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Madonna’s award winning music video for the song Like A Prayer raised much controversy after its release in 1989 for the different representations of major issues in western culture. ... In order to analyse Madonna’s representations of these issues, I will be using the concept of representation from Stuart Hall as well as the concept of power from Michel Foucault. I will also be referring to the meaning based model of communication which determines the meanings of the many signs represented in Madonna’s Like A Prayer music video.
A music video is footage that accompanies a song. ... In this case the Like A Prayer music video follows the three act structure of film; it has a beginning, a middle and an end. ... Consequently the audience is left to interpret the meanings of the many signs represented to them in Madonna’s music video. ... Madonna’s popularity worldwide as well as the fact that songs are accompanied with music videos, has given Madonna the power to communicate her views to audiences not only through words but also through images and because images have become extremely important in the communication of information to audiences (Goodall 1993 p. ... This audience, Madonna- wannabes, can be relied upon to purchase her CDs, fashion accessories, videos, and tickets to her films. ...
The study of semiotics will help us understand the messages Madonna sends to her audiences in the Like A Prayer music video which display many contradictions and dual meanings. These are evident not only in her music video but also within our culture. ... The latter supports a positive representation of an African-American man. ... Nevertheless the Like A Prayer music video has fallen victim of severe criticism since its release in 1989. ... It was for this reason why I chose the music video to analyse and interpret for myself. ... Consequently the music video makes me feel included as I am individually involved in the production of meaning of the signs represented to me. ...
What Madonna has given to western culture is not a collection of songs; rather, it is a collection of images and signs through her music videos where the meanings are determined by the receiver (the audience) rather than the sender (Madonna). ... ’ The representation at play here is that African-American’s are categorized as the ‘others’ and as a result are less superior to ‘whites. ... The music video has been subject to severe criticism in the past for its representation of offensive issues which impact on particular social groups in our culture.
Approximate Word count = 2152
Approximate Pages = 8.6
(250 words per page double spaced)
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