Representation - Riptide Media Theory

Question 1

What theories can be applied to the Riptide music video?

Answer 1

1. Theory of Identity by David Gauntlett
2. Feminist Theory by bell hook

Question 2

Explain David Gauntlett’s Theory of Identity

Answer 2

The exploration of how audiences are able to identify with themselves and establish their role in society all through the power of media

Question 3

What are the various representations of femininity female audiences can embrace from this music video?

Answer 3

Riptide arguably constructed female representations that promote the idea of a ‘perfect body’.

This ultimately puts pressure on young girls, who will watch the video and believe that they need to look like those women to be accepted.

However, as the music video progresses, she ends up challenging these representations, as her makeup smudges and her expression becomes more vacant. As her appearance begins to deteriorate, she is framed in a less flattering way. This is a deconstruction of societal expectations of how women are “supposed” to appear

Question 4

Explain bell hook’s Feminist Theory

Answer 4

States that feminism is a struggle to end sexist/patriarchal oppression. Women must free themselves from the sexist oppressive views.

Question 5

How is the representation of femininity contradicted in the music video?

Answer 5

Hooks could be used to explore the contradictory messages about gender in the video.

In the video women are objectified in an ironic way and at times Riptide glorifies the oppression of women in a patriarchal society.

We can apply hooks’ position that feminism is a struggle to end sexist/patriarchal oppression as a contradiction as women become liberated and free themselves from abusive torturous relationships, thus challenging the theory.