Media Studies: Representation Flashcards
When was Underdog released?
9th January 2020
What representations does the music video Underdog make?
Song covers key themes of Afro-American experiences, creating positive representations of race, ethnicity and class
Furthermore, she is a female singer which adds to the positive representations, now including gender
Link to the BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement, campaigning against violence and systematic racism towards black people
Who does Alicia Keys target in her music video?
The underrepresented, based on race, ethnicity, class, gender or lifestyle
Mid shot, visual code of clothing
The ethnic representations are seen as positive, through the visual code of clothing, as there is a clear blending of cultures present in the video. For instance, the headdress on the street dancer and the hijabs on the girls in prom dresses show cultural pride. In addition to this, Alicia is in very understated clothing, in comparison to the usual stars in music videos.
Low angle shot of hands
A visual representation of the lyric ‘rise up’ to amplify the lyrics even more than they already are. Links to ethnic minority groups revolting against racism, shows aspiration and ambition.
Mid shot on bus
The mid shot is used to empower the underrepresented, as this shot of a single mother on a bus links to the lyric ‘built to break the mold’ as she is represented as someone who is not falling into a typical stereotype and not allowing herself to be marginalized. This shows how single mothers should be admired for their hard work, rather than looked down on.
Liesbet Van Zoonen: Femenist theory
Femininity is a construction that has evolved massively over time, and the media now follows more positive representations of it.
How does Liesbet Van Zoonen’s Feminist theory link to Underdog?
Keys issues raised in this music video clearly comes from her own experiences, stemming from her multi-cultural background. Therefore, this music video and song shows her awareness of these issues and how she is a philanthropist, as she promotes the welfare of others.
When was Riptide released?
1st March 2013
What does Riptide make references to?
Other genres, texts and directors
How does Riptide make references to the Horror/Western/Thriller genre?
In the way women are represented and shots which induce thrill and anxiety
How does Riptide link to director Sergei Eisentien?
A random selection of images creating an intellectual montage combined with the song’s lyrics, creating a dream-like feeling
How is Riptide similar to the film ‘Un Chien Andalou’
This film uses an eye cutting scene, just like the scene of the knife going into the hand on this music video
POV shot on the beach
This shot presents women as a watched object, as we see the back of a woman undressing from her swimming costume, which is clearly sexualized, offered to the audience for their pleasure, linking to scopophilia. We also see men gazing through binoculars.
Medium close up of woman singing
Repeatedly returning to this character, who is lip syncing, as her lipstick slowly becomes smudged, and she becomes more anxious throughout the whole song as she ‘sings the words wrong’, which links to a decay of a relationship. Also links to how women are supposed to be immaculate and perfect all the time.
Mid shot of woman breaking free
This shot of the woman breaking free from the ropes and the tree challenges typical misogynistic views, as she is not a ‘damsel in distress’ reliant on a male savior. This could be a metaphor for escaping a relationship which is damaging.
Theory of Identity by David Gauntlett
The idea that people can find themselves and identify with themselves all through the power of the media.
How does David Gauntlett’s theory of identity link to Riptide?
It could be argued that female consumers of this music video can adopt some of the female characteristics shown in this music video, as some of them are very empowering. However, there is still pressure as this music video promotes the ideal woman.
