I sort of have something to rant about today.
I REALLY hate the song Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. I hate the video too. And I'm not saying this as a conservative sex-hating Christian OR as a man-bashing feminist, by any means, but as a woman who finds it to be extremely degrading and objectifying! I like most mainstream music - the offensive part of this song is not the sexuality, but the aggression and disrespect behind it.
I think I'll talk about the video first, because it's almost less offensive than the lyrics. It's not the nudity that bothers me - although that does perpetuate the idea that the value of a woman comes with her nudity. It's the fact that the men are clothed, and the women are not.
It's the lyrics, however, that really upset me. There are so many lines in the song that are oh-so-offensive - but my least favourite line is "just let me liberate you." As though women needed men for liberation... I think that erases the point of liberation. Everything in the song says that women are sex objects, and there's something not so consensual about saying "I know you want it." He calls women animals, and essentially proclaims that it's in female nature to want it, even if "you're a good girl," and apparently that means he can take it. There's just so much wrong with this song, I could go on and on about it.
I understand that this isn't the only degrading song ever written, but it disturbs me that this song is so popular despite such an aggressive sexual tone. I really don't like it.
What do you think? Am I overreacting, or is this song completely disrespectful to women in every way? Tell me in the comments below!
HORRIBLE SONG! Absolutely disgusting Way more to be said about the details of how bad it is!! You are not over reacting at all.
ReplyDeleteIts especially horrible when its played at least 10x a day at your part time job and there is nothing you can do about it because its "apparently" the only clean pop music radio station.
Terrible example for children -preteens to be listening to, and degrading message for the teens - to adults that actually have a clue what the lyrics are insinuating.
If artists like this are so popular what does that reflect on society's values? and how does that influence Music and what kind of future lyrics and messages the music industry will produce more of??
Not to mention psychological implications on a society that is already influenced by sex/porn/ and the mistreatment of human beings (male or female, although in these cases mostly female)
Your post is an important message and its good to know some people are thinking more about what they are listening to rather than just how it sounds. Unfortunate for some songs especially, trust me I understand; but its the truth.
Lastly, no this may not be the only song but currently its one of the most influential so its only appropriate that you comment on it in particular.
Keep your voice strong and confident! Your opinion causes the right kind of inquisitive thoughts. Thanks for posting this!
I'm glad I'm not alone! :) it's so hard but also important in this age when we're bombarded with so many messages to listen to them critically.
Delete