Represenation of Masculinity:

Due to the male gaze theory it is well known how women are perceived in the eyes of men in the music industry however, the representation of men is something that is still to be wondered and interpreted upon.

This is challenged by two different theories:

THEORY1:

Theory one is associated with the polarisation of masculinity with femininity. This is when if a man is not portrayed to be the representation of masculine, they are then perceived as feminine. This then leads to a feminine man being linked to homosexuality due to stereotypical assumptions. People are judged more harshly for stepping out of these boundaries.
An example of this would be 'Lady Gaga; Alejandro'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqrrmev4mA

However, even if a man is seen to be feminine if he is openly sexual this cancels out the femininity surrounding him which turns the scenario back around to him being associated to masculinity.

An example of this would be the band Steel Panther.

 

Steel Panther represent everything that is feminine within a male vocal group this is due to the exaggerated and bright coloured clothing, which would be commonly associated with female artists. This is then added to the excessive makeup and hair the band wear within their music videos, this is also added to the mannerisms the band portray through their actions.

The most common form of this would be the use of the phallic symbol. This method is when the use of sexual features are represented through objects with the key intention of this image being portrayed.

This method is used by all famous artists/bands; more well-known artists for using this technique would be Madonna.

THEORY2:

Theory two is associated with age. This is due to the idea that older men are more masculine therefore, are more worthy in the eye of the intended audience. Younger men are seen to be less worthy and less important due to have youth on their side and not as experienced as the older man with time on his side.

 

 Another idea linked to this is that an individual man is more desirable to the eye, than a group of men perhaps in a group. This is linked to the idea of a dominant male over all other males.
This theory is shown within the next two videos:

'Boyzone; Love Me For A Reason'

 

 

In this video the main focus is not on one individual, but multiple individuals within the group therefore, the sex appeal cannot be attained from this due to all the characters having to blend in together. This is shown through the clothing and body actions portrayed from each member of the band, each individual cannot be seen to overshadowing another individual therefore, this meaning they have to play it down to the camera making them seem less appealing to the audience.



 

'Robbie Williams; Rock Dj'

 

                                     

 

In this video Robbie is portrayed as a sex symbol, or in other words 'a piece of meat'. This is due to the narrative side of the music video, in which he is being ogled at by the other female characters, which are essentially portrayed to be after him and his body. He is portrayed to be looked upon not for his character or him as a person but his body and what he potentially has to offer the girls he is being watched by.

 

(Therefore, this theory has made me ponder upon whether theory one or two would be suited for the band used for the music video for our group, which is by the band 4KICKS, which are a five piece indie pop band. Therefore, due to the song and the lyrics being on a lighter emotional remedy, I have decided theory two would be more suited. However, although an individual is seen more masculine to the audience within this theory, it is apparent that choosing the route of embracing more members of the band, it would keep the audience focused on the lyrics within the piece, instead of looking at the artists as a 'sex symbol' and not particularly paying attention to the real message within the music video)