Blog 6

Alessandra Bisconti

3/6/15

Blog Post 6

Survivor

            In the music video Survivor by destiny’s child, the women portray an image specifically intended to empower woman. Too often woman are shown as sexual objects that are weak and vulnerable. The female gaze is an image that portrays women in a positive and supportive light. The music video for the song Survivor shows the women singing that they are going to overcome their recent hardship; which was obviously the loss of a man. The difference comes with their response to the loss. Typically society shows the outcome of a break up resulting in the woman being depressed and needy. It was refreshing to see Destiny’s child strong and powerful take on this situation.

           

            There are always mixed reviews on women’s appearance in music videos. The difference between a male gaze directed video and female gaze directing lies in the portrayal of women. Men show women bodies objectified, whereas women show their body as a form of self-confidence. With this, women are then judged for showing their body when it’s on their terms. On the other hand, women are criticized for being sexual if it is on men’s terms.

            Confidence can be exhibited in different forms. I believe that female gaze represents the individuality of women’s confidence. If women want to wear semi-revealing clothes and dance to make themselves feel good, then they should be able to. The lyrics in the video Survivor are all uplifting quotes that lift up, rather than tear down the confidence of woman. Female gaze can be seen in different ways, but in any case it should be supporting women through our means, and not by what society thinks we should conform to.