This Is America Flashcards
How is gun violence portrayed in this music video?
The prop such as the gun has violent connotations. This prop is shown through long shot of Gambino shooting a choir in a church. This idea of violence is reinforced through the music being cut out and being prioritised by the gun shots to outline its murderous effects. This scene also draws comparison to Charleston Church shooting and links to the current gun problems in America representing them to be a violent nation.
How is this reinforced ?
After Gambino has finished using the gun he passes it off to child with ease and it is wrapped in a red cloth. The delicate handling and wrapping it red cloth represents America as a nation who values guns over its victims. This reinforced through the use of the red cloth showing how red America is by caring more about guns. The effect of the child taking away the gun could represent the ease of gun access within American and the problems young Americans face with this violent weaponry
What are other representation made about America
Another representation is America has huge entertainment nation. This idea is supported through intertextuality references of viral dances such as the shoot dance from American rapper Blocboy. As well as this there is a medium shot of Gambino doing the guara guara dance which originates from South Africa. This could represent America has diverse nation of entertainment. This idea is also enforced through the lyrics such as “Kodak” which refers to talented American rapper Kodak Black. Also, this video features black American singer Sza featured through a long shot of her sat on a car. This uses star appeal to enforce the idea of America has hugely diverse entertainment nation.
What is the final representation of America ?
The representation of problems around the police force within America. This is evident through the lyrics of the song when Gambino says “ police be tripping “ directly addressing the audience through a close up. Focusing on the mode of address it uses the word “tripping” refers the behaviour the American police not taking control violence and crime. This is reinforced in the same shot of police car in the background with American violently running riot with no one stopping them. This could reflect America police force don’t care and are oblivious to crimes of violence representing them as nation who is out of control.
What theory is relevant here ?
Andrew Goodwins theory is relevant which is the relationship between the lyrics being amplified by the visuals.
