Through the reading of both articles "Blurred Lines" Is Cocky. Yes. But Rapey? No. and ‘Blurred Lines,’ Robin Thicke’s Summer Anthem, Is Kind of Rapey, I was able to form an opinion from two radically polar articles--so I think I'll be taking the middle route--. I have many internal issues discussing about the song "Blurred Lines". It seems to me that the lyrics and music video doesn't imply rape, but that the depiction of women within the video definitely makes me uncomfortable.
I'll start by just saying the NSFW version of this video is TOTALLY UNNECESSARY! Don't get me wrong, I don't think nudity in visual art form is something to be preached against or vetoed from our society, but this form of nudity honestly just makes me completely uncomfortable. For one, why are the men fully clothed? In Trycia Romano's article she states, "Thicke has insisted, a bit guilelessly, that by having the women naked, he was pushing the boundaries." But is Thicke really pushing the boundaries? In today's society, we have innumerable amounts of women being depicted as objects and half naked. Words stating that women are just looking for rich boys, that we're bitches, and such. So in that sense, the nudity isn't very much different for it still shows women as being manipulated within public view.
Want to know what would have been "pushing the boundaries" Robin? If you were a half naked in a music video with a skin tight banana hammock on for your bottoms. The ladies would love it! But all of a sudden, putting women on an equal level ground with men is pushing it too far. For me, consent is having both players being on the same level --whether that consists of both saying "Yes" or "lets get naked", that's up to the players--. Thus, for me to feel more comfortable about the whole "Blurred Lines" video, the men should be as naked as the women.
Although the music video was kind of offensive, I don't think the lyrics of the song should be seen as "rapey". I thoroughly agree with Jennifer Lai's interpretation; '"Someone who says "I know you want it" is probably overly cocky and presumptuous as hell by assuming you/she wants “it,” but nothing about "I know you want it"'. The lyrics seem to me more like a group of cocky, self absorbed men thinking they have a chance with this girl than men who intend to rape someone. The "Blurred Lines" title aspect reflects that the girl isn't sure whether to let loose or stay in her self possessed state.
Overall, I don't think Robin Thicke was trying to have people think he was okaying rape. I think, like Jennifer Lai stated, "Blurred Lines" is a publicity stunt to get people's attention. And if you think about it, he's done a pretty good job.
Hey cutie,
ReplyDeleteYou have made some wonderful arguments in this blog post. The argument that was the most powerful for me was when you stated that pushing the boundaries would be Robin Thicke half naked along side the half naked women. And women would love to see Robin Thicke in a skin tight banana hammock! Robin Thicke was NOT on the same level as the women, so does this mean there was consent? Weirdly enough, it almost sounds like rape since he wasn't on the same level as the women... Maybe that's what the feminists were referring to? Excellent post Naomi, it made me really think about Robin Thicke's intentions.