Critical literacy

In English, we're looking at critical literacy. We've started by looking at how media portrays various things, in particular, men and women.

Omi - Cheerleader

Cheerleader by OMI portrays women in a sexual manner. Not only that, but it also shows women as only being there to cheer on the efforts of men. Men, however, are barely shown and are more seen as being providers while women cheer them on and are there to support them

Robin Thicke - Blurred lines F.T Pharrell Williams

Not only does Blurred Lines objectify women in a lifeless sexual manner, but it also talks about the blurred lines of consent and about how the girl does actually want it. Everyone knows there is nothing blurred about the lines of consent. Men are shown as being classy and expensive while the women are shown as being sex objects there for male consumption. 

Marina and the Diamonds - How to Be a Heartbreaker

Although How to Be a Heartbreaker shows men as being predominantly muscular white men, they are still seen as having fun and not, you know, looking dead inside. If you compare this to the two above, the men here are having more fun and generally look alive and well. Marina is the only woman being portrayed in this music video. She's seen as being a player and playing the field quite often. 

Charli XCX -  Boys

Out of the previous four music videos, Carli's video "Boys" is the least sexualized. It's mostly her friends just, you know, chilling out. Also, this song is a bop and the music video is really fun and not lifeless. No women are in the music video except for a few seconds where they have fake mustaches.