Thursday, October 16, 2014

"Blurred Linezzzzz..."

“Rapists everywhere now have an anthem.” Author Jennifer Lai states that critics have taken this accusation a bit too far in this case, but she has a point. Reflecting on the infamous song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke, it definitely sparks some thoughts and opinions on a rather uncomfortable topic for most.

"Blurred Lines" definitely portrays a type of disguised sexism in the song--although I would not consider it "rapey." On the other hand, I would not disagree with anyone who would comment that it is degrading women in a way. Author Tricia Romano in her article stated it interestingly, "The song is about how a girl really wants crazy wild sex but doesn't say it--positioning that age-old problem where men think no means yes into a catchy, hummable song." In this day and age, the media does an often too-good-of-a-job declaring how women should look, act, and behave. In this song, Thicke reinforces that message and adds on that men can simply "domesticate" and "liberate" women in life. For they are simply objects--replaceable and disposable. He also hints at the idea that women are the weaker sex in society. Although he claims that these were not his original intentions while making the song, they definitely serve as the base reference for the music.

In Romano's article, she introduces an intriguing canadian model's (Amy Davison) viewpoint, "The women are clearly being used as objects to reinforce the status of the men in the video. The men have all the control and status because they are not vulnerable--they are completely covered. Whereas the women have no status and are totally open to be exploited ogled and used." I couldn't have said it better. Yes, it is a bit "weird" as well as "demeaning" to see almost naked women next to fully clothed men. It doesn't seem  fair in a way. If only the situation could be flipped around....

As in the name itself, the song "Blurred Lines" really pushes and tests the boundaries of society. It "blurs" the lines of what is considered normal and right. As of now, limits are already becoming hazier and hazier. It will only be a matter of time now before thought-to-be "blurred lines" come to "no lines at all."