Sexism is an increasing issue in the media industry, particularly regarding women. The issues occurring over sexism is based on the drastic difference on the presentation of men and the presentation of women. Laura Mulvey's theory is very significant in sexism in the music industry, especially her theory on the Male Gaze. The theory suggests that the male gaze denies women human identity, relegating them to the status of objects to be admired for physical appearance. This is when women are subjected to the male's entertainment: they are only there for sexual purposes, which can be in many ways, such as their sexual dance moves and skimpy costumes. Sexism in music videos is mainly targeted to gain male attention, and even when women consume texts, they have to be subjected to the voyeuristic treatment of the female body. Andrew Goodwin theory proposed that there is frequent reference of voyeuristic treatment of the female body, suggesting that women are designed to be 'objects of desire'.
Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines
Robin Thicke's controversial music video for Blurred Lines created a massive debate on sexism in music videos. This video no doubt suggests that women are only for male's entertainment. The controversial lyrics, such as "I know you want it" and "Do it like it hurt," created such chaos which ended up in 20 university student unions banning the record. The girls in this music video are highly exploited to sexism as they are wearing very little clothing (in the explicit version, they are topless) which proves that women are just objects of sexual desire to gain the male audience's attention and gain more consumption. The men in the music video are treated differently as they are fully clothed, highlighting sexism issues in this video. This video supports Laura Mulvey's theory as the women are subjected to the male gaze in every aspect, and it applies to Goodwin's theory as the women have a dance routine, and they are subjected to voyeuristic treatment, two of his suggested characteristics of music videos.
Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball
Miley Cyrus' music video for Wrecking Ball caused a massive outrage due to the controversial sexism throughout her video. This video creates a debate over whether Miley was exploited by the music industry, or whether she was exploiting herself to prove a point. There is an amplified scene throughout her video of Miley swinging on a wrecking ball, appearing to be naked, and she also licks a sledge hammer in a very provocative manner. Audiences argue that this video sends a wrong message out to her younger fans; the fans who knew and loved her for her role as Hannah Montana. However, others say that Miley is exploiting herself to get rid of the 'Hannah Montana Sweet Girl' image and fashion a more grown up appearance, making the statement that she is no longer the innocent Disney star. Sinead O'Connor warned Miley to "Not let them prostitute you!" However, it seemed to me as though Miley was exploiting herself, conforming to Laura Mulvey's theory, to appeal to the audience by presenting herself as an object of erotic desire.
Lily Allen - Hard Out Here
Lily Allen created a very feminist video for her song "Hard Out Here" as it is making fun of videos which present women in a sexist fashion. Her video is a parody of current music videos which exploits women, such as J Lo's video for "Booty." Lily's video shows how hard it is for women to be treated fairly in the music industry these days, as women are expected to look a certain way. They have to be skinny; she sings "if you're not a size 6 then you're not good-looking," however girls have to also have a big butt and boobs, and a pretty face "or you'll end up on your own." This shows how women are treated unfairly in the media; they have to look perfect or they aren't worthy of people's admirations. Lily is trying to show the audience that sexism in music videos is a major issue, and although the women in her music video are sexualised by having barely any clothes on and sexual dance moves, it is to prove a point to the media, and show what happens behind the camera. This video conforms to Andrew Goodwin's theory as it presents a voyeuristic treatment of the female body and contains a dance routine.
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