The Marvellettes vs. Robin Thicke

From 1960's to 2013.

 

 

A pertinent debate that must be addressed in our research would be how the representation of women differs throughout the decades, seeing the 1960s as a 'watershed' for the music industry.

Black people had only lived in Britain in large amounts since the 50s, and before Tamla Motown it was forbidden for Black artists to be distributed in such a frontally way the music industry provided. Women were often seen in 'girl groups' -namely one lead singer with 2-3 backing singers. In comparison to how women are represented in controversial, contemporary videos such as Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' with the models scantily dressed, provocatively dancing; the 60s and eras before represented women as glamorous, with floor length dresses, showing significantly decreased décolletage. Women in the 60s enabled their selves to be attractive, without the debate of having to take their attire off in order to do so.

Taking The Marvellettes or The Supremes as examples, the women were seen dress-clad from generations before theirs, to show their traditionalist views and desire to be respected instead of sheer lust.

In keeping with this style of video, our piece will include elements of 'class' in which we can see in Please Mr. Postman. Our actors will be dressed in knee-floor length attire, with modest choreography to suggest through our research, we admire the 60s female style and drive to be respected as opposed to a contemporary scenario, in which women are often forced to be scantily dressed to provoke sales.