Planning - Controversy

Controversy

Controversy has risen significantly in the music video industry. It is a modern strategy employed by record companies for artists in order to increase the sales of the artist and to create a memorable video which will entice and keep the audience watching the video. Consequently, the more views it has, the more money they make, hence why controversy has become such a vital aspect of music videos. In addition to this, by having a controversial music video, the public as well as channels such as MTV continue to talk about it, spreading the word effectively promoting/advertising the music videos. However, record companies need to ensure that the controversial topics they include are up to date as controversial issues change over time rapidly due to the amount of controversial issues in the world. Despite some videos being negative, they still maintain high views and publicity.

 Madonna - Like a prayer is one of the most controversial music videos of time. This video was banned from MTV and she was fined for the video. This video is controversial because her relationship with Jesus, who also appears to be black, is seen to be intimate and she sexually objectifies herself with her clothing in the church, a religious place. Moreover, the lyrics can also be interpreted in a sexual reference as a well as its original reference.

 Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball is the most recent controversial music video currently viewed. This is due to the fact that she is an icon to many young girls because of her character role 'Hannah Montanna' and her new video, Wrecking Ball, sees her throughout the film naked and referencing to sexual motives in her actions. This can be seen as an influence to young girls, going against the norms of society.

Rihanna - S&M is also a very controversial music video as it again has a heavy reference to sexual activity in a negative aspect. Sadomasochism is the giving and/or receiving of pleasure—often sexual—from acts involving the infliction or reception of pain or humiliation. The abbreviation S&M is often used for sadomasochism and it seems that Rihanna is promoting this in her video and lyrics. This is against the norms of society as sadomasochism is disregarded in society.