A Level Media - Turntables by Janelle Monae

Summary

Janelle Monáe’s music video for 'Turntables' is a powerful commentary on racial injustice, political issues, and inclusivity. The video blends historical footage of civil rights struggles with a futuristic vision, highlighting the ongoing fight for equality. Monáe critiques America's systemic problems, focusing on themes like voter suppression, police brutality, and inequality. With a diverse cast and messages of empowerment, the video advocates for social change, inclusivity, and activism. Through its bold imagery and political stance, the video urges viewers to confront past and present injustices while offering hope for a more inclusive and equal future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Janelle Monáe is a non-binary artist who uses both she/her and they/them pronouns, reflecting the diverse ways the artist is represented in media.
• 😀 The music video for 'Turntables' opens with an archival clip from James Baldwin, highlighting that racial and social justice issues are long-standing.
• 😀 Monáe’s costume, resembling a 1940s military style, suggests themes of patriotism and links to American history, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the struggles for equality.
• 😀 The video contrasts past struggles with a futuristic vision, represented by a young black girl in virtual reality, implying progress and hope for a better future.
• 😀 The use of contrasting imagery, such as old vinyl records versus futuristic technology, emphasizes the passage of time and the ongoing fight for racial equality.
• 😀 Archival footage of civil rights protests is juxtaposed with modern images of a black family in the future, symbolizing the tension between past discrimination and future hope.
• 😀 The song’s lyrics, such as 'I keep my hands dirty and my mind clean,' suggest Monáe’s activism and personal involvement in the fight for social change.
• 😀 The music video includes images of police brutality, crowds protesting, and iconic symbols like raised fists, representing the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight for racial justice.
• 😀 Monáe’s message in the video includes a call for political and social reform, criticizing America’s inherent inequalities and emphasizing the importance of voting.
• 😀 The video reflects Monáe’s political views, featuring references to voter suppression, climate change, and inclusivity, positioning her as a vocal advocate for diversity and social justice.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'Turntables' music video by Janelle Monáe?

The music video primarily focuses on media language and representation, specifically addressing themes of racism, political activism, inclusivity, and social justice.

Why is Janelle Monáe's non-binary identity mentioned at the start of the video analysis?

Janelle Monáe's non-binary identity is mentioned to provide context for the usage of both 'she/her' and 'they/them' pronouns throughout the video, reflecting the artist's preference and the diversity of pronouns used in different resources.

What is the significance of the opening archive audio clip in the video?

The opening archive audio clip, from James Baldwin in 1968, suggests that the issues discussed in the video, such as racism and political inequality, are longstanding problems that have persisted over time.

How does the costume Janelle Monáe wears at the beginning of the video contribute to the themes of the music video?

Monáe's military-style uniform, with an overcoat, hat, and suitcase, symbolizes power and dominance, possibly linking her to American nationalism and patriotism, suggesting the historical and ongoing nature of the struggle she addresses in the video.

What is the significance of the juxtaposition between past and future in the music video?

The video contrasts historical footage of civil rights struggles with a futuristic vision of a young black girl experiencing history through virtual reality. This suggests that issues of racism and discrimination may belong to the past, but their impact continues, offering hope for a future free from such struggles.

How do the themes of racism and political activism manifest in the video?

Racism and activism are represented through imagery of past civil rights protests, modern-day Black Lives Matter movements, police brutality, and political participation, particularly through the symbolism of voting, which underscores the importance of political involvement in combating inequality.

How does the video promote inclusivity and diversity?

The video highlights inclusivity and diversity by featuring a range of individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, disabilities, and cultures. This reflects Monáe's commitment to representing marginalized groups and challenging underrepresentation in media.

What is the connection between the music video and the documentary *All In: The Fight for Democracy*?

The music video was created for the documentary *All In: The Fight for Democracy*, which focuses on voter suppression, particularly the disenfranchisement of Black voters in the U.S. This connection helps explain the video's emphasis on the importance of voting and political change.

How does the music video use visual techniques like Dutch tilts to reinforce its message?

The use of Dutch tilts (canted angles) in the video symbolizes disruption and chaos, reinforcing the message that societal change and political upheaval are imminent, as the song's chorus announces that 'the tables are about to turn.'

What potential impact could the music video have on its audience, particularly in relation to political views?

The video may resonate strongly with liberal, progressive audiences who share Monáe’s views on social justice and equality, but could alienate more conservative viewers, especially those who disagree with its critique of America and its political stance.

Why might the video be considered a risky artistic choice for Janelle Monáe?

The video is risky because it openly expresses Monáe's political views, which may narrow her audience to those who share her stance, particularly within the Democrat-liberal spectrum, while potentially alienating more conservative audiences who might feel the video is too anti-American or politically charged.