I chose Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman” music video to demonstrate how sexualization of young girls is so prominent in our culture. The song is about how when you are with someone you feel so in tune with, they make you feel comfortable and make you do things you normally wouldn’t do. You feel free to take risks, try something new…in bed. In this video, we see Ariana Grande in black lingerie and on top of the bed. Black underwear, bra, lingerie means sexy. It is welcoming the unknown, mostly pleasures and passions. that it’s going down tonight. She is lying on the bed and shows off her legs and butt. The camera tends to zoom in on her face, specifically her lips and eyes. They focus a lot on her sultry eyes, innocent face. Also on her mouth: her coy smile. We also see her touching her face, her neck and stomach. They focus a lot on her neck as well. Ariana Grande also tends to put her finger on her lips and bite her finger. This suggests something that is arousing her and inviting someone to initiate sex. She is playing a tease. This is showing that she is inviting a guy’s interaction, guy’s touch. The video focuses on her long hair; something guys love, especially during hot and heavy hook up sessions. There are several scenes in the video that Ariana Grande is on the bed and has her head tilted back, arching her back which can imply moment of orgasm. We also see several close ups of her boobs. There are also scenes of her holding a pillow, tightening her grip on it. This can suggest hidden desires that she doesn’t reveal, or sensing an orgasm. Another aspect which is interesting is the lighting. At times, the light is dark and blue which suggests something mysterious, intriguing, dark fantasies. At other times it is light and pink which suggests fun, warmth. These are two sides to sex.
This video is obviously targeted to the male audience. The video is all about hooking up and sex. This intrigues the male audience because they are depicting everything guys love about girls: big lips, ass, sultry eyes, big boobs. They over emphasize on showing her body because that’s what a men finds attractive(slim) and it cultivates this idea that this is what girls should look like when hooking up with a guy and look like to attract guys. Or vice versa this is what guys should look for in a girl and expect when hooking up. I’m sorry but this is false expectations.
Ariana Grande is trying way too hard to get a guy’s attention. Confidence is sexy, being yourself is attractive. A smile is personality. Ariana Grande looks rehearsed/stiff. It looks like she is searching for a guy’s validation that she is sexy by doing all these poses and positions in the video. Look at a close up of my lips, aren’t they sexy? Look at my ass, is it too big? If you think you are beautiful. Believe it. You don’t need to change anything or look for validation from guys or the media. Do not be influenced by what is all around you. You don’t have to wear short skirts to prove you’re sexy. Sometimes that can bring about the wrong impression of you. Be yourself and be true to yourself.