Representation

Stereotypes;

Definition of a stereotype taken from google -  a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.

O'sullivan et al (1998) details that a stereotype is a label that involves a process of categorization and evaluation- we can call stereotypes shorthand to narratives because such simplistic representations define our understanding of media texts- eg we know who is bad and who is good.

An example of stereotypes in indie rock videos is the video is usually low budget as most indie bands and independent and or owned by an independent label, the videos also stereotypically show the band performing and playing the music 'live' An example would be 'Such Small Hands' by La Dispute-

Feminism and Stereotypes;

The male gaze is used in many music videos which is the objectification of womens bodies in the media and is a constant running theme.

Laura Mulvey (1975) argues that the dominant point of view is masculine. The female body is displayed for the male gaze in order to provide erotic pleasure for the male (voyeurism)

Women are objectified by the camera lens and whatever gender the spectator/audience is positioned to accept the masculine point of view.

Examples of male gaze;

Asking Alexandria - To the Stage

This is an example of male gaze due to the way the main woman in the video is dressed and conveyed, and the way the guy goes after her and to the bedroom with her. Objectification of her body is key in this video.

John Berger (1972)  came up with the argument of the ways of seeing

• "men act and women appear"
• "men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked at"
• "women are aware of being seen by a male spectator"

The below video is an example of Berger's theory.

Asking Alexandria - Death of Me

Objectification of women is shown widely throughout this video due to the women being dressed in little clothing and them being placed in vending machine boxes and being 'bought', this could represent prostitution, the females are there for the men.

Fergie - MILFs

Male gaze is easily portrayed in this video as well as through the lyrics, the video is full of women and only one man, the women are dressed in very little and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian are also in the video, this is significant due to Kim being known for a sex tape.

New Years Day - Angel Eyes

This video shows a masquerade party and the male vocalist going after the female vocalist, male dominance is clearly shown in this video as when the male 'captures' the woman he acts quite violent by giving her an injection and then ripping her heart out which screaming 'Youre fucking mine'.  

An example of the opposite of male gaze is Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me maybe

This is the opposite to male gaze as instead of men being dominant and gazing over women its the opposite meaning in this video the female is gazing over the male and the male is being objectified.