I was recently assigned by a Mass Media course to watch a movie called "Dreamworlds" In this movie, they explored how the music video world has heavily sexualized, as well as objectified women to the point of being akin to porn. I was curious to find out more about this concept because I never realized that music videos had this underlying oppression, it was simply a form of entertainment.

One of the concepts discussed was how music videos actually turn women into objects, by cutting them up in the shots so as to only view certain body parts. Thinking back on any music videos you watched I'm sure you can see how a lot of shots are of women's legs, or women in bikini's (showing only their midsection, no head, or legs), but most times you don't actually see their full body.

If you were to look on the trending music videos on YouTube one of the first ones is Shakira's "Perro Fiel", where one scene is of naked women being presented as cellos. That's not all though, Shakira is widely known for her dance moves and also her revealing outfits, which you can see within the first 22 seconds.

Even Taylor Swift has adopted this common imagery in her new music video for "Look What You Made Me Do". Where she can be seen in several revealing outfits, as well one akin to a dominatrix outfit when addressing what appears to be an army of women dressed in a short of a bikini. Another common image that we see for women is them being put in cages which Taylor also utilizes.

Before you get mad and say that females are using this imagery so it's women empowerment, I will say that men have repeatedly used this technique, but they also have the option not too. Most women who want to make it big in the music industry must conform to the wants of the consumer, which has typically been the male fantasy. This can affect how young girls grow up viewing themselves as you can see on Dove's website by clicking here. Male artists heavily present the stereotypical sexual fantasies. Justin Timberlake in 'Cry Me River' breaks into his ex's apartment and watches her bathe. Migos in the music video for 'Bad and Boujee' have women who are serving the men, are dancing for them, and are overall in the background following the man.

That being said, hip-hop is known for its misrepresentation of women as sexual objects. However other genres use it too. This is demonstrated in Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines', where there are multiple women just dancing on him. The women are referred to as animals and wanting "it". There's another scene where a girl is dancing in front of balloons that spell out Robin Thicke has a big d*&@. His music video did come under fire for promoting rape, and confusion towards consent, which you can read more by clicking here.

Not only are these images damaging to women's self-esteem as they think they need to present themselves in a similar manner, but it also can lead to other issues. One is that it leaves a subconscious impression that women are sexual beings, who crave attention, and are often times overcome by their sexual desire. Which is promoted by the use of scenes of women having their pictures taken, or even without the photographer the woman is looking for the camera. The women crave this attention, they bask in it and enjoy it.

Now before you state it's a music video so it's obviously fake, well it may not be the causation, but there is definitely a correlation to music videos in society. One example is that after the Puerto Rican Pride Parade in 2000, in central park men attacked various women. The least harmful tactic they used was spraying the women down with water, and going as far as assaulting them. The common imagery of dousing women in water, or booze, is often seen in music videos. This happens on many occurrences where men throw water and drinks at women to douse them, thus leaving them with see-through or provocative outfits.

In the past and present music videos have shown questionable judgment when showing women in the videos. This includes women rejecting advances only to give in later to their sexual urges, women being the instigators, and often times dehumanizing women into nothing more than sexual objects.

Now I am not saying that you should protest all music videos, but rather make sure you're educated in your consumption of them. If a music video particularly promotes the objectification of women, even though you may think it's just a music video, refuse to watch it, and voice your concern. Remember as the consumer you have all the power in what happens, but it takes someone saying that they don't like it for it to change. Now I'm not saying that all music videos are bad, in fact, I'll admit I still cheer when female artists are being confident and sexy. People need to be aware of the effect it has on society in promoting an image of male fantasy in which females are these sex objects, or sexual beings, who want any/all kinds of attention.