I'm pretty sure that almost everyone knows who this is and have seen her new "Anaconda" video. It's the one and only,Nicki Minaj, the hip hop and pop artist, iconic for her ample behind. Her new single "Anaconda" has raised a lot of attention and criticism towards her. It seems that there are two main reactions to her music video either amazed or in pure disgust. Why has her video caused such an outrage? Is it because she uses her body to sell her song? To make money? Is it just such a sexual video that it makes you uncomfortable? Whatever the reason may be, perhaps we can take a deeper look into the video.
According to Bitch: A Feminist Response to Pop Culture, Nicki Minaj is praised for her video. This is because she is owning her sexuality and she is addressing the way black woman have been portrayed in the media. There is a double standard between black and white women. This double standard was also pointed out by Sir Mix A Lot in his song "Baby Got Back" which was once highly controversial, but is now considered "tame and comical" (not to mention its where "Anaconda" came from). Although "Baby Got Back" objectified women, it pointed out a "body style outside of mainstream standards of beauty that was desirable". Minaj is doing the same and acknowledged this herself in response to the criticism by captioning a Sports Illustrated cover of three topless women as "acceptable" and then captioned her "Anaconda" cover as "unacceptable".
An article by the Huffington Post, asks you to take a second look at her video. This articles looks at the dynamics of the video especially the part where she gives Drake a lap dance. It seems that he is seen objectifying her and shes pleasing him with the lap dance. However before he tries to touch her she walks away taking control. In another way saying she's not going to be objectified anymore. After reading these articles, go ahead an click on the video link again. Does it change your views or no?
-Justina Farfan
The first time I saw this video and heard the song, I was kind of disgusted with it. It seemed like just another artist dancing in their underwear so that more people would listen to their music. Watching it more times, it seems like she is owning her sexuality and it seems like she's actually challenging people to think about the topic of women sexualizing themselves in music videos. She is showing people that she is comfortable about her sexuality and will use it to strengthen her, not hide behind it. I also like how you point out the lap dance scene. I didn't notice until know that she actually walks away before he can touch her. I think that this scene helps to really emphasis her point.
ReplyDelete-Ali Marnon
I have to agree with Ali, the first time I saw the video to 'Anaconda', I was appalled. However, after our class discussion about the video, I see that Nicki Minaj was doing more than just shaking her bare butt. She makes connections to Sir Mix Alot's 'Baby Got Back', mammy's, and she makes a statement by owning her sexuality. I think it is cool that in addition to talking about 'Anaconda' in class, we get to talk about it on the blog too! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete-Bridget Thomas