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[Simplet]

To look at it this way you have to accept the premise that the song and video are somehow a 'self-parody'.

Well you and others seemed to believe him when he said that he was playing at degrading women and having fun with it, why don't you believe him now?

If you don't believe him, do you believe the model in the video? (link to the whole article is below, it's somewhat interesting)

So if there’s nothing “blurry” about about the male artist’s misogynistic intentions, what about the women involved in the project? The video’s female director, Diane Martel denies any sexist wrong-doing and dismissed Thicke’s comments in an interview with Eric Ducker at Grantland. Emily Ratajkowski, the brown-haired model in the video agrees. In an interview with Esquire, she explained that the women in the video were “directed to have a sort of confidence, a sarcastic attitude about the whole situation,” and that the “eye contact and that attitude really puts [them] in a power situation.”

The stunning model (who I wouldn’t recommend looking at unless you’re ready for a dramatic drop in your own self-esteem) makes an interesting point highlighting the complexity of this topic. She explains that growing up with a feminist mother made her realize that her body could be a source of pride. “It’s something very important for young women today to have that confidence. [The video] is actually celebrating women and their bodies.” So according to Ratajkowski, naked female bodies on television can be empowering. She also positions the video as a critique of the misogynistic music video genre. “Pop music is great, but there’s a lot of BS about the attitude of guys being super-gangster — that’s why the whole video is silly. It’s making fun of itself.”

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I'm wondering if feminists are going after Thicke, because his song is so popular right now.

I'd be interested to see dozens and dozens of parody songs going after other musicians who degrade women, too.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

That video was terrible.

Is this a common thing? Feminists making parody videos and being terrible at them?

Or is it just that 99% of parody/response videos are horrible?

It's a common thing. Even Weird Al's video parodies are trash.

 

[marrec]

Well you and others seemed to believe him when he said that he was playing at degrading women and having fun with it, why don't you believe him now?

If you don't believe him, do you believe the model in the video? (link to the whole article is below, it's somewhat interesting)

http://www.salon.com/2013/07/27/blurred_lines_is_clearly_sexist_partner/

I see nothing wrong with naked female bodies. The problem people have with the video isn't bared breasts.

 

[Simplet]

I see nothing wrong with naked female bodies. The problem people have with the video isn't bared breasts.

Well what is it then?

 

[Sanky Panky]

Well you and others seemed to believe him when he said that he was playing at degrading women and having fun with it, why don't you believe him now?

If you don't believe him, do you believe the model in the video? (link to the whole article is below, it's somewhat interesting).

Did you know that when they interview some girls that appear in Girls Gone Wild, they also see it as empowering? They, and the model, are the result of what has happened to our culture. To them, the notion of power is how much they can show off, or do, to make men want to fuck them. Making sure you have a confident look (as the model was instructed), while you have your tits out, parading around for the pleasure of men, sure doesn't seem like a position of "power".

 

[marrec]

Well what is it then?

It's the clear objectification of the women in the video. That particular model can be proud of her body (she should be) but there is nothing celebratory about that video. It's about men lusting after the object of the female body. Of course, that's just the video. The song includes lyrics that blur the lines of consent with 'I know you want it' repeated over and over again and Mr. Thicke encouraging her to get high, presumably so that she'll want it more.

Add into it all of his comments dismissing the misogyny and anyone who is offended by it. Three naked women on TV isn't inherently sexist, being SEXY isn't sexist. You have to take into account the context.

 

[Simplet]

Did you know that when they interview some girls that appear in Girls Gone Wild, they also see it as empowering? They, and the model, are the result of what has happened to our culture. To them, the notion of power is how much they can show off, or do, to make men want to fuck them. Making sure you have a confident look (as the model was instructed), while you have your tits out, parading around for the pleasure of men, sure doesn't seem like a position of "power".

Hum. It looks like it was her idea of a position of power, who are you to disagree?

Would you say the men in that feminist video have been brainwashed by society, because they feel powerful being instructed to touch themselves in their underwear for a feminist music video?

It's the clear objectification of the women in the video. That particular model can be proud of her body (she should be) but there is nothing celebratory about that video. It's about men lusting after the object of the female body. Of course, that's just the video. The song includes lyrics that blur the lines of consent with 'I know you want it' repeated over and over again and Mr. Thicke encouraging her to get high, presumably so that she'll want it more.

Add into it all of his comments dismissing the misogyny and anyone who is offended by it. Three naked women on TV isn't inherently sexist, being SEXY isn't sexist. You have to take into account the context.

