Representation - Underdog Context Flashcards
When was Underdog released?
9th January 2020
Who was Underdog sung by?
The American singer Alicia Keys
Underdog covers themes and lyrics related to…?
The experiences of Afro-Americans
Why does Keys use the conventions of the music and its historical roots?
To reinforce a positive and contemporary ideology surrounding ethnicity, race and gender.
As a female artist in this genre, what else does she strive to provide through her music?
A positive representation of women
Why have the representations in the music video been created?
Due to social and historical context at the time.
What’s an example of a social/historical context during that time?
The Black Lives Matter movement.
What is the Black Lives Matter movement?
An international activist movement which campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.
What was the Black Lives Matter movement creating?
More awareness of global social inequality.
What does the narrative constructed by the music video offer and challenge?
It offers social commentary (discussions about social issues) and challenges the audience’s perception of particular social groups, positioning them to view them differently.
How may under-represented audiences feel?
They may feel empowered by the messages encoded in the video.
What kind of issues does the music video explore?
Issues related to the experience of living in contemporary America as a member of an under-represented social group.
For example in the Underdog video, examples include Afro-Americans, women and single mothers.
