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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


Gwen Stefani- "The Sweet Escape"
This video portrays a girl who is well groomed (hair, make up, nails) although she is in jail. The jail cell is golden – gold walls, gold accessories. Her black and white striped jailbird outfit is a stark contrast to her shiny golden surroundings. She magically coaxes a dog outside of the cell to give her the key and she escapes to a high rise apartment. She is then disguised as an ‘average’ person and taken to a waiting vehicle with a male inside and together they drive away. She appears happy in his company. Eventually, the joy ride comes to an end when they are followed and then stopped by the police and she is returned to her golden jail cell.
Questions to Consider:
Why was her jail cell golden and what do you think this represented?
The joy ride was the escape and was rather uneventful. Why?
Why do you think that the 7-11 store was used in this video?
Does this make you think of any celebrities that you think might want to escape, if only for a few brief moments? (Brad and Angelina….and others)

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