Beyonce video

1) How might this video contribute to Butler’s idea that gender roles are a ‘performance’?

The media influences performance roles because it reinforces the idea that women are there to do housework and look after children. The Beyonce video seems to reinforce the idea that women just work around the house which is a common stereotype about women.

2) Would McRobbie view Beyonce as an empowering role model for women?

McRobbie would view this as an empowering factor for women to an extent because the whole idea of the glamour shown throughout the video makes women seem powerful and luxurious in the music video. However, Beyonce working in the kitchen may also degrade women to an extent because of the typical stereotypes.

3) What are your OWN views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ (Mulvey)?

I personally think that Beyonce reinforces the male gaze and other stereotypes to an extent. When looking strictly at the lyric 'why dont you love me' you can instantly see that she needs a man to support and lover her which degrades women and show them not to be independent. Also the revealing clothing reinforces the male gaze and allows men watching the video to sexualise her and look at her for their own purposes and pleasures.