Deconstructing Modern Deconstructing Modern MediaMedia

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?vwww.youtube.com/watch?v=kuZKbXNGDs4=kuZKbXNGDs4 ““I’m a Slave for You”I’m a Slave for You”

Britney SpearsBritney SpearsBy: Michelle VegaBy: Michelle Vega

““Deconstruction shows that whatever meaning is Deconstruction shows that whatever meaning is derived is wrong.”derived is wrong.”

In this critical study, I am going to deconstruct Britney Spears’ vocal production In this critical study, I am going to deconstruct Britney Spears’ vocal production “I’m a Slave for You” by decoding the physical contents of the music video and the “I’m a Slave for You” by decoding the physical contents of the music video and the lyrical contents of the song– to illustrate how the images and the words of the lyrical contents of the song– to illustrate how the images and the words of the

production form a tie between gender and class.production form a tie between gender and class. Signs I will be analyzing:Signs I will be analyzing: Bodily Appearance (sweat, messy hair)Bodily Appearance (sweat, messy hair) Apparel (Disheveled/ripped clothes) Apparel (Disheveled/ripped clothes) Props (Empty water bottle, snake at MTV Award Ceremony) Props (Empty water bottle, snake at MTV Award Ceremony) Body Language/Movement (Wild choreography, her audience) Body Language/Movement (Wild choreography, her audience)

Lyrics:Lyrics: ““I’m a slave for you” I’m a slave for you” ““I really wanna do what you want me to”I really wanna do what you want me to”

First Impression: First Impression: Physical AppearancePhysical Appearance

The “Messy” LookThe “Messy” Look• SweatSweat• Messy hair and make-upMessy hair and make-up

1)1) Signifier: Messy AppearanceSignifier: Messy Appearance2)2) Signified: “wiped out”; heat exhausted; droughtSignified: “wiped out”; heat exhausted; drought3)3) Referent: suffering; labor work; povertyReferent: suffering; labor work; poverty

The ApparelThe ApparelThe Ragged OutfitThe Ragged Outfit• Ripped shirtRipped shirt

1)1) Signifier: ShirtSignifier: Shirt2)2) Signified: unclothed; abusedSignified: unclothed; abused3)3) Referent: classless; poor; mistreatedReferent: classless; poor; mistreated

The Jewelry (bangles)The Jewelry (bangles)

1)1) Signifier: BanglesSignifier: Bangles2)2) Signified: Ornate; shimmerSignified: Ornate; shimmer3)3) Referent: FemininityReferent: Femininity

The PropsThe PropsThe Empty Water BottleThe Empty Water BottleSweaty, tired actor tries to drink from an Sweaty, tired actor tries to drink from an empty water bottle.empty water bottle.

1)1) Signifier: Water bottleSignifier: Water bottle2)2) Signified: thirst; heat; hungerSignified: thirst; heat; hunger3)3) Referent: dehydration; drought; exhaustionReferent: dehydration; drought; exhaustion

The Snake The Snake At the MTV Music Awards, Britney Spears madeAt the MTV Music Awards, Britney Spears madeHer grand appearance wearing a real snake on her Her grand appearance wearing a real snake on her Shoulders as she wore another revealing and ragged costume.Shoulders as she wore another revealing and ragged costume.

1)1) Signifier: SnakeSignifier: Snake2)2) Signified: Outdoors; jungle; wild; threateningSignified: Outdoors; jungle; wild; threatening3)3) Referent: Exotic; intimidating; daringReferent: Exotic; intimidating; daring

Body LanguageBody LanguageThe Dance

1) Signifier: Movement2) Signified: Eccentric; wild; synchronized3) Referent: Tribal-ish; erotic

The Audience

1) Signifier: The audience watching2) Signified: Captivation; entertainment3) Referent: Female entertainer; erotic

dancer

The LyricsThe Lyrics““I’m a I’m a slaveslave for you…” for you…”

1)1) Signifier: SlaveSignifier: Slave2)2) Signified: Poverty; abuse; laborSignified: Poverty; abuse; labor3)3) Referent: Submissive; vulnerable;Referent: Submissive; vulnerable; obedient; inferiorobedient; inferior

““I really wanna do what I really wanna do what you want me to.you want me to.”” It all comes down to: Social/Gender/Racial inferiority…It all comes down to: Social/Gender/Racial inferiority… The images and the rhetoric interweave class-relatedThe images and the rhetoric interweave class-related references with gender-related expectations.references with gender-related expectations.