So are we really getting more sex-ed up? With the rise of raunchy artists such as Lady gaga, a debate has formed about the influences it has on younger arguably more easily influenced audiences. One side is that audiences are inspired by artists success and try and copy the styles and attitudes. Gaga is the perfect example, as on the high street we are seeing an increase in styles clearly influenced by the pop sensation.
So starting with the external. The Fashion.
We would be so naiive to not accept the fact that "sex sells", and also the fact that music fashion has got sexual and strange. Female popstars are breaking boundaries concerning their sexuality and literally wearing it on their sleeves. The songs encourage women to feel and act sexy just as much as their wardrobe, particularly in live shows, where now the routines, props and costuming are just as important to the musical talent on display. Some may find it offensive, I however, find it empowering. A teenage girl can finally look at a scantily clad talented women and not think "I MUST LOSE WEIGHT". Singers like Mariah Carey and Beyonce are perfect examples of curvy, sexy empowered women, not afraid to show their curve and in fact, are proud of them. Times are changing, women's fashion is changing, surely these women are the perfect role models for teenage girls today.
and not only are we representing our sexual identity through our wardrobe, even our political views come out in what we chose to wear. You all know exactly where I am going with this: Lady Gaga's Meat dress. Arguably highly offensive to vegetarians and vegans, the aim what to represent how The military treat its gay and bisexual soldiers... You dont get it either? Dont worry, neither do I. However, she stated in her defence:
"If we don't stand up for what we believe in and don't stand up for our rights pretty soon we're going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones."
Fair point. Extreme yet if it proves your point, what's the difference wearing meat, annoying animal rights people and wearing leather bondage gear, annoying parents and prudes?
Going back to the music itself however, the media has always been the first to receive blame for issues with youth (Rap music, Film and such like having blame for teen crime and increase is sexual issues).
Lyrical content is just as important as the image of the popstars concerned, the classic line "baby when its love if its not rough it isnt fun"- from Gaga's poker face hardly promotes the ideas about abstaining from sex.
However if we look closely at popular music, Sex has always been a main topic not one that has just exploded on the scene. The spice girls, at face value seem sweet and innocent however if you really study, REALLY study the lyrics to "2 become 1" youll see that in over a decade pop music has kept to its sexual theme, however just become more obvious about it.
Imagine a timeline of music video, all of the songs below (lyrics and video content) have sexual themes but over time the topic has become more blantant.
Spice Girls- 2 become 1. 1996
Christina Aguilera- Dirty. 2002
Lady Gaga- Pokerface. 2008
Katy Perry- Teenage Dream. 2010
So is it a good thing we are more sexually obvious? Surely it is better that people are increasingly comfortable with sexual behaviour that was once frowned upon. Surely it is better for a younger generation to become more sexually aware to then make appropriate decisions without having a naiive viewpoint?
Sex will always be a hot topic within music and the fact that it is more blatant only increases awareness about sexual issues. The songs are about sex however the lyrical content is displaying a "female power", highlighting the importance of being comfortable and in control of your own sexuality. The fashion mirrors this "comfort" with sexual identity, encouraging empowerment and body confidence. Surely that is a better lesson to teach a younger generation?
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