This conversation, the one about what 'Blurred Lines' is truly about and how it can be perceived is one that could be stretched and dissected for a long time. With all of the songs out there that highlight sex and parties one wouldn't pay much attention to the lyrics, but many have. I, myself, didn't think much of this song because for me, if it's catchy, I like the song. Upon listening to the lyrics more closely last year, I quickly discovered what it was about. I shied away from it on the radio and gave it a thumbs down on Pandora, partially due to to the fact that it was overplayed and then because it just made me feel uncomfortable because I was paying attention to the lyrics more at that time. Until last week, when we started to dive deeper into the song, did I realize that it may have a rapey feel.
The essay by Tricia Romano is highlighted with the comments from other essays. It exemplifies the title and the feel. The title, 'Blurred Lines' is viewed as the line between consent and rape and many of the feminist writers feel that it gives the notion of rape and male bravado. On the other hand, Jennifer Lai talks about how cocky it is, but not rapey. Lai gets at the fact that while it has phrases that sound very assuming, they do not go beyond the boundaries to say, "'I know you want it, and I'm going to force you to have it.'" This gives a very bad rep to cocky men and their assumptions. But this author doesn't feel like it is something to concern yourself with.
I do agree, with both points. You need to choose for yourself if this is something to worry about and to talk about. I will not worry about this topic of discussion, but I do feel, as an individual, that this is a song that I do not want to hear. But I also won't condemn it. This song is just another song in our music industry. As much as a feminist I may be, I will not get too opinionated because the two essays tie up the perception. The song's message is about how you perceive it, just as it is with all forms of art.
Hello Maddie! Like you, I never paid much attention to the lyrics of this song when it came out. There are just so many songs out there today that reference these topics that I have found that I don't even notice the words any more. It is pretty sad if you think about it and hopefully this will change soon. I like when you said that "the song's message is about how you perceive it, just as it is with all forms of art". Even if the artist has a message people often perceive it many different ways because it is so open to interpretation.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you agree with both points, because I do as well. Also the fact that you added that this is a personal interpretation is a different and refreshing approach. Art is open to interpretation and I agree that this is the way we should view songs like "Blurred Lines." Keep up the great work!
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