I would like to start off by saying how happy I am that Mr. Kunkle did not show us the original "Blurred Lines" video. Clicking play on the video inserted into Tricia Romano's review of this controversial song was a mistake for me. I watched about twenty seconds and then called it quits. Putting the original video aside, I originally had thought that "Blurred Lines" was an outrageously nasty song that shed a false light on women. After reading Jennifer Lai's review, my opinion changed. Is this song "bad?" Yes. Is it as "bad" as some people so strongly claim it to be? No. I respected Lai when she said, "Is Thicke being kind of a dick by assuming he could 'liberate' her? Yes. But is he forcing her to do anything? No." This quote is a complete 180 from Romano's review where she claims that "Blurred Lines" is rapey.
As far as whether or not "Blurred Lines" is sexism disguised in a song, I think it is. Even though I would not go so far as to call the song "rapey" I would agree with anyone who says that it is downgrading women. Robin Thicke is is basically taunting women with himself and making them act ridiculous for his own enjoyment. He portrays them as needy and immature. I imagine White Goodman at the end of Dodgeball. Robin Thicke would be White Goodman and the food would be the girls. Nasty. Nasty enough that no one has to watch the video.
While it may be hard to escape seeing the video, and definitely from not hearing the song altogether, it is possible to avoid it. The, for lack of a better term, problem, is that those who claim to be so outraged by the video and lyrical content still listen to the song and songs far worse.This then given the artist the green light to create more songs and videos just like the last and receive more fame and fortune. That discussed person has just made the song no so bad after all. That is the very reason that pop culture today is so risque. Do I personally think it's right? No. Do I still listen to "Blurred Lines" and other questionable yet catchy songs? Yes.
As far as whether or not "Blurred Lines" is sexism disguised in a song, I think it is. Even though I would not go so far as to call the song "rapey" I would agree with anyone who says that it is downgrading women. Robin Thicke is is basically taunting women with himself and making them act ridiculous for his own enjoyment. He portrays them as needy and immature. I imagine White Goodman at the end of Dodgeball. Robin Thicke would be White Goodman and the food would be the girls. Nasty. Nasty enough that no one has to watch the video.
While it may be hard to escape seeing the video, and definitely from not hearing the song altogether, it is possible to avoid it. The, for lack of a better term, problem, is that those who claim to be so outraged by the video and lyrical content still listen to the song and songs far worse.This then given the artist the green light to create more songs and videos just like the last and receive more fame and fortune. That discussed person has just made the song no so bad after all. That is the very reason that pop culture today is so risque. Do I personally think it's right? No. Do I still listen to "Blurred Lines" and other questionable yet catchy songs? Yes.
Hey, Cora! I might not completely agree with your opinion, but I do agree that this song is sexist. By the way, nice analogy to White Goodman. I wasn't sure that I'd ever see anything in AP Composition pertaining to the experience that is the movie Dodgeball. Anyway, I think what your essay touches on, then, is that if people reject Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" but continue to listen to other nasty songs, is that there is something potentially wrong with our culture if we continually listen to music that objectifies women. After all, our pop culture is a portrayal of what goes on around us.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, this is a nice, middle-ground response. Keep up the good work!
I totally agree with your point that the song is sexist. I was also caught off-guard by the arguments that Lai brought up. I love that you included that when people listen to the song, it gives artists the idea that it is okay to continue down this path. Your honesty and voice are fantastic. Great work!
ReplyDeleteNice blog post cora, you incorporated your own opinion which shed some great insight as you continued to display incredible outside information not only about the song but also both articles given in response. It was extremely easy to read from both "sides" of the song. Overally, nice essay response; it invoked deep thought as to my own opinion.
ReplyDeleteHey Cora! I agree with you when you say the song isn't "rapey" but it definitely downgrades women. I am glad I didn't watch the original video like you regretfully did! I also heard it was pretty disgusting. It is definitely hard to find songs that aren't disrespectful nowadays. All over the radio the songs that are played have disrespectful lyrics. But they are catchy and I also find myself not really paying attention to the lyrics even though all of us probably should so that something is done about it.
ReplyDeleteYour last few sentences sum up what is wrong with society. "That is the very reason that pop culture today is so risque. Do I personally think it's right? No. Do I still listen to "Blurred Lines" and other questionable yet catchy songs? Yes." Our actions contradict our morals simply because it is easier or more pleasurable. Deep down we know that theses songs or TV shows are degrading and sexist but we continue to listen/ watch them because they are the only ones out there. Together we must make a stand and avoid these crude songs and shows. This will show the artists that selling sex is no longer effective; therefore, they will attempt to create with a different style and hopefully some taste!
ReplyDeleteHey Cora! I totally agree with you. I did not see the original video until you said something about it, so I looked it up. Wow! Should not have done that. I agree with you that this song is sexist and just flat out gross, but it does not go as far as rapey. People cannot just put a label on a song like that when they have no proof that that is what it is about. On the hand of sexism, it makes me mad that girls just let themselves be exposed like that. That is how men see us as less for girls like that. Girls need to stop doing such things!
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