Issues Surrounding Music Videos

Bans, nudity and inappropriate language

Planning My Video

There are many things I need to take into account when planning my own music video, mainly the content I use. Since music videos were first created there have been complaints and even bans on videos because they’ve been deemed ‘inappropriate’, therefore I need to ensure that my video is suitable for everyone so that the popularity isn’t affected and so that everyone can have access to the video.

Robin Thicke – Blurred LinesEven though Blurred Lines was the song of choice for Summer 2013, the video was still deemed unsuitable and was even banned on YouTube for a short period purely for featuring three naked female models.

Duran Duran –Girls On FilmAn older example of using scantily-clad female models is Duran Duran’s 1981 hit ‘Girls On Film’. In 1981, music videos were still a fairly new concept, and the use of scantily-clad models attracted criticism, and the video had to be heavily edited in order to use it on the television.

Madonna –Like A PrayerAnother older example of a controversial music video is Madonna’s Like A Prayer. This video was controversial as it angered religious organisations because of the perceived blasphemy in its use of Christian imagery. However, the video still won Viewer’s Choice at the 1989 MTV VMAs.

Justin Timberlake – Tunnel Vision

Justin Timberlake was also criticised for his music video Tunnel Vision because of nudity, and was also banned from YouTube for a short period. However, YouTube revoked this ban and in a statement said that they make exceptions when nudity is presented in an educational, documentary or artistic context.

Britney Spears –Baby One More TimeThis music video attracted criticism as it showed a 16 year-old Britney Spears dancing in revealing school uniform. Spears responded to the criticism by saying: “Me showing my belly? I’m from the South; you’re stupid if you don’t wear a sports bra [when you] go to dance class, you’re going to be sweating your butt off.” However, the look has become one of the most iconic in pop.

Robbie Williams –Rock DJIn Robbie Williams’ Rock DJ video he brought a new meaning to the word stripping. This video was controversial as in it, Williams literally stripped down to his bare bones.

George Michael –I Want Your SexThis music video is another older example, from 1987. From the song title it’s obvious it’s raunchy, but in the video it seemed to go ‘too far’, with Michael writing the words ‘monogamy’ and ‘explore’ on the naked back of his then-girlfriend.

Eminem –StanAt just under 9 minutes long, the full-length music video for Eminem’s ‘Stan’ was heavily censored by MTV for its depiction of violence and explicit lyrics.

Rihanna –S&MRihanna’s raunchy video was banned in several countries and was even flagged on YouTube as being unsuitable for viewers under the age of 18 due to the use of whipping, hostages and a lesbian kiss.

I Need To Take Into Account:

• Sex

• Sexuality

• Nudity

• Religion

• Extreme violence

• Explicit lyrics