Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" music video has received worldwide attention because of the message that is indicted in the scene. Two sides are present when depicting the message portrayed. After reading "Blurred Lines... Is Kind of Rapey" by Tricia Romano, I could sense the anger and discomfort that many were feeling about the message in "Blurred Lines." I also read "Blurred Lines' is Cocky, Yes. But Rapey, No." by Jennifer Lai. The opinions expressed in this particular article were less of a concern towards women. Both articles had respective points to why the lyrics and music video raise concern to women.
My opinion after reading both sides to the Robin Thicke issue is that the music video and lyrics of the top 100 Billboard song were not meant to be harmful towards women. The intentions of the song were nothing more than a guy and girl flirting. Lai makes a valid point saying, "In fact, he's putting the ball in her court by telling her to make the move and not the other way around." Lai is reffering to the line "I know you want it" which implies that the girl wants it but doesn't use any forceful or non-consenting action in the lyric. Thicke may advertise himself as a cocky douche in the video but not to the extreme of a rapist. Maura Johnston, featured in the "Blurred Lines... Is Kind of Rapey" article, said, "Lyrically it's problematic, but I feel like so many pop songs right now are problematic." Johnston is a well-known critic and she feels that "Blurred Lines" is getting too much attention when there are songs that have a bigger controversial issue.
"Blurred Lines" is another song that hit the top of the charts and someone found something wrong with the message. Yes, some parts of the video may not look ethically correct; however, there isn't an implied message that has rape written all over it. Today's artists and lyrics are risky and they have to be with how competitive the market is. I think the message was interpreted incorrectly among viewers and was simply a flirtatious gesture. Media has blown up several situations that didn't need to be just to make money. This is one of those situations or "mix ups" that media has created.
The lyrics of this song have truly stirred up a controversy within media. They may have only been flirty lyrics to a women, but so many other meanings have been conveyed from this. "Thicke may advertise himself as a cocky douche in the video but not to the extreme of a rapist." Most people in the media are beginning to believe that the lyrics are more of a rape story instead of the intended meaning. The lyrics have truly been made a mess of and it would be interesting to know the true intended meaning.
ReplyDeleteJackson, your thoughts on this controversial topic are very clear. It is true that most songs these days are similar to Blurred Lines. I think that the reason why this particular song got so much media attention was because of the way Robin Thicke portrayed his lyrics in his music video. I think that if he did not want people to take his lyrics the wrong way than he should have made it clear in his music video that that is not what he meant.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that that lyrics of the song have been made to mean something more than they actually do. The quote you had from Maura Johnston saying that the song is similar to many other hits out there is a good point. This song is not alone in objectifying women and edgy lyrics. I also agree with your interpretation of the song, and I don't think there needs to be a deeper meaning attached to the lyrics.
ReplyDeleteHow's it going Jackson?! I enjoyed that you included the quote, "..Cocky, yes. But Rapey, no." It's a true quote I believe. Using terms like, "I know you want it," makes it seem extremely cocky and almost pressures a woman. But in no way does that make it rapey. It may feel degrading to some women, but the intention of the statement does not promote rape. This song definitely does walk a fine line, but if you want rapey songs, check out some of the rap from the late 2000's. It walks a line much more than Blurred Lines.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you have to say Jackson. I actually used the same quotes in my article. The point about other songs being worse is worth some attention. You said it best when you quoted the article saying, "Lyrically it's problematic, but I feel like so many pop songs right now are problematic." So many rap songs nowadays could make this song look clean. I also enjoyed your comments about why artists are being so risky with their lyrics. You stated, "they have to be with how competitive the market is." I never really thought about this, but the more I think about it, the more I think you're right. Overall, I agreed entirely with what you had to say.
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