This document provides a list of terms related to gender and sexuality representation in media and challenges the reader to analyze example music videos using all of the listed terms at least once. It includes terms around representation such as stereotype, countertype, normative, feminist, and objectification. It also lists example music videos that could be analyzed using the terms along with some initial notes about representation in the video. The goal is for the reader to practice applying these conceptual terms related to gender and sexuality to specific media examples.
1. TERMINOLOGY: GENDER BINGO…TERMINOLOGY: GENDER BINGO…
Your challenge is to include all of the terms listed under gender/sexuality (as the two are so interwoven) at
least once, with a clearly denoted example. Videos are of course open to differing readings: the production
context, performer’s published thoughts on their work, director, lyrics … all might be relevant – so conflicting
terms might be applied to the same video.
SOME WIDER TERMS YOU MIGHT USE: Baudrillard’s simulacrum; postmodern, deconstructionist (D
Mode) intertextuality, readings, polysemy, anchorage, binary opposition, protagonist, Proppian archetypes...
Audience considerations are relevant for almost any Media analysis, and they are
here: niche, mainstream, primary, secondary, uses and gratifications
REPRESENTATION TERMS – CAN YOU USE ALL AT LEAST ONCE? Stereotype, countertype,
un/conventional, generic, sub-cultural, (hetero-)normative, counter-hegemonic, feminist,
patriarchal, misogynistic, (fe)male gaze, (modified?) Bechdel Test, objectify/objectification,
metrosexual, masculine, feminine, queer: performativity (Judith Butler).
VIDEO TERM EXAMPLE/NOTES
Spice Girls Wannabe Feminist?
The ‘girl power’ slogan; introducing individuated costumes +
characters in a girl band (previously they wore matching
outfits), Sporty Spice…
Post-feminist?
Still known for revealing costume + sexually charged
performance. Male manager undermine this?
Eurythmics Sweet Dreams…
Conchita Wurst Rise Like a
Phoenix
Katy Perry (feat. Snoop Dogg)
Caifornia Gurls
Depeche Mode Suffer Well
2. VIDEO TERM EXAMPLE/NOTES
Depeche Mode It’s No Good
Christina Aguilera (feat. Redman)
Dirrty
Britney Spears Baby One More
Time
? metrosexual [can you suggest a video?]
Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball
Sinead O’Connor Nothing
Compares 2 U
PJ Harvey Snake
Guns n Roses Welcome to the
Jungle
Marilyn Manson The Dope Show
Lady Gaga Bad Romance
The Darkness Christmas Time Camp?