Ladies First: Women in Music Videos

Studies in Popular Culture Series

by Robin Roberts

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, Robin Roberts 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 Home, coming Queen's Got a Gun are among the feminist videos Robin Roberts discusses in documenting how video has moved feminism to the forefront.A video featuring excerpts from MTV performances is included free with every book.

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 1996

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't very familiar with most of the videos discussed, or had only seen parts of them, since they're from the late 1980s or early 1990s. I also didn't agree with some of things Roberts mentions in the book. At times, it seemed like her interpretations were far-fetched, trying to fit these videos into a feminist context, especially with some of the symbolism Roberts suggests are present in the videos. Nonetheless, it was very interesting and gave me a different perspective on some of the images in music videos that I hadn't thought about before. I think it would be interesting to see her take on current female musicians.