The movie Dreamworlds presented to us what our culture has come to deem acceptable behavior. The musicians in the music videos used women as sex objects and unfortunately the women were also happy to partake in the production. Behavior like this creates the idea that women want to or are happy be treated that way and that men are entitled to treat women how they see on TV. The message Kenneth Burke was showing to us is that we glorify and even praise these men who treat women like garbage; the result of their influence can be very detrimental to society.
Burke presented two different views of reality by showing an actual music video and playing the same song during a riot that broke out in Central Park. As the music video plays, Burke narrates that women are portrayed as wanting sex all the time and should give it up upon request. The same music is played as the video switches back and forth between rappers spraying champagne on women and women running away from men spraying water on them in Central Park. Burke asks us to look at these women’s faces. He goes on further to infer that these men are just doing what they see and don’t understand how to separate reality from TV. Women are shown crying and screaming for the men to leave them alone while their clothes are being ripped off or sprayed with water. The men obviously feel a sense of entitlement to these women and hardly anyone tries to stop the riot. What would usually be totally unacceptable behavior is somehow okay for some of these men. The idea of the mob is more powerful than the individual and unfortunately, weak minded people will fall into line with those around them.
In another scene of the documentary, Burke compares the movie Birth of a Nation with the music video Tip Drill. He shows how Birth of a Nation portrayed African Americans as ignorant fiends chasing after white women. This movie controversially promoted white supremacy and idealized the Knights of the KKK as heroes. The same is being done with women by labeling them as a tip drill. Women in the video have no problem being labeled as a woman that will sleep with man after man for money. African American women are being reduced to literally one asset. The focus of these videos is always on their ass; sometimes their faces aren’t even shown. This music video creates the idea that women are only defined by their sexuality and are always ready for sex. The difference between soft core porn and the women in these videos is becoming more and more difficult to separate. Birth of a Nation is an inaccurate movie that defined African Americans as whites viewed them, much like the women in these videos are defined by the views of men. Both forms of entertainment are meant to appeal to a certain group of people in order to make money. The influence that media has, unfortunately can sway the opinion of most people and creates a false sense of reality.
Women are not only for show; apparently they can complete household chores while wanting to have sex. Burke narrates as women in skimpy clothes are washing cars. He speaks about how else they are useful besides just being “sex toys.” The music in the background is replaced with Burke’s voice. Women are viewed as always ready for sex whenever a man wants it, regardless of what they’re doing. Even a completely non-sexual act is twisted into the message that women are good for nothing else but pleasing a man. Men are always shown as the dominant force that women can’t live without. Burke described how in Justin Timberlake’s video Cry Me a River, it was okay for Justin to stalk who was presumably his ex. He explains how men refuse to accept rejection and can sometimes be controlling. The behavior of men throughout Burke’s presentation for some reason is seen as acceptable by some men. They even strive to one day achieve what they see on TV, not realizing that it’s a dream world.
Reality is skewed for some weak minded individuals. They don’t understand how to separate entertainment from real life. Some men live in their own dream world; where they think of women as disposable and for their own personal needs. Kenneth Burke used everyday entertainment to show us the messages and harm that can be done if one cannot separate reality from fantasy. Unfortunately this happens to more people than we realize.
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