Howard Hart

Howard Hart, born in Rochester, New York, on August 4th, 1968, is a professional golfer who plays at the PGA tours. Despite suffering with scoliosis, he became quite skilled with golf and acquired more and more prowess as he was growing up. His first claim to fame was when he won the 1996 Bell Canadian Open. His second victory came in the 2000 Honda Classic Open. Aside from playing tennis, he also owns a golf club, The Lake Shore Club, and likes to play there himself against the members.

James Blake

James Blake was in Yonkers, New York, USA, on December 28th 1979. He is a professional tennis player and is notorious for his flat hand tennis manoeuver. Suffering with mild scoliosis, he had to wear a back brace during his high school years. In 2007, he published an autobiography: 'Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Life'. In 2008, he was awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Source:  http://celebrityscoliosis.com/

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain was in Aberdeen, Washington, USA in 1967. He attended Aberdeen High School, and co-formed a rock grunge band called Nirvana in his home town of Aberdeen when he was 20 years old. He also injured agonising and severe back pain due to his scoliosis.

Usain Bolt

Usain St. Leo Bolt was born in 1986 in Sherwood Content, Jamaica. He is Jamaica's most successful Olympic runner and is currently regarded as the world's fastest person. He is the first person to hold both the 100 metre and 200 metre since time measurements were made compulsory in 1977.  He is currently the reigning world champion of three Olympic events. He broke the Olympic world record for the 4x100 relay.

Audience classification from 970103MAHO00

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.   

Audience Analysis

What gender what like 'Blurred Lines'?

I think that the both genders may like this music video. Males might like it because the music video itself is male-dominated. Females might like it because of the fashion that the models are wearing.

What geological demographic type might like the  song?

The geo-demagraphic type that might like 'Blurred Lines' might be people from the EU or the Americas. However people in countries such as Japan might like the song due to their cultural connections to the West. However, in poorest and LEDCs such as Africa could not see it and therefore can't hold an opinion.

What, if any, faith groups might like the song?

I think that 'Blurred Lines' may be fairly controversial or condemned within most religions. However, certain religious people might like the song due to lyrics making various refrences towards female equality. However, it is also widespread with controversy across mainstream faiths and religions.

Can people of various levels of disposable income afford to watch the video and listen to the song?

I think that any person of disposable income can afford to watch the video and listen to the song. Therefore, any person can hold an opinion on the music video and what they feel is acceptable and unacceptable.

Would people with varying ambitions like the music video and lyrics?

I think that people with any ambitions would like the music video and the lyrics. Their ambitions can be high or low as this does not affect why they would like the music video or not. It also dictates what your life ambitions should be.

What would people of various ethnic origins think of this music video and it's lyrics?

I think that people of certain ethnic origins would take offence towards the video and the lyrics because they might not agree with what the lyrics represent. However, people of other ethnic origins might like the video and the lyrics because of the rhythm and the actual music. They may also like the music video because Pharrell Williams is actively in the video, who is also of ethnic origin.

What would people of certain interests think of the music video and the lyrics?

I think that people who have an interest in music and are constantly chasing the hottest new music and genre might like this because it has a rhythm and a vibe. However, people who have a very keen interest in protesting and advocating for more feminism and female rights might be repulsed and disgusted at the music video for dismissing one of their key interests.

What would people of certain fashion think of the music video and it's lyrics?

I think that people of very controversial fashion would like the music video as it promotes their type of fashion. I think that the type of more modest clothing might find the video obscene and controversial. This is true as some young girls who have watched the video and/or heard the lyrics might dress provocatively to act like one of the models in 'Blurred Lines'.


What would who live in certain locations think about 'Blurred Lines'?

I think that the certain locations where people live, e.g.: towns, suburbs, cities, etc, would affect how they view 'Blurred Lines'. A person who lives in a village might view the video as misogynistic and immoral due to their rural lifestyle. However, a person in a city might see 'Blurred Lines' as acceptable for viewing because of their non-agricultural lifestyle.