Sheila Whiteley
This article outlined the complex relationship that exists between a song and its music video. While both carry weight in different aspects of a musical production, it is argued that "the preferred meaning is largely weighed in favor of the image." Musical content such as lyric and tone do dictate a good deal of the meaning of a song. But when accompanied by visual representation (music video), the song's narrative is ultimately framed by the images. Music videos invited the audience to look rather than listen; this can form entirely new meanings and interpretations. Expression of sexuality in particular can be communicated in a different way though image rather than just sound. Whiteley spends much of her time in the article describing the complex sexual expression found in much of Madonna's work.
Although it is quite disturbing, this is the first example which came to mind. "The Dope Show" is a critique by Marilyn Manson of Hollywood and the music industry. His song comments on the exploitation of peoples image or pretty faces in Hollywood. The song reaches another level when he adds confusing and disturbing images to exemplify his point. The images raise all sorts of questions about sexual stereotypes to say the least. WARNING: the following videos are rather graphic and disturbing. Proceed at own risk.
Here is one persons attempt to understand Marilyn Manson: Dealing With the Dark Side
And one more video in case you are just longing for more of Marilyn Manson's multifaceted expression of sexuality:
Discussion Questions:
- How do you think music like this affects gender stereotypes in rock music?
- How would responses to these music videos vary between male and female?
I read the article that you put with the Marilyn Manson video, "Dealing With the Dark Side" and found it to be a quite interesting take on the topic. It is interesting that it talks about how people of the "dark side" do the exact opposite of mainstream culture and that by doing this they are "balancing energies." Maybe without this contrasting idea of the "dark side" the "normal side" would seem boring to everyone and not as many people would participate in art forms.
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