KEY TEXT : Extended writing exam question

KEY TEXT : Extended writing exam question

1.      

      Compare the representations of gender and ethnicity  in this music video  and the video for Dizzee Rascal’s Dream.

In your answer, you must consider: 

·         How representations of gender and ethnicity are constructed through selection and combination of elements of media language 

·         The similarities and differences in the representations of gender and ethnicity

·         How far the representations relate to relevant contexts.

You should refer to Levi-Strauss ( binary oppositions), Barthes ( semiotics), Gauntlett
( identity theory ) and Gilroy ( postcolonialism ) in your answer as well as any other relevant theory 

                                                                                                                              [30]

Beyoncé 

I thought Beyonce’s video was very pro-female, pro-gay, and I wanted to stand up and wave my little girl power/feminist flag.
I like the idea of the setting in the middle of nowhere/everywhere, with women of different backgrounds (whites and other nationalities of color were represented here, not just black), wearing different colors, dancing together in their high heels. Yes, these women are objectifying themselves to a certain extent by wearing revealing clothing, but I felt that Beyonce and the rest of them women were taking control of their sexuality as a way to navigate themselves through the world.
As much as I enjoyed this video, Critically, though, that asks the question: yes these women are beautiful, in unison, wearing their high-heeled boots and embracing who they are, but is this the only way for women in the 21st century to navigate themselves through the world? While I think this is representative of some women, it doesn’t represent all women. Not at all of us can look like Beyonce.
One more thing, I like how this idea of “Girl Power” videos changed from that pink/bubbly girl group stuff of the 90s/00s, to how it’s taken on a more masculine, aggressive aesthetic.

Dizzee Rascal

theories of ethnicities and postcolonial theory - Gilroy
The construction the white matriarchal children's TV presenter and the young black male 'rascal' is interesting to explore in ration to postcolonial theory, especially in the social and historical context of the 1950s and increasing ethnic diversity in Britain. The narrative embeds positive messages and values, constructing a representation of a successful rapper and subverting negative stereotypes of ethnicity. However, the female can be seen in control, especially ad Dizzee Rascal is diminutive.
Dizzee Rascal is constructed as a rebellious young black male through the dress codes of red tracksuit with a 'hoodie' top and trainers. he appears to be a stereotypical defiant youth who challenges authority at the beginning of the video, reinforced by the lyrics "reckless with no shame".
As the narrative progresses, a more positive representation of Dizzee is constructed as he describes his strong sense of purpose, hard work and achievement. following Dizzee's transformation, the youths also partake in the change towards the normalisation by having a more creative and less destructive behaviour establishing him as a role-model. this positive representation of a young black rapper challenges many negative stereotypes of this social group.