Again, those men are clearly being objectified in that feminist video, and yet you thought it was "pure awesome" (let me find out your exact quote).

edit : actually it wasn't you who said that. Though it seems to me that you've somehow implied through the thread that you agree with the idea of this feminist video, but I might be wrong. Do you?

 

[Jburton]

It's the clear objectification of the women in the video. That particular model can be proud of her body (she should be) but there is nothing celebratory about that video. It's about men lusting after the object of the female body. Of course, that's just the video. The song includes lyrics that blur the lines of consent with 'I know you want it' repeated over and over again and Mr. Thicke encouraging her to get high, presumably so that she'll want it more.

Add into it all of his comments dismissing the misogyny and anyone who is offended by it. Three naked women on TV isn't inherently sexist, being SEXY isn't sexist. You have to take into account the context.

Things are open to interpretation, and that's yours ......... does not mean its correct.

 

[tranciful]

I'm wondering if feminists are going after Thicke, because his song is so popular right now.

I'd be interested to see dozens and dozens of parody songs going after other musicians who degrade women, too.

Parodying unpopular content would be a complete waste of time.

 

[NinjaTehFish]

I felt the parody was a stab at objectification and exploitation in the music/entertainment industry as a whole, I didn't see it as a direct stab at Thicke but at pop music in general that just happened to use his song as a template.

 

[Metrotab]

Did you know that when they interview some girls that appear in Girls Gone Wild, they also see it as empowering? They, and the model, are the result of what has happened to our culture. To them, the notion of power is how much they can show off, or do, to make men want to fuck them. Making sure you have a confident look (as the model was instructed), while you have your tits out, parading around for the pleasure of men, sure doesn't seem like a position of "power".

Good thing we have you around, to tell women they're wrong in feeling what they feel.

I believe women have agency to decide what's empowering and what's not for themselves. Maybe I'm just a bad feminist.

 

[marrec]

Things are open to interpretation, and that's yours ......... does not mean its correct.

Sure, that's why discussion is important.

I feel like it's a bit sad that this is even open to interpretation. It's not that Robin Thicke's song is even that much more misogynistic compared to other in the genre... but that it's 'controversial' at all is a bit disheartening.

 

[depths20XX]

Did you know that when they interview some girls that appear in Girls Gone Wild, they also see it as empowering? They, and the model, are the result of what has happened to our culture. To them, the notion of power is how much they can show off, or do, to make men want to fuck them. Making sure you have a confident look (as the model was instructed), while you have your tits out, parading around for the pleasure of men, sure doesn't seem like a position of "power".

"No, no, your idea of what empowers you is wrong. You have to adhere to MY idea of empowerment"

 

[sikma42]

Good thing we have you around, to tell women they're wrong in feeling what they feel.

I believe women have agency to decide what's empowering and what's not for themselves. Maybe I'm just a bad feminist.

Feminists are very good at that. Just read Jezebel for a couple of minutes.

 

[NinjaTehFish]

Good thing we have you around, to tell women they're wrong in feeling what they feel.

I believe women have agency to decide what's empowering and what's not for themselves. Maybe I'm just a bad feminist.

Crazy talk.

You must be a witch!

 

[faceless007]

I believe women have agency to decide what's empowering and what's not for themselves. Maybe I'm just a bad feminist.

Then why you are criticizing women who say the video is sexist? Seems like you only believe that about women you agree with.

 

[marrec]

"No, no, your idea of what empowers you is wrong. You have to adhere to MY idea of empowerment"

Feminists are very good at that. Just read Jezebel for a couple of minutes.

Crazy talk.

You must be a witch!

One person's personal empowerment does not mean that it is actually empowering. Also, someone can get empowerment out of something that actually does harm as a whole. Logic fails you.

 

[faceless007]

So years ago there was this Colbert Report segment that always stuck with me, about a woman similarly doing something she thought was empowering.

It's pretty funny, and a little sad, how the reactions in this thread match up perfectly with the men in that segment.

 

[depths20XX]

One person's personal empowerment does not mean that it is actually empowering. Also, someone can get empowerment out of something that actually does harm as a whole. Logic fails you.

Sure, but in this example I don't see how this does harm at all.

 

[Sanky Panky]

Hum. It looks like it was her idea of a position of power, who are you to disagree?

Would you say the men in that feminist video have been brainwashed by society, because they feel powerful being instructed to touch themselves in their underwear for a feminist music video?

I am not to disagree. I am one to highlight where this notion of "power" comes from, and how it is affecting women. Usually we recognize business leaders, politicians, influential people as holding power. That society sees a woman "confidently" portraying themselves as fuckable, in order to appeal to men's desire for sex, as some sort of empowering liberation... is bullshit in the face of women having to alter their own bodies for such "empowerment".

