with this statement, as many female singers and bands do dress provocatively and accordingly to how males perceive females should dress. For example, The Saturdays are a good example, they are all very pretty girls and flaunt their assets quite well. However, much as her statement is true, especially in rap and hip hop music videos with tons of Video Vixens such as Angel Lola Luv and Amber Rose, there are females that choose to go against that and empower females and show that we aren't just pretty things to look at. Here are are a few videos that demonstrate her quote and one special female that chooses to rebel against it:
As you can see, in these videos the women are portrayed as provocative and almost sleazy, as they are shaking their assets for the men in the video. Slow motion and CU's are used to really put the emphasis on their body and erogenous zones. Personally, I do not like the way women are portrayed, but I guess it will never stop, as the famous saying goes; sex sells.
This is a video of Alicia Keys rebelling against Mulveys quote with her song, Superwoman. This is a song about empowering woman and ensuring that they do have a voice. Enjoy :)
In this, Alicia Keys portrays women as strong beings who are able to succeed in live without having to submit to the male gaze. Who run the world? Girls!
Until then!
Stephanie
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