Relevant article research (14/10/13)

What I will do:

My plan is to research relevant articles surrounding the controversy of Robin Thicke's Blurred Line's music video. I aim to gather a range of views and opinions in the hope of creating a balanced argument from the prospective of both male and female. Some articles are strongly feminist and others see no harm or offence in the video/lyrics). I will then summarise the key points of each artcle.

How this will benefit my investigation:

 This task is essential because, to improve my work, I need to validate the controversy within my essay piece by supporting statements through secondary research. I will convert each article into a viewable PDF file and then highlight any information which supports or challenges the hypothesis that men use women as objects within the music industry. I will then incorporate this information into my written essay.



Summary of key points:

• Viewing audience found song sexually suggestive and unsuitable for young children who may view the advert
• Disagreement with how women are positioned: on all fours
• People have accused the lyrics of reinforcing rape myths, 'I know you want it' 'You're a good girl'
• Critics say the lyrics are sexist and degrading to women
• Beats Electronics International argue that the women featured in the ad are 'strong individuals who are not subservient to the male character'
• Argument that the majority of the viewing audience would not find the ad offensive of overt sexual connotation
• The ad was banned from playing before 7:30pm by the Advertising Standards Authority due to the over all tone being sexual

Summary of key points:

• Video caused mass offence, especially from rape victims who strongly believe the lyrics validify acceptance of women objectification and abuse
• Referred to as 'Robin Thicke's new rape song'
• Anger caused by the idea of 'blurred lines' and not giving sexual consent (reenforcing connotations of rape)
• Offence at 'not safe for work', naked models used in the videos. Video was banned from YouTube for obvious nudity
• The unrated version has 50 million views whereas the rated version only has 500,000 views
• Overtly provocative and makes some female listeners uncomfortable
• Connotes the idea that men think that 'no means yes'
• Mentions the Beats Electronic International banned ad and how it gained 30% disapproval on YouTube
• Quotations from Thicke saying he has always respected women (reinforced by infro given about his wife and children)
• He claims he only wanted to have fun in this video

Summary of key points:

• I thought this article was interesting because Miley Cyrus was completely attacked for her performance at the 2013 VMA's, and critics seemed to unjustly disregard Robin Thicke's involvement
• Double standards- men's provocative behaviour acceptable but not women's, 'no one cares about the man'
• Miley claims that Thicke knew exactly how the performance would play out through rehearsals, and yet he denies this in recent interviews by calling her behaviour 'unexpected'
• Makes the women look in the wrong, and the man in the right
• Women's provocative behaviour being more socially unacceptable in comparison to men's