Controversy in Music Videos:

In order to learn more about the music industry and how music videos are created, I looked into how controversy is used and how it can effect different viewers. One article I came across relating to this was featured in Q Magazine. It was created by writer Dorian Lynskey and metaphorically titled, "Video Games." Many people argue controversial topics are mostly used for attention seeking purposes to promote an artist and their single. Alternatively others argue that they are used artistically to share personal and political messages. Lynskey's view was the first and so this particular article had a negative approach towards, what he viewed as, controversial music videos.

The so called "video games" mentioned in the title essentially stem from, what he believes to be, a cat and mouse effect developed from the artists controversial use of certain themes in their music videos to gain people's attention. He believes that controversy and long music videos, which are also known as "mini-movies" go hand in hand. Lynskey puts forward his views on this by inserting David Grohl's quote, that when this happens, "it's time to quit." This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the article: overwhelmingly pessimistic.

He criticises artists such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift for creating "event videos" which are "long, self-regarding, hubristic and flamboyantly expensive." Disparagingly, he belittles their efforts by jokingly stating that there's "bonus points for celebrity cameos, obvious homages to obvious movies and a 15 year old's idea of adult content."

With a combination of drinking, "blood (and) tits," he believes that this is the controversial reason Rihanna's video, "Bitch Better Have My Money," has become popular and insists "whether you hate Rihanna's video or consider it the Citizen Kane of the Vevo era, if you watched it, she wins." By mocking their work which incorporates controversial subjects he therefore supports the argument that the incorporation of controversy is used in a self-absorbed and narcissistic manner, for the sake of it and to promote an artist. The article finishes with a final expression of depreciation by even comparing Rihanna's video, to what he believes to be a "more original, beautiful and thought-proving" video with "a better song," that didn't need controversy to be, as he believes, great.

In contrast, although I take into account what Lynskey says and agree with him to a degree, I also believe that using controversy can be used in creative and positive ways. Sometimes, I believe that artists could use controversy to gain attention, for example Miley Cyrus swung on a wrecking ball naked and licked a hammer in her Wrecking Ball music video. However, this could be a way of her expressing a sense of freedom and confidence.

This shows people may be too judgmental when it comes to viewing artists and their music videos. Lady Gaga, for example, is an artist who may not intentionally use controversy to gain attention, but it happens naturally as a result of her creative and positive ideas and messages she's trying to express. For example, she used religious references in her Judas music video, which many labelled as being controversial. This is because she plays the character of Mary Magdalene (an iconic figure of Christianity who is believed to be one of Jesus's followers) shown as being torn between Jesus and Judas (one of Jesus's disciples who betrayed him). If people actually looked at the message behind this, she is making a metaphorical statement about love, betrayal and forgiveness.

I therefore believe that as artists, people can use their power and influence to be thought provoking, challenge people's views and push the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable and controversial. Although sometimes people may be offended, I think that the use of controversy is an overall a beneficial, constructive and progressive part of society which help's open people's minds and broaden their knowledge. Music videos can therefore be outlets used by creative and intelligent people to make a difference. If it includes controversy, I believe this can be even better as more people may view a music video and therefore learn and spread a positive message from it. Although, the opposite of this can be taken into account by thinking about the Q Magazine article. Instead, by viewing controversial themes including violence, sex and nudity, it may effect especially young and impressionable individuals negatively as they could possibly see these themes as a reflection of real life society.