This week’s theme is taking a more modern approach to music videos, and let’s focus specifically on the ways contemporary music videos address issues of representational politics. Contemporary music videos can address representational political issues through the lyrics, the images of the music video, and the ideas the artist wants to express. Some singers and bands choose to directly address political issues, such as race, gender, and sexuality, in their songs to express their views on these social phenomena. Other artists can also convey a political message through the atmosphere, sound, or artistic style of their music, and they will try to attract people’s interest by adding the most explicit things to the picture, melody, etc., rather than directly addressing a specific issue. Examples include actors, dancers, or backgrounds that show a diversity of races and genders. Some music videos aim to challenge society’s traditional ideas about gender roles, sexual orientation, or ethnic identity. This can be done by distorting or subverting images and behaviors that are traditionally expected to call for awareness of diversity and inclusion. This can be achieved through actors of different skin colors and genders, dressing, hairstyles and other ways to convey diverse identities and images to the audience. This way can first attract the audience, and then arouse the audience to think about political issues, resonate or trigger discussion. Then, when this music video works get more recognition, it can publicize its ideas on a larger scale, and even call people’s attention to the phenomenon it describes. 

An example is American singer Beyonce. She often explores issues of race, gender, and self-identity in her music and music videos. For example, her song “Formation” and its accompanying music video emphasize black pride and racial identity. The video showcases diverse black culture and a call for racial equality, combining striking visuals with impressive lyrics. 

After reading it, I understood that people hope that art can show diversity more widely, and give various ethnic groups, gender identities and sexual orientations full identification and expression space. They want works of art that make everyone feel understood and accepted, not discriminated against or excluded.

Long Ke