{"id":1995,"date":"2019-04-18T03:13:37","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T03:13:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/?p=1995"},"modified":"2019-04-18T03:13:37","modified_gmt":"2019-04-18T03:13:37","slug":"redefining-gender-expression-a-look-at-stromaes-tous-les-memes-music-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/assignments\/music-video-review\/redefining-gender-expression-a-look-at-stromaes-tous-les-memes-music-video\/","title":{"rendered":"Redefining Gender Expression: A Look at Stromae&#8217;s &#8220;Tous Les M\u00eames&#8221; Music Video"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether we realize it or not, an extreme gender binary is presented to us the moment we are born into the world. <em>Pink means girl. Blue means boy. You want to be a princess, step over here. You want to play football, step over there. <\/em>From day one, individuality is stripped from us at the expense of societal expectations for our gender. From the clothes we wear to the things we say, our whole lives are dictated by a limited and quite unreasonable presumption of normality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/7zB4I7NusuYtnfGov6_Y-fcDBIbZHAy0bJA_hnwihuBrZzORwmxO8pNGLjPgcE3qCGGE3T5pugkoDs72aeyonmWB-nMaBWaiaSwc1gIHZfjEhbXVU8hfviBjXBFQ4Z21YQZTFSrE\" alt=\"\" width=\"448\" height=\"298\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take a look at this New York Times article surrounding the limited options parents face when buying clothes for their children: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/08\/28\/well\/family\/the-gender-divide-in-preschoolers-closets.html\">https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/08\/28\/well\/family\/the-gender-divide-in-preschoolers-closets.html<\/a>   Clemence writes, \u201cI buy my daughter boys\u2019 pants because even in an age of female fighter pilots and #MeToo, boys\u2019 clothes are largely designed to be practical, while girls\u2019 are designed to be pretty.\u201d Or how about this article which criticizes the presence of gender stereotypes within children\u2019s television and movies: <a href=\"https:\/\/hiplatina.com\/gender-stereotypes-are-messing-with-your-kid\/\">https:\/\/hiplatina.com\/gender-stereotypes-are-messing-with-your-kid\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this gender binary is already thrown upon us at such an early age, what does this say about modern society, and how might it affect those who might not fall strictly on one side or another?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, the music video for Belgian rapper Stromae\u2019s \u201cTous Les M\u00eames\u201d presents this issue in a very creative, engaging, and entertaining way.  <br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Stromae - tous les m\u00eames (Official Video)\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CAMWdvo71ls?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the video, Stromae is dressed as one-half male and one-half female, changing positions in the camera frame in order to take on the role of one or the other. While presenting as the male persona, the lighting of the scene is green, and he acts rough, rude, and dominant. In contrast, while he inhabits the female persona, the lighting is pink and he acts restrained, gentle, and submissive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a rough English translation of the lyrics: <a href=\"https:\/\/frenchcrazy.com\/2019\/03\/tous-les-memes-english-translation.html\/\">https:\/\/frenchcrazy.com\/2019\/03\/tous-les-memes-english-translation.html\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is extremely interesting to read the translated lyrics once on their own, and then again with the video. Stromae is able to quickly turn from male to female within two consecutive lines, changing perspective of the narrative. Here are two consecutive moments of the video in which Stromae completely switches characters and mannerisms:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/r-5z0fA8V63l6xpr0TTDFm3XIfjx8kz4L4VJ6nRqQn01j4V9GoNdkQYqba1FQLhLr69N75Jy6TQlWq919C8oKq2_6NXb5AD0mtpoEhyfn9q19QjxZa4HVvOeea8ffGIwzRAK3z_j\" alt=\"\" width=\"513\" height=\"232\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/u87bGCrauXKWKwmOfSZFpSvEHTkgktHvtbVvWgcpS8zRSMonZUS9ZdVr3BJDalIXTD36yjQPbNj4OMPt6Yk10nq8j5YNsHKXJ61uqWsfX6Tu_yf5n2z4dVMyH1iAKxpS1K8ORHZN\" alt=\"\" width=\"521\" height=\"236\" \/><figcaption><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His male persona frequently mentions having an argument during \u201cthat time of the month,\u201d referring to a male\u2019s preconceived notion about a woman\u2019s irritability during menstruation. The female Stromae appears to be objectified and taken advantage of. These two dichotomies at last interlace at about 1:09 in the video, when both genders are presented at once, with half of the background green and half pink:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/4kkUeMcACD_LzwPcHWZ-wJ-xlHPRx708Pa-ztNq0d1JTbQE36l5iNgS_V8RVp6DB46ZhCJNLiqHt3YnxTYOxCbZcKH0e--3rai1HaC4wnN5TQZNpE7GjAK5ZSJw7eNDnlf7IQPlC\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stromae then dances along his counterparts with extremely interesting movements that combine the stereotypical softness of femininity with the harshness of masculinity. By seeing Stromae as half male and half female, the viewer is introduced to someone that is not limited to the confines of one category or the other. Instead, this person contains a multitude of qualities that are not simply preconceived based off appearance. This effect allows for a really incredible moment, and one that can only be achieved through the production of the video. Sure, the tune of the song is catchy, and the lyrics do stand on their own&#8230;but only through the presence of the video does the full effect of Stromae\u2019s work come to life. Stromae\u2019s music video utilizes different colored lighting, elaborate set design, and dancing in order to help complement the effectiveness of his music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I don\u2019t look at this music video as pushing a transgender or non-binary agenda. Rather, I see it as acknowledging a fault within society, and suggesting that perhaps men are allowed to be vulnerable, and women are allowed to be tough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s an interesting article put out by Girl Scouts which explains how parents can allow their children to follow their own path of interests, whatever that may involve: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.girlscouts.org\/en\/raising-girls\/leadership\/life-skills\/everyday-ways-to-bust-gender-stereotypes.html\">https:\/\/www.girlscouts.org\/en\/raising-girls\/leadership\/life-skills\/everyday-ways-to-bust-gender-stereotypes.