Ladies first : women in music videos / Robin Roberts.
| Author/creator | Roberts, Robin, 1957- |
| Format | Book |
| Publication Info | Jackson, MS : University Press of Mississippi, ©1996. |
| Description | xxix, 218 pages ; 20 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | "Sex as a weapon": feminism postmodernism and music videos -- "The homecoming queen's got a gun": humor and gender in feminist music videos -- "Justify my love": music videos and the construction of sexuality -- "Alternative nation": alternative music, feminism and Beavis and Butt-Head -- "Independence day": feminist country music videos -- "Sisters in the name of rap": feminist rap music videos -- "Ladies first": Queen Latifah's afrocentric video. |
| Abstract | Although music videos are frequently criticized for sexist portrayals of women, this book shows that videos in many music genres are frequently vehicles of expression for a variety of women's concerns and issues. Acknowledging the presence of female voices, the author looks here at the ways feminist political statements operate in music videos and, surprisingly, even in MTV's much criticized Beavis and Butt-Head. More women are now involved behind the scenes at the executive level in the video industry, and they have recognized the medium's feminist possibilities. Country music performers, for instance, draw on a tradition of sincerity and storytelling to recount women's issues. Rap artists use the self-promotion inherent in their rap vernacular in uplifting women's rights. Female performers expose flaws they perceive in feminine paradigms by deconstructing stereotypical gender roles and, without alienating viewers, use an inviting sense of humor to criticize portrayals of male dominance. With skillful performances and clever lyrics, these artists assert the right of women to be sexual and to express their sexuality. Queen Latifah's Ladies First, Salt 'n' Pepa's Shake Your Thang, Martina McBride's Independence Day, and Julie Brown's Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun are among the feminist videos the author discusses in documenting how video has moved feminism to the forefront. |
| Bibliography note | Videography (page 203). |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 191-201) and index. |
| LCCN | 96014969 |
| ISBN | 0878059334 (cloth ; alk. paper) |
| ISBN | 0878059342 (paper ; alk. paper) |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk | ML82 .R63 1996 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |