Alex Hoad's Blurred Tones film and Analysis of Reactions

Blurred Tones Analysis

I created a documentary about the Robin Thicke single ‘Blurred Lines’ and the mixed views and controversy that it gained regarding it’s sexist and misogynistic lyrics about women. The mixed reactions that I observed from some of my fellow students were just as interesting as the mainstream controversy.

For example, one student said that the music video was very appealing and was suitable for broadcast.

However, the student thinks that when women see the music video, perhaps they might not approve of it and acknowledges that while he likes it, others will not like it nor desire to watch the video or other music videos that portray women in that manner.

Another student said that it is people’s choice whether to or to not watch the music video and that if people do not want to listen to it, then they shouldn’t if they don’t like it and complimented the music video’s happy and vibrant tone.

On the other hand, the student said that they can understand the music video is so controversial because of the way that it portrays men as being superior to women and that the women must be subservient towards the men.  

However, another student’s opinions were much less approving or tolerable towards the single’s impression of women. They said that Robin Thicke treats women like second-class citizens and does not value or respect them in any kind of way.

The student also said that from this video, women can ascertain a view that they have no other goals and ambitions in life apart from serving the men’s fantasies and could be used to promote or condone rape or other forms or sexual predatory and even called Blurred Lines an outright horrible video.

One of my tutors was even more opposed to the video and it’s content, even saying that the models in the video are treated as animals and sex objects. The tutor feels that the video portrays a very negative ideal for women to attempt to live up to because it tells women that they must serve men and do whatever they ask women to do.

The tutor also thinks that the music video demonstrates a powerful image against men as well because it states that men want to be popular and successful in life, they have to be able to wear and afford nice and smart clothes and have lots of women around them and desire to be with them all of the time.  

Overall, I feel that Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines is very controversial and divides opinion in virtually every matter concerning the music video and it’s lyrics and what they contain and suggest. 

From what I saw on this documentary, it seems that even young people who have not really experienced life fully, yet have a founded opinion on topics such as sexism, content, misogyny, sexual consent and debates about taste.

I also feel that people hold very strong views, whether they be for or against something and very determined on those views.