 

[Metrotab]

Then why you are criticizing women who say the video is sexist? Seems like you only believe that about women you agree with.

I didn't criticize anyone? I only have one other post in this thread asking what the exact issue was, since I'm not understanding the controversy. I still don't have an exact answer for that.

It's just a regular pop song with a slightly more daring music video.

 

[sikma42]

One person's personal empowerment does not mean that it is actually empowering. Also, someone can get empowerment out of something that actually does harm as a whole. Logic fails you.

Logic fail? Seems like you are the one failing. If that person is empowered then it is empowering to that person, which is all that matters to some. Not everyone has to up to fight for their genders cause( feminists themselves don't agree upon what is empowering).

As a black male, I don't feel the need to empower my race with every decision I make. If I did then I would never consider dating outside my race.

 

[twobear]

It's just a regular pop song with a slightly more daring music video.

Daring? It's a trite video. You could make the video more daring just by making Pharrell and Thicke naked and the women all clothed, and that's not saying much since that would be really dumb.

 

[faceless007]

I didn't criticize anyone? I only have one other post in this thread asking what the exact issue was, since I'm not understanding the controversy. I still don't have an exact answer for that.

It's just a regular pop song with a slightly more daring music video.

My mistake. But I don't think it's useful to say that anyone can decide what's empowering for themselves, without taking into context the video's place in society at large (where it is clearly not being received as some brilliant subversive parody of misogyny). Since there are evidently women who do not see the video as empowering, that means the video is simultaneously empowering and not empowering. So where does that leave us?

 

[Infinite]

Wow. I find it pretty interesting that people in this thread don't find this particular song sexists and kinda scary when those people jump through hoops defending it.

Anyone seen this take on the video yet? http://youtu.be/tKfwCjgiodg

 

[NinjaTehFish]

My mistake. But I don't think it's useful to say that anyone can decide what's empowering for themselves, without taking into context the video's place in society at large (where it is clearly not being received as some brilliant subversive parody of misogyny). Since there are evidently women who do not see the video as empowering, that means the video is simultaneously empowering and not empowering. So where does that leave us?

Neogaf.gif

 

[shanshan310]

Maybe we should make an overly bitter and chauvinistic video whining about this one.

Might as well just read out this thread to a backing track.

Would you say the men in that feminist video have been brainwashed by society, because they feel powerful being instructed to touch themselves in their underwear for a feminist music video?

Again, those men are clearly being objectified in that feminist video, and yet you thought it was "pure awesome" (let me find out your exact quote).

uh... dude, you know that was the whole point of the parody right? To put men into a submissive objectified role that is usually reserved for women.

 

[marrec]

Logic fail? Seems like you are the one failing. If that person is empowered then it is empowering to that person, which is all that matters to some. Not everyone has to up to fight for their genders cause( feminists themselves don't agree upon what is empowering).

As a black male, I don't feel the need to empower my race with every decision I make. If I did then I would never consider dating outside my race.

You misread me, what I'm saying is that personal empowerment does not extend beyond the person and can actually be overall harmful to whatever group you're talking about needing empowerment.

Many dudes probably feel empowered by acting 'Alpha', but overall it's harmful to how men view themselves. Do you get what I'm saying?

 

[tranciful]

Wow. I find it pretty interesting that people in this thread don't find this particular song sexists and kinda scary when those people jump through hoops defending it.

Anyone seen this take on the video yet? http://youtu.be/tKfwCjgiodg

"Look how powerful these men appear."

The amount of mental gymnastics some people use to attack feminism is crazy. Also, this is a better parody than the one in the OP.

 

[Amibguous Cad]

That was terrible. If you think a video is sexist or bad, just say so. No need to make a shitty parody.

I couldn't take more than a minute of that shit.

Emasculation, castration, vibrator-replacement references and an overall oblivious recognition of the fact that women have more power now than at any point in history. In the media itself, the balance is falling more and more in there favor. Let one man talk about severing a woman's vagina from her body and see how the firestorm that would create.

Blurred Lines was actually a good song. Listen to the lyrics, yes THOSE LYRICS, and you'll see that any man with a shred of confidence in himself or any type of positive interaction with women under his belt will know that situation of being smitten with someone already taken.

Facebook lets you make it a status, also known as "It's complicated." Robin Thickes unrated video was a bit much, but then again it was unrated....that's like looking for porn then getting mad when you see....stuff.

Bleh. This video blows.

I have to agree. The response video is just as tasteless and I'm convinced that everyone is an embittered asshole shrouded in passive aggressiveness and snark.

I thought feminists were supposed to be the ones without a sense of humor.

