Women In Blank Space

Throughout history, there has been much contention concerning the treatment of women in society and in recent times, these long-standing controversies have progressed into arguments regarding the portrayal of women in modern media: Despite efforts of feminists, gender inequality is still present in our modern culture, and according to research women are still depicted as the weaker sex and in turn frequently sexualised within the music, film and television (Elber, 2013) – to a consumer ignorant to ongoing gender-equality issues, it is simply the norm. Perhaps this is why Joseph Kahn’s music video for Blank Space by Taylor Swift has received much praise from feminists (Valenti, 2014). I intend to explore the reasons behind this and discuss

There is a direct reference to the fairytale ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ with use of the red apple, comparing her to the wicked witch who manipulates Snow White. A parallel is created between the boyfriend in the video and the red apple itself (see fig IV and V), inferring that she has complete control over him, representing her as the female in the relationship to be in charge. Accompanied with the lyrics ‘don’t say I didn’t warn you’, this combined with the visual makes for a slightly threatening Swift, and in turn asserts her

It is obvious due to the lack of revealing clothes, provocative dancing and suggestive lyrics that sexuality is not part of Swift’s brand. The video displays no intended sex appeal, but simply beauty; though this depiction of beauty and grace in itself could be equally as dubious in the representation of women in the mass media, and in turn setting the standards of feminine physical beauty. In the video she is clearly represented as successful in wealth, she gains the attention of a handsome man and she has power over her own world, and research has suggested that the media may cultivate norms that set long-lasting standards to which individuals aspire…leading to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and eating disorders (Wykes, Gunter, 2005, 138-139). For example, Swift has a slender figure, therefore any impressionable female that feels they do not adorn this figure may consider themselves as not beautiful, and in turn less likely to succeed. This interpretation of the video represents prosperous females as beautiful, and that power comes hand-in-hand with