24K Magic

this week, I decided to watch the music video, 24K Magic, by Bruno Mars. (Mainly because he has the best dimples and well, baby face.)

The most obvious role the men play in this video are that they are well off, can provide a good time, and spend money lavishly, as it takes place in Vegas.

The women's role in the video is not really much, other than being sexual objects. They are there to surround the men, dancing in small bikinis and shakin' their asses.

I would have to agree with Sut Jhally when he insists all music videos tell a story about male and female sexuality. The men in the video are represented as more superior to the women as they are the ones who will be providing for everyone else. Examples such as showing up to vegas in a private jet, hosting a party, and gambling.

The women's sexuality is portrayed through their physical appearance. They are all dolled up, wearing bikinis and being objectified sexually.

This music video reinforces stereotypes because it is feeding into what "success" or what a "good time" is supposed to look like. It allows those who view it to believe if they had money, girls will come in twenty-four packs all dolled up and shaking their goods for champagne.

Adolescents watching videos like this one may learn some groovy dance moves, but for the most part, they are learning that once you are successful, you should expect to have a party lifestyle and women will absolutely be included for your indulgences.

Split

I decided to go to the one and only, Target, to take a look at how the company markets their toy section to boys and girls.

I of course walked away with more than just pictures. (I bought something unnecessary. But, it would not be a normal trip to Target if I hadn't so, may as well continue the streak!)

Back to the topic.

The first thing that I noticed between the "girls" isle and the "boys" isle was the color scheme. The girl section was booming with pinks and purples while the boys section was blues and reds. Below are some of the pictures I took which I'll go into some detail on my thoughts.

The girls:

Here is the girls isle which has the pinks and purples, dolls, and cute outfits for your dolls.

Then theres and entire wall dedicated to Barbie.

And across from the Barbie wall, it's filled with princess gowns. The sign reads "Dream Big, Princess"

And now the boys:

A lego Star Wars wall of goodies for the boys.

An entire section for cars.

NERF GUNS!!

This is Targets attempt to have both boys and girls toys on the same shelf. Maybe someone there is catching on, that boys AND girls like to scoot!

To point out the obvious, the girls toys are geared towards getting dolled up, while the boy toys are more adventurous. I get that it may be positive to place a girls section and a boys section for the sake of being organized, but I can't really blame Target for the negative aspects of splitting the toy section. I feel it falls more onto the toy makers and them purposefully targeting either boys or girls. even though boys and girls can play with all toys, they toy companies aren't really making them gender neutral.