 

[sikma42]

You misread me, what I'm saying is that personal empowerment does not extend beyond the person and can actually be overall harmful to whatever group you're talking about needing empowerment.

Many dudes probably feel empowered by acting 'Alpha', but overall it's harmful to how men view themselves. Do you get what I'm saying?

I understood. However in a society where top feminists(feminists have argued that heterosexual sex itself is sexist) can't agree on what is empowering then I see nothing wrong with focusing on empowering yourself...

 

[Kinyou]

Wow. I find it pretty interesting that people in this thread don't find this particular song sexists and kinda scary when those people jump through hoops defending it.

Anyone seen this take on the video yet? http://youtu.be/tKfwCjgiodg

That actually seems like a more spot on parody because here the guys aren't constantly touching the girls and are in a more passive role.

 

[Metrotab]

Daring? It's a trite video. You could make the video more daring just by making Pharrell and Thicke naked and the women all clothed, and that's not saying much since that would be really dumb.

Okay, whatever. The video is not daring. I don't care. Still don't see the issue.

My mistake. But I don't think it's useful to say that anyone can decide what's empowering for themselves, without taking into context the video's place in society at large (where it is clearly not being received as some brilliant subversive parody of misogyny). Since there are evidently women who do not see the video as empowering, that means the video is simultaneously empowering and not empowering. So where does that leave us?

Maybe people could just disagree with her and dislike the video/song? It's okay to dislike this song. I dislike the song (especially because it seems to play every time I enter the car).

But why bother devaluing the model's opinion with 'internalised mysoginy'? Explaining away how tons of women like this song because they're somehow brainwashed by society? Why make this an issue that has to be fought against?

It actually comes off more disrespectful to think there's something wrong with women who like this song or who worked on the video.

 

[MJLord]

You misread me, what I'm saying is that personal empowerment does not extend beyond the person and can actually be overall harmful to whatever group you're talking about needing empowerment.

Many dudes probably feel empowered by acting 'Alpha', but overall it's harmful to how men view themselves. Do you get what I'm saying?

I guess it does if you let the 'Alpha' attitude change how you see yourself and act to fit in with the category.

 

[marrec]

I understood. However in a society where top feminists(feminists have argued that heterosexual sex itself is sexist) can't agree on what is empowering then what is wrong with personally empowering yourself?

You say 'top feminists' and then give a marginal at best example of what feminists think, that's pretty disingenuous... but also has nothing to do with something being wrong and still personally empowering.

Besides, there is no controversy in the idea that Girls Gone Wild is bad for women. Don't muddy the waters.

 

[shanshan310]

Maybe people could just disagree with her and dislike the video/song? It's okay to dislike this song. I dislike the song (especially because it seems to play every time I enter the car).

But why bother devaluing the model's opinion with 'internalised mysoginy'? Explaining away how tons of women like this song because they're somehow brainwashed by society? Why make this an issue that has to be fought against?

It actually comes off more disrespectful to think there's something wrong with women who like this song or worked on the video.

Because there were also a ton of women who didn't like the song and found it offensive? But for some reason their opinions don't matter.

I don't think anyone thinks there is something wrong with women who like this song. I think it's catchy as hell. I can like it and still think it's degrading to women.

 

[Arsenic Yellow]

Might as well just read out this thread to a backing track.


uh... dude, you know that was the whole point of the parody right? To put men into a submissive objectified role that is usually reserved for women.

I love you shan <3

 

[Amibguous Cad]

Wish we weren't focusing on the great feminist porn debate (and yes, there's dissension within the ranks; support of sex workers and women who tend to get shamed for being sexual is a often a feminist priority that trumps other concerns. The sex-positive types are probably in the ascendancy right now). There's about a million other examples of female sexual objectification out there. The thrust of the parody video isn't about objectification but the minimization of rapey behaviors.

 

[SquiddyCracker]

More offensive than purposely emasculating a man and chopping his penis off right? Or assuming that his entire sexuality and presence can easily be replaced by a dildo with AAA batteries?

Yep. Definitely more offensive........

Don't underestimate dildos, especially not battery powered ones.
They can move in a way a flesh penis could never do.

 

[sikma42]

You say 'top feminists' and then give a marginal at best example of what feminists think, that's pretty disingenuous... but also has nothing to do with something being wrong and still personally empowering.

Besides, there is no controversy in the idea that Girls Gone Wild is bad for women. Don't muddy the waters.

It was was meant to be an outlandish example to show that feminists have different views on power, some are silly.

You brought up GGW, which is an obvious example. I think we can also agree that lynching black people is racist and denying homosexuals rights is wrong as well...sorry to make things a little more blurred...

