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Since the release of the Buggles song “Video Killed the Radio Star” and the introduction of the music video station MTV in the early 80’s, music videos have progressed into a predominate part of our culture. Every generation has had its video icons. These icons have used the music video to convey messages to their viewers. Messages sent through music videos have included everything from what to wear, how to act, and who to vote for. With such an influence and with ever increasing availability, it is important that viewers become media literate in order to critically question what messages are being sent through videos to them. We have chosen fifteen popular videos that are on current, consistent rotation on music video stations. We have summarized them and added in critical questions to consider for visitors to this blog to answer. We have also linked the videos to this site. You can access each video by clicking on the picture of the artist that is found beside the title of the video.

Friday, March 30, 2007


Fergie- "London Bridge"
This video takes place in London. To begin, Fergie and her dancers get down in the middle of the street as Fergie raps. We then see that Fergie’s band mates from the Black Eyed Peas are at a Gentlemen’s Club where no ladies are allowed. Next we see several scenes of Fergie grinding on a couple of London Guards. The video then switches back to the Gentlemen’s Club. Fergie pulls up to club. Upon arrival she receives a martini and enters. Followed by the Paparazzi the whole time, Fergie gets annoyed and threatens one of them physically. Security approaches her as there are no ladies allowed in this club. Fergie proceeds to give the security guard a lap dance to gain access to the club. The video shifts to the Gentlemen’s club’s boardroom where Fergie and her female backup dancers are the only girls amongst numerous guys. Fergie then dances on the boardroom table while everybody cheers. The video ends with a choreographed dance with the London Guards she was grinding on earlier in the video. As the video closes we see Fergie on a very expensive speed boat on the river Thames.
Questions to Consider:
What message does this video send to females?
What message does this video send to males?
How is alcohol viewed in this video?
Are there messages that tell the viewer what is needed to be "cool"? If so, what are some examples?

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