Representation in music videos (nathan)

Representation describes the signs that stand in for and take the place of something else. In all music videos, there are either obvious or subtle representations throughout the video, sometimes both. Most representations show what the audience would naturally think of the actor or character however, they may pick up on small representations that are subtly distinguished within the music video. There could be many different representations from, genders or colour to race. The main representation is music videos is of gender.

There are many stereotypes that have become known throughout music videos. Mainly in music videos, there is an objectification of women and they are interchangeable. The Male Gaze theory takes huge effect in music videos as this is a theory in which describes a males point of view of a women, from legs upwards. There are different representations of genders in music videos and they are:

• Women are often sexualised in the media however we could argue in music videos there seems to be a large sexualisation that occurs.
• Women are seen dancing provocatively.
• Women are usually asserting their femininity and expressing themselves sexually.

Masculinity is huge within music videos and males always seem to be in control in which is a huge stereotype in music videos.

• Hegemonic masculinity - hegemonic masculinity is competitive and reflects a tendency for males to seek to dominate other males and subordinate females.
• Characteristics such as drive, ambition, claims to self reliance and heterosexuality.

Therefore these are used in many music videos in which come out, especially some where these stereotypes come into play. For example, Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke is a huge music video that displays these stereotypes.


From this post, I have learnt what stereotypes occur in music videos and how different representations of people can affect how the audience views the music video.