Debate about the possible negative effects of popular music and television on children and young people is not new. As far back as 1956, there were concerns raised about the appropriateness of permitting Elvis Presley’s “provocative and sensual movements” (Rosenberg, 2011) to be broadcast.
In 2008, following a Senate inquiry into the sexualisation of children in contemporary media, the Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts recommended “ that broadcasters review their classification of music videos specifically with regard to sexualising imagery” (page v, Recommendation 4).
In 2008, following a Senate inquiry into the sexualisation of children in contemporary media, the Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts recommended “ that broadcasters review their classification of music videos specifically with regard to sexualising imagery” (page v, Recommendation 4).
Yet how effective is classification in protecting children from viewing ‘inappropriate’ music videos?
A couple of months ago, one of my friends shared this Youtube clip on his Facebook page.
While I was impressed by the girls obvious enthusiasm, energy and flexibility, I was somewhat disturbed by the costumes and the choreography of the routine. The choreography is clearly based on that in Beyonce’s music video , and the girls’ movements suggest they themselves are very familiar with the music video. However, the costumes worn by the girls in this clip are more sexually suggestive than those worn by the performers in the original music video. As the girls in the clip are only seven years of age, I think it is fairly safe to assume that adults have selected their costumes and choreographed their dance routine.
The Report of the Senate Inquiry states that preventing children’s exposure to sexual content and imagery is the responsibility of “broadcasters, publishers, advertisers, retailers and manufacturers” (Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts, 2008, page v, Recommendation One), and that parents and other adult carers of children cannot realistically control their children’s exposure to ‘inappropriate’ material (2008, p 7).
Yet some parents are clearly not concerned about the possible negative consequences of exposing their children to the ‘inappropriate’ images seen in contemporary media, particularly music videos. In a case of ‘life imitating art’, the early scenes in the following video montage from the American ‘reality’ television show Toddlers and Tiaras, are reminiscent of the final dance scene in the movie Little Miss Sunshine (Dayton & Faris, 2006).
While parents may not be able to shield their children from exposure to ‘inappropriate’ content in all forms of contemporary media, there is an easy way to restrict the television viewing of young children. It’s called the ‘off’ button.
References
beyonceVEVO. (2009). Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It). [video file] Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY
Dayton, J., & Faris, V. (Directors). (2006). Little Miss Sunshine [Motion Picture].
Rosenberg, J. (2011). 1956 - Elvis Gyrates on Ed Sullivan's Show. Retrieved from About.com Guide: http://history1900s.about.com/od/1950s/qt/elvissullivan.htm
Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts. (2008). Report of the Senate Inquiry into the Sexualisation of Children in Contemporary Media. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/eca_ctte/sexualisation_of_children/report/report.pdf.
TheEdSullivanShow. (2010). Elvis Presley "Hound Dog" on The Ed Sullivan Show [video file]. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOvUdZgl7vo
TLC. (2011). Toddlers & Tiaras - Most Outrageous Outfits [video file] Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSl0OGmbmpQ&feature=related
The business of music videos is a popular aspect of film and television viewing. We all grew up watching Countdown and Rage and enjoyed the variety of new music clips from the various artists. The recent trend towards ‘sexiness’ by the latest female artists is relatively disturbing, given the fact that the audience is getting younger. Beyonce is certainly not the only artist promoting and profiting from this trend, with the squeaky clean Hannah Montana degrading into the very sexy young Miley Cirus.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt this sexualisation attracts not only the male viewer but the question would be asked why girls are attracted to this type of music video as well? Is it the snappy music or are these artists seen as a role model by these young girls?
Censorship may be one answer and perhaps an easy solution. However, as a free society, if ‘movement’ on a music clip is restricted we would soon see more censorship in other aspects. With the advent of YouTube even if the videos are restricted to certain times children could still access them online. Certainly the off button is a viable option but as well as this education needs to be ongoing and directed. The Australian Psychological Society in its submission to the Senate Committee in 2008 made a number of comments, one of which it recognised that parents cannot always monitor their children’s television viewing and another of which it recommended that media education in schools should be supported and encouraged. (Australian Psychological Society Ltd, 2008)
Developing the critical part of the 3 Cs would be the most effective way to ensure our girls continue to have positive self images while enjoying the latest music.
References
Australian Psychological Society Ltd. (2008). Submission to the Inquiry into the sexualisation of Children in Contemporary Media. Melbourne: Australian Psychological Society Ltd.
Sue
Last year I was teaching at a primary school where a group of year 6/7 girls got together of their own accord, choreographed and performed a dance routine for the school assembly. During their performance I was torn: part of me admired their initiative and talent but part of me was mortified at their choice of song, the suggestive dance moves these children performed and their scanty costumes.
ReplyDeletePopular music videos seen on television and online are increasingly explicit in their sexuality and adult themes (Risner, Godfrey & Simmons, 2011). Horosko (as cited in Risner, Godfrey & Simmons, 2011, p. 23) warns of “the psychological ramifications of encouraging preteens to perform dance styles unsuited to their age level”, and that “children’s dignity and true capacity are sacrificed as a consequence”.
The choices of dance schools about which music to use, what to choreograph and what costumes children should wear are largely dictated by popular culture (Risner, Godfey & Simmons, 2011). Children need to be engaged or else they will not want to participate. Parents can be demanding and are often transfixed by popular culture themselves and these pressures sometimes lead dance schools to make inappropriate choices. As a parent I control which songs my children download onto their iPods and I recently deleted a song with lyrics I consider inappropriate for a 9 year old girl. Guess what song is being used for my daughter's modern jazz dance routine at the end of year dance-school concert!
References
Risner, D., Godfrey, H. & Simmons, L. (2004). The impact of sexuality in contemporary culture: An interpretive study of perceptions and choices in private sector dance education. Journal of Dance Education 4(1), 23-32. DOI: 10.1080/15290824.2004.10387253