Identities: Feminist theory: Beyonce Video: Why don't you love me

                             

1) How might this video contribute to Butler’s idea that gender roles are a ‘performance’?

This video was created in such a way that Beyonce's performance was scripted to display the role that a typical 'housewife' consumes in a domestic life. 

2) Would McRobbie view Beyonce as an empowering role model for women? Why?

In my opinion,  McRobbie would view Beyonce as an empowering role model for women because in the video she is showing women that they are more than just a 'housewife'. The sexy nature of the costumes and dance moves in Beyonce's video; when related to her role/the stereotype of a 'housewife' shows how she is using her sexuality to her advantage. 

However, McRobbie could also view Beyonce not to be an empowering role model for women because in the video she is trying to prove her 'importance' to her male counterpart, which means he is still the superior one between them.   

3) What are your OWN views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ (Mulvey)?

At first glance, I would say that in this video Beyonce is reinforcing the 'male gaze' (Mulvey) as she is dressed in tight, sexy, revealing clothes throughout which in accordance with Mulvey's theory means that she is being presented in such a way that is pleasurable for the gaze of the heterosexual male. 

On the other hand, I could also argue that Beyonce is a empowering role model for women because her songs that I have listened to such as 'Single Ladies' among others promote that women do not have anything to live up to, they should just be their own person rather than spending their time proving themselves to their male counterpart if in a relationship for instance.