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fact that this video is readily available on a platform as widespread as youtube is<strong> <\/strong>an incredible advancement in technology. Not only can someone listen to Stromae\u2019s music at home, but they can actually watch images that correspond to it as well. This is something that was unheard of a century ago. The combination of image and sound elevates the two separate art forms to create something incredibly engaging.  This combination&#8217;s early introductions stem from Wagnerian opera and Russian ballet, in which the movements on stage reflected the music emerging from the pit. Today&#8217;s tech-savvy world allows for an even greater array of visual and musical possibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a paper which chronicles the history of the combining of image and sound, something relatively new in the world of music: <a href=\"http:\/\/divergencepress.net\/articles\/2016\/10\/27\/sound-and-image-relations-a-history-of-convergence-and-divergence\">http:\/\/divergencepress.net\/articles\/2016\/10\/27\/sound-and-image-relations-a-history-of-convergence-and-divergence<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the frequent French trolling in the comment section of &#8220;Tous Les M\u00eames&#8221;&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/y77bL2z1f56sQwW4kSp82SMXjlCc97gd6u_9haZFDBiPvKsofHOXjKVTUjaLFsu1ig7wLQpWFiDxw6Ao7NK1474lK9MeleJzqdaiOrs89TOLh1S5azTM16P9MPIo4bZDaSvBomvW\" alt=\"\" width=\"312\" height=\"96\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230;there are a few meaningful and relevant comments. Some might come away from the video with an idea similar to Muhammad Fachry\u2019s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/GSQU72wpajfgbe-btrSdQskVd3sFeoLzpXO6tP1qnshpk3kY9vzZITsylPQhP74jF2-ig7h7I27uaEayf_eBfJzq3IMmoTSPWUViJ0WhDKW5AeXcNyri57s2q78WcN--2jrkEJGZ\" alt=\"\" width=\"306\" height=\"90\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But this isn\u2019t necessarily true. The title of the song, translated to \u201cAll The Same,\u201d is repeated throughout the song, especially towards the end. It is easy to see where Fachry is coming from, especially because of the lyrics, \u201cYou men are all the same \/ Cheap macho men \/ Bunch of unfaithful fools.\u201d In this case, \u201cAll The Same\u201d would refer to men in general. But I see this title under a different light. I believe that \u201cAll The Same\u201d refers to both men <em>and<\/em> women. It is arguing that the stereotypes presented in the video are just that: stereotypes. Men and women are allowed to be\u2013\u2013in ability, in intellect, and in personality\u2013\u2013the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I enjoyed this thread of comments in particular:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/gRtst_8Wdv7It14XZ5OFenWvJo6w0EjRv6qcY76TMICmPItrjA0kZ3IWhWoBkJ6yrLqzA_yDNvihHXhyfwp0p_jorVce9X4qGkhN298WYNRiFZPxuL96ggWPgU0vt0JkmzBTGw1i\" alt=\"\" \/><figcaption><br><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brad Bury writes, \u201cIt\u2019s good to remember that being a woman is not having particular clothes, makeup or mannered body movements.\u201d Mary Strawberry then asks, \u201cWhat is being a woman? Or a man, for that matter,\u201d to which DankWolf # very fittingly replies, \u201ca human.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/XeAwy59O8ShSBhkIWJNsaqlE8_ZBmYtac9RyKfNpRxlvOoZzxwQUjVuPYsV4oE2BvCTWIcWavGkRvqpZjF25YeDuISa3pHcLECsw2mOotzqchFp5jlnL4YHdMZAvaHb3QoB4zTpc\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><br><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether we realize it or not, an extreme gender binary is presented to us the moment we are born into the world. Pink means girl. Blue means boy. You want to be a princess, step over here. You want to play football, step over there. From day one, individuality is stripped from us at the &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/assignments\/music-video-review\/redefining-gender-expression-a-look-at-stromaes-tous-les-memes-music-video\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Redefining Gender Expression: A Look at Stromae&#8217;s &#8220;Tous Les M\u00eames&#8221; Music Video&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":2010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[571,490,573,575,271,568,570],"class_list":["post-1995","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music-video-review","tag-belgian","tag-french","tag-gender-stereotypes","tag-image-and-sound","tag-music-video","tag-stromae","tag-tous-les-memes-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1995","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1995"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1995\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2048,"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1995\/revisions\/2048"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1995"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1995"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu\/mhs123_spring2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1995"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}