 

[Sanky Panky]

I understood. However in a society where top feminists(feminists have argued that heterosexual sex itself is sexist) can't agree on what is empowering then what is wrong with personally empowering yourself?

A very clear divide happened early on between the original feminists (now called prudes/radicals/anti-sex, and the commercial sex revolution pushed by Playboy/porn, which told women that being more "like a man" when it comes to sex, is the best way to go (not the "anti-sex" view that says that women should have sex for their own pleasure also). What you have as a result is our current culture of women trying to out-do each other in how fuckable they appear or how raunchy they are.

A quick google on the subject leads me to a nice blog post by Melissa A. Fabello. The point can be summarized when she very accurately states:

Sexual empowerment is active. It&#8217;s ownership. Autonomous. Self-serving.

Objectification, on the other hand, is a passive relenting of control. It&#8217;s powerless. Self-sacrificial.

Link

 

[No Love]

The original song sucks, the parody sucks, the controversy is fabricated and far too forced.

Robin Thicke is a douchebag too. The scene in the video where it shows (obscured) the words "Robin Thicke has a big dick" is absolutely laughable.

 

[tranciful]

Logic fail? Seems like you are the one failing. If that person is empowered then it is empowering to that person, which is all that matters to some. Not everyone has to up to fight for their genders cause( feminists themselves don't agree upon what is empowering).

As a black male, I don't feel the need to empower my race with every decision I make. If I did then I would never consider dating outside my race.

I understood. However in a society where top feminists(feminists have argued that heterosexual sex itself is sexist) can't agree on what is empowering then what is wrong with personally empowering yourself?

You use this "feminists themselves don't agree" line as if it's a legitimate criticism that can be used to dismiss the entire movement. You do realize that there was also a lot of debate within the civil rights movement, right?

You wouldn't have a problem with a black person dehumanizing themselves, putting themselves in a position of servitude to another human being, all while tricking themselves into thinking it's empowering them personally (they get to do a lot of powerful manual labor)? You think the image of them doing so would have zero negative effects on other black people? What sort of cues do you think those images would be communicating to young black people growing up trying to find their own identities?

 

[Simplet]

uh... dude, you know that was the whole point of the parody right? To put men into a submissive objectified role that is usually reserved for women.

I have another idea for a funny parody. How about some black guy opens a restaurant and puts a sign at the entrance that says "No Whites Or Dogs Allowed"? And then he just leaves it like that for ever? And doesn't actually let white people and dogs enter the place?

Either you believe giving people a submissive objectified role is morally wrong or you don't. If you think it is, the fact that it's women doing the objectifying doesn't make it "amazing".

 

[Infinite]

Wish we weren't focusing on the great feminist porn debate (and yes, there's dissension within the ranks; support of sex workers and women who tend to get shamed for being sexual is a often a feminist priority that trumps other concerns. The sex-positive types are probably in the ascendancy right now). There's about a million other examples of female sexual objectification out there. The thrust of the parody video isn't about objectification but the minimization of rapey behaviors.

This point needs to be bold. Mostly everyone in this discussion here is dancing around the fact that this is a date rape song to take up some vendetta they have with what they perceive is feminism.

 

[Arsenic Yellow]

This point needs to be bold. Mostly everyone in this discussion here is dancing around the fact that this is a date rape song to take up some vendetta they have with what they perceive is feminism.

They aren't dancing around it. Many are denying its a date rape song.

 

[Replicant]

I guess having a bunch of dudes rubbing their dicks on the girls would suddenly turn the whole feminist aspect around.

Reading comprehension fail much? Who said anything about feminism? All I can say is if you like to see tits being paraded around then you should also be ready to see dicks being waved around. And stop acting like you're protecting women's right or feminism when they didn't even ask you to defend their honor from the big bad dick.

 

[shanshan310]

I have another idea for a funny parody. How about some black guy opens a restaurant and puts a sign at the entrance that says "No Whites Or Dogs Allowed"? And then he just leaves it like that for ever? And doesn't actually let white people and dogs enter the place?

Either you believe giving people a submissive objectified role is morally wrong or you don't. If you think it is, the fact that it's women doing the objectifying doesn't make it "amazing".

They are making a statement... It's a parody video about making a statement. They aren't actually trying to objectify men. They don't actually hate men and want to discriminate against them forever. There's also cultural and historical context. Putting women into their historically submissive and objectified role is different to switching that role and placing it upon the historically dominant character who did the objectifying.

To put it in line with your weird racial restaurant thing, it's why "white chicks" was funny but black face is a hate crime.

 

[Infinite]

They aren't dancing around it. Many are denying its a date tape song.

Wow well damn