This summer’s pop hit “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke
continues to generate controversy as well as copious air time. Despite
accusations that the song is an anthem celebrating rape culture and sexism,
I still seem to hear it whenever I turn on the radio. Every time I hear the sounds of the song’s
catchy beat, I am struck with the realization that the song’s publicly debated
rape culture infused lyrics have not slowed down its popularity in US pop
culture. Are we all in denial about the
song’s messaging, do we not care what the message is, or are we celebrating the
message?
Criticism of Robin Thicke and Blurred Lines emerged as the
song first hit the airwaves. The images in the song’s video, fully dressed men
and half naked women, have received negative attention as well as the song’s
lyrics themselves. Upon a close listen,
it becomes clear that the “Blurred Lines” being sung about refer to the
boundaries between what a women says or does and what a woman wants. Robin Thicke seems to be suggesting, especially when he refrains “you know you
want it” throughout the entire song, that people that say no, meaning people
that are good girls, actually want to have sex despite what they say. As many people know, this idea, that women
want to have sex even when they say no, is the centerpiece of rape culture.
Potentially even more upsetting than the content of the song
and the video is the manner in which criticism of the song has been received.
Robin Thicke has staunchly defended the song as being pro-women, claiming that
the song promotes a woman’s choice and celebrates their beauty. Additionally, Mr. Thicke went so far as to say that the song could not be a
part of rape culture or sexist, because he and all the other men who made the video are married. Essentially, he is claiming that married men
are anti-sexist and all respectful of women, and that marriage is a cure for rape and sexism. This claim would be laughable if it wasn’t so
offensive.
But all this being said, I think the most telling part of
the “Blurred Lines” controversy is that we all still hear the song despite the
strong criticism. It is on the radio every day, which means it can be heard in
the background at the grocery store or at the dentist’s office, and its catchy
tune is stuck in our heads. What’s
troubling is how true it is – rape culture and sexism are all around us, and
even though we sometimes notice and criticize it, the awareness does not stop
us from collectively singling along.
Beth Leonard is a recent law school grad and new lawyer. She is currently the Project Coordinator for Incarcerated Mothers Advocacy Project.
Creative Common photo credit here.
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