Exam style question: Analysis question:

Analyse the representation of gender in the music videos for "The Man " by Taylor Swift and "Riptide " by Vance Joy ( 30 marks / 800 words minimum) Gender in 'Riptide' by Vance Joy is represnted as patriachal over women, due to it's consistent examples of women as objects as oppose to men who are represented as superior beings and not subjects to inequality. The music video also has submissive references showing how women are under mens control by the traditional view that females should be glamourous and conform to the feminine style in society that is forced on women in the mainstream industry. Thoughtout the video females are trying to escape, fight for their survival or fit in with their stereotypical gender role. This video also focuses on how the woman has been drained of energy due to the pressure of society expecting her to be perfect which highlights her end result of falling apart showing her flaws and imprefections. This can be authenticated through the scene of the exposed female's body which references how they are expected to look and act a specific way in order to succeed in a man's world, also the camera shot being focused and close up identifies specifically what men want. In addition the part where money is being shown and the lyrics were saying 'all my friends are turning green' could signify females worth to men as if their products. Futhermore the clip where a women was being hypnotized by a swinging item could highlight the control men have, treating them as if their worthless and are used as male pleasures. This is further proven through the parts where the woman was singing along in a close fixed camera shot getting worse mentally and emotionally as each clip went by, eludicating that women have no comfortability or space without mens approval. The last shot of the woman singing with her makeup and apparence messed up suggest she had given up and no longer could handle anymore conformity or pressure. This references back to the notion that the 'Riptide' music video is a patriachy over women. As they are exploited through multiple examples and factors effecting their mental health, image and lifestyle. Theories such as feminism show that equality isn't getting more equal it's staying divided which can be seen through this video and stereotypes in society. For example the expectation that women should look beautiful all the time, act 'ladylike' and conform with the dominant gender (male). In 'The Man' by Taylor swift gender is represented similiary to 'Ripetide' by Vance Joy as an inequality between men and women, due to her use of 'The Man' being the boss in the work field and ouside in public places where he treats women and places in society like trash. The part where 'The Man' drops his ciggerette ashes in the womans bag without hesitation knowing she won't do anything in retaliation shows his evil power over females, because of his upper class position and gender. The shot where he urinates on the wall highlight male freedom in society while females are socially controlled and frowned upon if they act out of character. The scene on the boat proves the stereotype that men can do and get what they want is true, through the images of females on the floor and 'The Man' getting drink brought to him. The lyrics 'I'm so sick of running as fast as I can wondering if I would get there quicker if I was a man' points out that men have more opportunity and greater chance of getting something over women for example high work business positions which could fall onto the stereotype that men are more able to fulfill important job roles over women. The next part of the lyrics where Taylor swift says 'If I was a man then i'd be the man' signifies that as men you can be seen as the 'best' whereas the stereotype for women is that they have to compete to be enough for a man. The scene at the wedding where the old man was marrying the young female highlights the differences of opportunity, showing how men can get what they want and females should go along with it without conflict. In the video where money was being celebrated by men, it could be attached to the stereotype that men are the 'breadwinners' showing the inequality and women should be paid less for equal work. The last scene of the man angrily throwing the bag with tennis balls in it could suggest men are allowed to express their emotions as oppose to the idea that women should control their actions and stay conformed. The shot of the man in the picture on the wall also represents how men are praised for successes they achieve but for women it's an expectation so it won't be praised or highlighted for recognition. This music video by Taylor Swift is similar to Vance Joy's 'Riptide' because they both focus on how women are used as objects and have no freedom in this patriachal society. It highlights the power men have, to raise more awareness about the inequality of gender that is still divided and is only slightly getting better. POINTS ( several relevant effective and detailed points ) e.g The main ways the videos represent gender e.g women as victim , man as bully The use of and any ways of challenging stereotypes Challenging or following audience expectations about genre, the artist , narrative etc. EVIDENCE Specific and relevant examples from the videos , focusing on technical codes such as camera shots, lighting and colour ,costume and body language , conventions of music video such as artist performance and the artist's star profile or persona EXPLAIN Develop your point , contrast to other video or other points you've made, link to relevant theory e.g binary opposites, Hall's stereotypes.