One of the biggest songs from last year was also the most controversial. The song is indisputably catchy, but does "Blurred Lines" really portray a darker connotation of rape like many suggest, or is the hit song's original meaning being separated from what many say promotes sexual violence against women? I disagree with any opinion that this song is "rapey" but rather "Blurred Lines" is simply a great example of how pushing the envelope can lead to financial success.
It is quite possible that artist Robin Thicke wanted to intentionally use lyrics like "I know you want it" to create a stir among listeners. Trisha Romano of The Daily Beast definitely had a strong reaction to these lyrics. To her, those lines undeniably signify a rapey attitude towards women. However, Jennifer Lai of Slate took the line in a completely different direction. She thought the line merely was a poke at Robin Thicke's cockiness at picking up women. The point is, the meaning is very ambiguous if you listened to just that line. But looking at ALL of the lyrics of the song completely throws the rape theory away. Lai also talks about how Thicke numerous times "puts the ball in her court" with lines like "do you wanna get at me." There is no doubt in my mind that Robin Thicke knew this song would create controversy. In an interview with his manager, Jordan Feldstein states "I knew it would get banned quickly ... Getting something banned actually helps you." Before "Blurred Lines", Robin Thicke had never had a hit single on the radio. After much controversy and bannings of the song and video, you cannot disagree that the song was not a financial and commerical success, the one thing that I think Robin Thicke was going for.
GREAT POST PETE. Overall it was very interesting as to how you related "pushing the envelope" to financial success. It made me question my own opinon on what I thought this song meant; at many points you included background information which gave the article depth and detail. It was overall very easy to read. You should put it on your fridge.
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Wow! This was really good Peter! You should print it and give it to your mom to put on the fridge. Seriously though, I agree. Obviously Robin Thicke earned lots of money from his song and video but I never though that he could have created a controversial piece on purpose. After reading your article it would make perfect sense that he would though because then he would receive press and attention and as a result, fame and fortune. You had an opinion unique to all the other opinions I have read about so that was cool!
ReplyDeleteThis was a really interesting take on the issue Peter! I think that Thicke was most likely following other successful artists in creating a song that could easily be turned into a point of controversy. While the lyrics alone acceptable if not a little cocky, the music video takes the song to a whole new level; which Thicke was well aware of. Great insight!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your post Pete. I loved your line at the end of the first paragraph when you said, "pushing the envelope can lead to financial success." I had previously crossed this idea, but the way you put it was fantastic. Also, you brought up another worthy point at the end of the second paragraph. Thicke knew his song would get banned, but it was all part of his plan. You expanded on this idea quite well to persuade the reader. Well done Pete.
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