Feminism

Beyonce-Why don't you love me?

1) How might this video contribute to Butler’s idea that gender roles are a ‘performance’?

In this music video Beyonce takes on traditional domestic roles - such as cooking and cleaning which could be viewed as socially constructed roles in society. It could be seen as a "performance" as it could be viewed that Beyonce is performing these roles in a provocative fashion in order to please men and uplift that meaning of the song which questions why her partner doesn't love her for the good things she can do because in reality it could be interpreted that her partner could be with her because she looks pretty and disregards her other talents.  

2) Would McRobbie view Beyonce as an empowering role model for women?

McRobbie would view Beyonce as empowering as the concept of the music video is of Beyonce doing domestic roles. Even though she takes on domestic roles the video ultimately emphasises how that is automatically expected for a woman to do. Beyonce is seen as empowering as she's raising he ultimate question "why don't you love me" and is seen as speaking out for women who aren't loved for who they really are but their physical looks. 

3) What are your OWN views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ (Mulvey)?

In my opinion, I believe Beyonce created this music video in order to mock thestereotypical view of what women are seen to be in society. Beyonce does both: empowering and reinforcing the male gaze. She empowers women by showing that she is an independent woman, who is just completely about performing domestic roles - this is particularly through the choice of costume - wearing excessive makeup, dresses and high heels. Furthermore, the fact she's smoking and drinking in the video shows the freedom women have to do what would be viewed asmasculine roles. However, the fact Beyonce has her cleavage on show throughout could be used to entice men and is the main foundation for the 'male gaze' as she is providing visual pleasure by exposing her body.