Current essay

How far has the representation of women in the rhythm and blues genre developed over the years, in relation to ‘The Supremes’ and ‘Destiny’s Child’?

Throughout many generations of music, the representation of women has changed dramatically in relation to how they look, how they sound and how an audience views them. Throughout this project, my first aim is to explore how the rhythm and blues genre differs now compared to its origins, particularly investigating how it has adapted and evolved to move with the times.

Secondly I will discuss the ever-changing representation of females within the R+B genre with particular reference to the male gaze theory. I have chosen to base my investigation around tow particular case studies, firstly ‘The Supremes’, who “were not only the most commercially successful female group of the '60s but among the top 5 pop/rock/soul acts of that decade.”(1)

I then plan to compare and contrast them with a more contemporary rhythm and blues act ‘Destiny’s Child’. They could be seen as a post-modern evolution of the ‘The Supremes’ but one might argue that they were more successful and ideological.

The Supremes – Keep Me Hanging On

Lead singer Diana Ross – more camera time.

Matching outfits – sophisticated, long dresses. Classy. In keeping with the time.

Same scene – video consists of watching them sing, no scene changes. Simplistic. Does this mean they have the voices to keep the viewers watching, or was it because this was the extent music videos would stretch to at the time?

No narrative – no ideology, just there to sell their music and their voices.

Survivor (4,323,526)

Lead singer Beyonce – most camera time.

Narrative – aim to sell their sexuality – male gaze theory.

Ironically singing about independence.

Costumes – revealing and mostly consist of two pieces. Legs, stomach and cleavage are all on show. Beyonce seems to appear in a different colour, possibly highlighting her importance within the band. (focus)

Opening scenes – each member is immediately sexually objectified. Their body is shown before their face. Their body is almost oiled – iconography of sexulisation.

A large amount of scene changes, movement and dancing. The girls are being sexualised with their provocative dancing and costume choices. Does this distract from the fact that their music isn’t up to a higher standard as the Supremes or are directors just making use of the things we are able to produce in this era.

Why has the music video industry changed so much? Why are bands no longer able to just stand and sing and for audiences to be satisfied? Why must they contain a narrative to hold the audiences attention? Is it the music that has changed or society?