A new study released by the End Violence Against Women Coalition, Imkaan and Object has concluded what many of us already suspected: Music videos largely contribute to attitudes that promote violence against women.
Pornographic Performances, the report, suggests that music videos promote the idea that the more sexual partners the better for men, the more sexual partners the sluttier for women. Subjects viewed the videos in a controlled setting and were then questioned. Those who watched clips from videos such as Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" were more likely to justify excuses for "acquaintance rape" and other crimes against women.
Not only do music videos encourage sexism, it seems they encourage racism as well. The study notes that women of color are more often displayed as "animalistic" and "hypersexual."
The trio of groups suggest three solutions for countering the effects of the music videos: A) compulsory age ratings for music videos, similar to those used on television programs, B) the introduction of sex and relationship education to all schools, with an emphasis on consent and equality and C) for those working in the music industry to "listen to the views of young women, especially young black women.
We may be cynical but we're willing to bet the music industry would rather play in traffic than care about the rights of women in music videos.
"For years young women have been telling us that they are not happy with the representation of women in popular culture, including music videos," said Lia Latchford of Ikaan. "We are happy to finally see a briefing which reflects their experiences and the harmful impact of racism and sexism in music videos."
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