Pornography And Sexualization Of Women In The Film Money For Nothing

Music style, beat, and syncopation are not the only things calculated to yield success in the music industry. This goes to show that if something is proven successful, the following content and talent will be marketed in a similar manner -- with slight differences. The film Money for Nothing explains how the music industry produces the same type of artist after artist. Money for Nothing also informs audiences about the business relationship between an artist and companies that span beyond the normal music realm. These companies advertise their products alongside the artist and the primarily method of doing such is through commercials. Thus, an artist having their music in a commercial is a is a key way for the artist to become a part of the
audience’s space, whether that space is home, work, school, etc. A notable network that broadcasts a 24/7 music video commercial is MTV. Here female (and male) artists, musicians, and bands showcase their talent to large audiences. Still the portrayal of whatever is advertised on MTV (and with other forms of media) is heavily influenced by societal (and gendered) expectations and realities. MTV presents and displays ideals. You must be rich to have a good life. Women must be thin and sexy.
Women must have large breasts or a large bottom to be attractive. Men are showered with money and own many cars. Men have massive mansions and have numerous exotic women praising them. In addition, it is important to note that the link between women in music video and pornography has grown rapidly over the years. This is due to the “mainstreaming of pornography” as Meredith Levande writes in her article Women, Pop Music, and Pornography. Her article discusses the similar points mentioned in the film Dreamworlds III. Both the article and the film detail on the objectification and sexualization of women in the music industry and in music videos. Dreamworlds III mentions the male fantasy and Levande article mentions “music videos of today are the gateway drug into an actual purchase of the "real thing."” Nonetheless, this type of music sells, therefore the music industry continues to rely on this sale tactic to produce more of this in a similar fashion. The link between female pop artist and pornography is strongly evident with the popular female artists on the charts today. From song lyrics, to music videos, to performances, the continual showcase of sex to sell coincides with an artist to be and remain
popular. These images and messages represent fantasies that are often not true in an everyday person’s normal life, which in turn influences the consumer who does not have these things. Although advertisements are quick and momentary, their influence is pervasive and prolonged. The power of advertisements – especially with a powerful female artist displayed within the commercial -- reinforce norms and common societal expectations on how women should look and behave. This results in insecurities and unmet expectations on the clear majority of audiences who do not live up to the ideals presented to them by their favorite artist. Therefore, it is no wonder why the make-up, hair, clothing, and plastic surgery industries have increased in sales over the years. Consumers want to achieve and look like the false realities presented to them. Music is a business and the partnerships associated with female artists allow the artist to remain relevant and relatable to consumers.
Any woman can have talent, but if she does not have the proper resources and connections, (arguably) she cannot prosper in the music industry. Whether it is the female artist’s weight, clothing, or skin, she must have a certain image to get signed, to get radio plays, and to become a brand. The algorithm for female artist to reach pop stardom is by sounding like other female artist they hear on the radio. Therefore, it is essential for a twenty-first century female artist to rely on her creative, marketing, and business teams to succeed in the music business. With that, Music producers pick up talent that they recognize and produce another cookie cutter artist. In many ways, a female artist may suppress her own creative ideas to align with the expectations and image that comes along with the male dominated music
industry.