Justin Timberlake and Timbalands music video “Carry Out”, compares a woman’s body with fast food. The dancers and models are dressed in every possible costume that any man would fantasize about; including, maids, nurses, and fifties pin-up. The dance moves are more than erotic only adding to the sexual tone of the video. The women are moving seductively, opening and closing their legs, bending over, and walking sensually to peak men’s senses. Throughout the video, the models are eating confections in a tantalizing manner, coinciding with the theme of the song.
In almost every music video, women are objectified. The men in the music videos are portrayed as ultra masculine macho men, while the women are dancing half naked submitting to their every sexual whim. Personally, I believe that the image of women is contradictory to Devor’s essay about gender. His essay outlines traditional feminine stereotypical behavior. In music videos however, women are far from traditional. These women are far from the general image of housewives and devoted mothers. The women in music videos would more so be placed in the category of a harlot. On the other hand, men are always projected as the traditional masculine male. Somehow, women always end up with the short end of the stick, being labeled as submissive and other condescending characteristics. Especially in this video, a woman is being perceived as something as easy to obtain as fast food. Within the lyrics, they’re sexually exploiting intimate acts that should be done a respectable private manner. For example, “Do you like it well done, cause I do it well…”. That line alone is showing the lack of respect for the female gender in this song. Furthermore, the lack of respect boils over into the music video.
Race is not a major issue in this music video, besides the fact that you can assume that men of all races have the same views about a lewd act such as the one discussed in this song. The women in the video are all from different racial backgrounds. Although it would be incorrect to automatically assume men of every race view women the same way, the media tells a different story. Women are one aspect of life that men of races have something in common. In all forms of advertisement and media, women are scantily clad and sexually objectified, regardless of race. Women of any race are rarely ever portrayed as strong characters. Omi stated, “It is somewhat ironic that real differences that exist within a racially defined minority group, are minimized, distorted or obliterated by the media.”. When it comes to sexual attraction, especially when being viewed through the media, race is completely disregarded. In this particular video, they have a woman for every preference. For example, the white females are dressed the same as the African American females and so on and so forth. If there was meant to be a differential aspect according to race in the music video each race would stand out individually catering to common stereotypes.
Standing alone, this video may seem harmless but there are many symbols that go unnoticed to the human conscience. Should we as Americans really support a music industry that supports the slandering the feminine integrity? Or shall we continue to ignore the fact that the beautiful part of women is belittled to merely sex symbols to be objectified?
I agree with you that this music video shows disrespect to women, since it compares women body with fast food, but you did not explain how they compare these two. For instance, the background “Drive In” and the lyrics line “take my order, no error…your body is like a carryout” both suggest that woman’s body is like fast food and these men want their bodies, which only see women as heterosexual objects and disregard the abilities of women. You have details of their dancing, which I missed in my analysis. Their movements suggest heterosexual orientation of female that attracts males. Moreover, as you say, “These women … be placed in the category of a harlot”. Their clothing, movements and body postures are far from Devor’s idea of femininity, but this music video also has some aspects about traditional femininity. As some female models are wearing maid-dresses and serving foods in the scene, they are like servants who usually dealt with housework. Even though they are hot and sexy, they still represent some traditional ideas of femininity, because presenting the inferiority of femininity gives masculinity superior status in this video, such they are sitting down and enjoying this service. I think you miss an important detail in the video, which is the cake. The words “Hot Cakes” on the background suggest these women are hot, and they are compared to cakes. Cake is not a usual fast food, so it does not only represent a kind of food, but also send a message to people that these women’s bodies are sweet and delicious like cakes. This comparison is corresponding to the lyrics line, “you must taste heavenly”, which suggests these males desire females’ bodies. Women are depreciated in this music video.
ReplyDelete