For this entry I analyzed the “Best Song Ever” music video by One Direction. This music video enforces many gender stereotypes. In the beginning of the video the two executive characters are talking about a relationship that involves cheating on ones partner. This type of conversation while not acceptable from anyone at work, would be received completely differently had they been women talking about the same thing. Additionally the two executive characters are obviously in a leadership role and they appear to be aggressive seen in the way they talk to the other people by being very loud and bordering on yelling to other people. Because they are in a leadership role it can be assumed that they are self-reliant, assertive, forceful, decisive, and dominant. All of these traits are traditionally associated with males. When the singing begins, Harry gets right up in the face of the executives. This demonstrates him having a dominant personality also traditionally associated with men. As the music video progresses all of the boys are being disruptive and destructive. When you can see the other people in the office that appear to be working under the two main men they are almost entirely female. During the ending credits Niall’s second character (one of the executives) is very loud and assertive. Louis’s second character (the other executive) is acting in much of the same way. As far as where the music video goes against stereotypes is, the main assistant is Zayn Malik cross dressing as a woman. Additionally, Harry and Liam’s second characters are both very flamboyant men. Both displaying Cheerful, shy, sensitivity, and gentle behaviors. All of which are traditionally associated with women. As far as gaze theory goes, Zayn’s second character (the assistant) is sexualized throughout the video. When she is bending over each of the boys are looking at her butt. Also when Harry starts the song he gets much too close to her their bodies touching. Additionally, in the ending credits the assistant is only referred to as “the sexy assistant”. While the sexualization and objectification is not to the extreme often seen with gaze theory I would argue that there are definitely the components of gaze theory present.
Shared by: Margaret Shiverick
Image Credit: https://www.outinperth.com/one-direction-has-the-best-song-ever/