Include:
- analysis of stereotyping in the video considering media language elements specific to music videos such as camera shots, angles, editing, mise-en-scene (lighting, setting, locations, costumes, props, makeup) and sound
- links to social, historical and cultural references.
- accurate analysis of how the Billie Jean music video uses stereotypes to represent a variety of images of ethnicity, which provides logical connections and a good line of reasoning.
introduction point
social, historical and cultural evidence
mise-en-scene and media language technical language
evaluate conclusion
explaining a scene in the video
In the Michael Jackson music video, Billie Jean, many different stereotypes are used as varying representation of ethnicity in pop culture. Many different techniques are used in the video to represent ethnicity; such as camera shots, editing styles, wardrobe and actions appearing in the video itself. All of these properties of the music video combine together to represent a variety of images of ethnicity shown to the audience. Jackson is followed by a photographer who is attempting to catch him in the act of doing something wrong.
There are a range of stereotypes presented in the video, some good and some bad, that showcase the issues at the time of filming of Jacksons video. Jackson is showing walking over to a homeless man and flipping a coin into his hat, thus transforms the man into clean clothes and a happy persona. The use of this mise-en-scene represents a positive stereotype for ethnicity, in that all people can be kind and generous. the light that emanates from the homeless man could depict Jackson as being his guardian angel and using his magic, money, to turn his life around. The camera shoots the shot of Jackson throwing the coin below him to show that there is some superiority to Jackson and he is of a higher class but still respects those below him.
Alvarado's theory's of representation identified four main types of portrayal of those in video with different ethnicities, the humorous, the exotic, the pitied, and the dangerous. Jackson, due to being in charge of the video himself mainly, does not really follow any of these stereotypes given to those acting in media. as the press chases him around, Jackson is vigilant and makes sure he does not get bested by the paparazzi whilst still remaining collected. The editing of Jackson disappearing whenever the photographer gets near to him represents his strength as a person and not needing any help to escape the trouble that has been made for him.
Introduction: The music video 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson
from 1982 highlights a number of positive and negative representations of ethnicity. It draws upon a number of ethnic stereotypes including Alvarado's theory of representation that identified the four types of ethnic representation in media, the humorous, the exotic, the pitied and the dangerous, within the video.
Social, historical and cultural: Billie Jean was released by Jackson in 1982. At the time many negative stereotypes were held towards those of African -American decent, similar to Jackson. The video was ground breaking because it became extremely popular with those in many different communities and helped break the barriers and negative stereotypes held. It holds a clear narrative considering ...... Which links to ......
Mise-en-scene: The media language of the video highlights a number of stereotypes used, for example as Michael Jackson walks down the street the paving slabs light up. This has connotations of him spreading happiness and light wherever he goes and also link to the Midas touch where anything he touches turns to gold. this could show Jackson being able to spread love and success to others; similarly to when he gives money to the homeless man. It is also seen through the use of camera when Jackson is approaching the homeless man and gives him a coin, the camera angle is facing up, with the camera below him, highlighting that he is above the people but still cares about them. Stereotypes are evident in the use of costumes when Jackson is shown to be wearing smart and fairly normal clothes for those at the time of the video filming. the clothing he is shown in is more on the smart side, which goes against stereotypes of wearing baggy and ragged clothing.
Conclusion: Back up your points and remind the examiner how ethnicity is shown through the use of stereotypes.
There are a range of stereotypes presented in the video, some good and some bad, that showcase the issues at the time of filming of Jacksons video. Alvarado's theory's of representation identified four main types of portrayal of those in video with different ethnicities, the humorous, the exotic, the pitied, and the dangerous.
No comments:
Post a Comment