How is your chosen industry regulated? Refer to your three main texts
How is your chosen industry regulated? Refer to your three main texts
Definition - Regulation refers to rules and guidelines that media producers must follow when creating media texts. In some cases, for example the film industry, regulations can be strict and enforced by specific laws. For BBFC age certificates, there are very specific guidelines which let censors know which age certificate to award each film. However, other forms of regulation can be far more relaxed.
Argument - I am going to argue the music industry is largely self-regulated, and is therefore is largely regulated in a way that is not effective. The impact of this lack of regulation allows inappropriate and adult material to be consumed by young audiences. From a financial perspective, it also makes it harder than ever to enforce the copyright of a song of music.
Context - In order to explore this argument I will be looking at the examples of Kanye West, a 39 year hip hop artist and entrepreneur, Lady Gaga, a pop artist famous for her unique style and visual direction, as well as controversial themes explored in her music, and YOUR OWN CHOSEN ARTIST
Key text 1 - Kanye West
- Video for Famous is subject to age restrictions on Youtube, which are implemented by Youtube.
"YouTube is not for pornography or sexually explicit content. If this describes your video, even if it's a video of yourself, don't post it on YouTube. Also, please be advised that we work closely with law enforcement agencies and that we report child exploitation"
However, these steps are easily circumvented by users lying about their age.
- Famous features full frontal nudity, which would not be allowed on US network television. Themes of sexualisation through the mise en scene and setting of the bed.
- Use of strong language in lyrics - "I made that bitch famous". Bitch is an example of a gendered swear word, and example of misogyny. "I feel like me and Taylor may still have sex" - reference to extramarital sex, and specific reference to a real person.
- Almost 26 million views on Youtube, 27.2 million Twitter followers suggests vast influence on audiences around the world.
- The Life of Pablo - distributed directly, advertised through his own twitter and later distributed on Tidal
- West's Twitter account (though deleted at the time of publishing this article!) is used to voice a variety of opinions and to promote West's brand. These statements are made without threat of regulation.
Key text 2 - Lady Gaga
- Judas - use of religious iconography - Crown of thorns, names of disciples in biker jackets, crucifix imagery - potentially offensive to religious audiences. However, video breaks no laws in the UK and the US
- Sexualisation - tight fitting, revealing leather costumes, connotations of sexualisation and fetishisation, however completely allowed by youtube. Male gaze theory - assumption heterosexual male audience.
- LGBT themes - Openly bisexual, active in LGBT community, eg gay pride events, costumes and her makeup make specific reference to LGBT culture. Pro gay stance can be seen as controversial by religious groups and advertisers.
- 26 million album sales however, which suggests significant appeal. Therefore, a strong argument can be made that a lack of regulation can lead to artists becoming significantly more successful as a result of increased artistic freedom