An editor at NPR Music, Frannie Kelley states, "Lyrically, it's problematic, but I feel like so many pop songs right now are problematic". A lot of songs these days are on the edge and pushing the normal boundaries making people more uncomfortable. I don't think we can treat this song any differently. Yes, it was a hit song so more people heard it, but it was still published and it had to have been liked by people to get the rating it received. Also, the lyrics "I know you want it" are stated multiple times which don't directly target sexual consent. The women are given the change to react in the lyrics as well so the decision is going both ways even if it seems like it isn't.
I do think that this song has it moments when things are taken too far. I never pictured any bad things when I heard the song, but as soon as I saw the video it changed my perception of the song. If it is a well known song the music video should be for everyone to enjoy. I wouldn't want my kids to watch the video even if they loved the song. I think the video is degrading to women as it clearly show that the men are in control of the women, but I don't think rape is the main message. I think it has a lot of open ended areas where the audience can chose the outcome. Overall, the song crossed some boundaries, but a lot of songs do these days so it doesn't deserve the label of being "Rapey" though it shows signs of being degrading to women. Sooner than later, I bet some limits will be put on what songs can imply.
Gabbie, I also found myself singing to this song, until after I saw the music video. I agree with you when you said that Robin Thicke took it a little too far. This video is degrading to women. Yes, the song is similar to most popular songs these days, but I found myself very uncomfortable while watching this video. I also think that this song doesn't deserve the word "rapey" connected to it, but Thicke should have thought about how people were going to portray his music video. He could have prevented this entire outburst by creating a more appropriate video.
ReplyDeleteHey Gup! I totally agree with you. I do not think we can just flat out say it is about rape. There are so many other songs out there that are just as bad and some even worse. Why are people so focused on this one? It does not make sense to me. Also I found my self singing this song all the time and not really paying attention to what I was saying. Maybe we should start thinking about what we are singing before we sing it. Haha.
ReplyDeleteAlthough many pop songs today are problematic and misogynistic, I don't think that gives this song an excuse to be ignored. I was very pleased that this song received negative feedback because ultimately this can lead to analyzation of what we listen to and how we perceive it-- as well what we are thinking subconsciously while listening to them. The more we normalize subjects like rape, misogyny, male-power, etc., the less outrageous of topics they become; this shouldn't be acceptable.
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ReplyDeleteHey Gab, great blog! I completely agree with you that "Blurred Lines" shouldn't be considered rape, even if it is provocative. The song fits in with many other hits today, such as "Anaconda" or "Bend Ova," being equally sexual or degrading, so it shouldn't be treated any differently. The lyrics never once come out and talk about rape and it isn't right to imply rape, but the video definitely takes things too far. It personally made me uncomfortable and a little mad because I felt the women were being disrespected, but rape still shouldn't have been brought in to it. Rape is a huge deal, and something that should never be joked about in a song, or anywhere. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same impression than you Gabbie! I originally never thought twice about the song until people started bringing up the significance of the lyrics and its "rapey" message. I really don't think the lyrics of the song are about rape and unconsensual sex but more about cocky guys saying "I know you want it" and, hey girl, make your move. A.K.A. potential consensual sex: not rape.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I again agree with you in that the video is completely unacceptable! Especially the version with the woman's tops off! Why is that necessary? I know Robin Thicke wanted to push boundaries, but couldn't he do it half naked too? I think the most disturbing part of the video is how the men are completely clothed in full suits!. Again, good job.