1. Video of a Generation?
Thriller now screams 'Michael Jackson!' but it can also connote 'the 1980s!' or 'MTV' and even 'the birth of the Music Video'. Thriller truly has stood the test of time and, as the thirtieth anniversary of its release approaches, it is bound to be referenced, celebrated and parodied even more usual over the coming months. Michael Jacksons shocking and untimely death in the summer of 2009 all but cemented Thriller as his true highlight, not only for his own career but also for a certain generation of new music, artistry and fashion. Thriller incorporated all three of these so seamlessly and marvellously that it will forever be lauded as Jacksons greatest triumph, despite any difficulties he faced in her personal life and later career. This was reinforced in December 2009 when Thriller was included into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in the United States. It is the first, and so far only, music video to be chosen to be part of the prestigious selection. Most importantly, the video was chosen as a point of reference for one of them most significant periods of change for the music and media industries. The air of uneasiness which enveloped the industry in the 80s, mirrors the current climate, as 'the music video' again seems to be evolving. Thus, is it possible that Lady Gaga could perhaps achieve similar status in decades to come? She has mostly certainly revealed herself at, what is often termed, the right time. Well, whether her emergence in the late-2000s/early 2010s will mean anything in thirty years remains to be seen. However there are definite parallels with Michaels career and the Thriller release. Firstly, both were young, pop singers who achieved an inordinate amount of success in the early stages of their careers. They were both something of an Other in their time: Michael being African-American and Lady Gagas subversive, non-normative lens of observation. And, finally, both initiated a social commentary, whether intended or not, about important socio-cultural issues of their day: Michael, again, helped dismantle the racist element that was entrenched in the music industry in the 1970s and 80s. Gaga, in todays world, has much more of a challenge of her hands, given the social progression of the last three decades. Nevertheless, the subtext of Bad Romance, and the majority of her songs, points towards a post-feminist outlook, one with the intention of subverting the male gaze which, unfortunately, still persists in the music and film industries. By and large, much of Gagas work showcases her dedication to the continued awareness-raising of female equality and, also, the discrimination of the LGBT community. Given that these are both such hot-button topics at present, I think it is safe to assume that thirty years from now, Lady Gaga will have garnered recognition for her socio-political stance and also for leading the way, in the pop music scene, for a new, Internet-centric music industry.
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