Feminism: Feminist theory and Beyonce video analysis

 

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

Butler's idea of gender roles as a performance can be seen as a "performance" because of how the music video has made a socially constructed version of Beyonce. This would be because of the fact that this music video is based on the past in a misogynistic era which would then mean that the "performance" element would be slightly exaggerated. 

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

McRobbie probably would view Beyonce as an empowering role model because of her previous work which had referenced to empowering women. This would be because of tracks such as "Single Ladies" and "Who run the World" which can still justify how she would empower women.

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

It can be argued that this would enforce the "male gaze" of how Beyonce has sexualised herself for the music video as her actions make her look more pleasuring for the male audience. As well as that there will also be the revealing clothing that has also made it it question whether she is wearing it to pleasure a male audience or to empower women. I think that it supports both sides of the argument so that then both sides can see some pleasure so that therefore both audiences get pleasure from the video.