The media I will be analyzing is the lyrics within the song Glad You Exist by Dan and Shay. Throughout these lyrics, there are many stereotypical feminine and masculine traits.

Masculine Stereotypes/ Counter Stereotypes:

Here’s to all the bad decisions that you didn’t judge

  • These lyrics are insinuating that men are making bad decisions and typically do so. It also leads to believe women are judging these men for their decisions. These stereotypes that men make bad decisions contribute to the idea that men are intense, and reckless, in certain situations. 

Hey, look what a hello from a stranger turned into

  • The idea that this man said hello first contributes to the idea that men have to make the first move in approaching the girl. 

Never let me go, never ever let me go, never let me go, baby

  • These lyrics are counterstereotypical because normally the man is supposed to hold onto the woman and support her, and this is the opposite, where he wants her to support him and never leave her or let go. 

Feminine Stereotypes: 

All the ‘love you’s and the ‘hate you’s and the secrets that you told me

  • These lyrics insinuate that women gossip and tell secrets to their significant others and or friends. These are stereotypical because women like to talk. They also like to talk about their feelings and frustrations which can cause gossip and secrets that they share. 

And a million other places we could be, but you’re here with me

  • Continuously these lyrics, show that women are always busy and doing many things. Which stereotypically they take on more projects. But they also like to spend time with their significant others and enjoy their company.

All the right words at the right time and you know ’em ’cause you know me

  • These lyrics also show that women know people really well and remember things and details that are important. 

The lyrics of this song embrace the Sex-Role Theory because they emphasize the stereotypical characteristics of both men and women in how they live their lives, and interact with each other.

Shared by: Meg Lamers
Image Credit: https://open.spotify.com/album/0g1F5eGVwX4Sxi1n8ojPkE