MUSIC VIDEOS REP
TURNTABLES
Representation
Introduction "Turntables" by Janelle Monáe is a music video released in 2020. It serves as
a protest song and was initially written for the Amazon documentary All In: The Fight for
Democracy. The documentary focuses on voter suppression, particularly impacting black
voters in American elections, such as the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election involving
Stacey Abrams. The music video was inspired by the erosion of democracy highlighted in
the documentary and extends to address Monáe's concerns about other social
inequalities in America and globally. Monáe refers to the video as an "emotion picture"
and a "chronicler of social issues," aiming to draw attention to truth to facilitate change.
Key Issues Represented The video tackles multiple interconnected issues:
● Voter Suppression: A central theme, directly linked to the All In documentary. It
highlights tactics used to make voting difficult, historically impacting black people.
Images of US mail post boxes piled up reference delays impacting postal voting.
● Racial Inequality and Systemic Racism: The video directly challenges white
supremacy and systemic oppression. It references historical struggles against
racism, including the Civil Rights movement and slavery.
● Black Lives Matter: Images reflective of the movement highlight police brutality and
inequality within the criminal justice system.
● Social Injustice and Oppression: The video is broadly about fighting against
injustice and fighting for democracy. It suggests that America has not lived up to its
promises and highlights "innate integral problems within America".
● Environmental Issues: The lyric "You fuck up the kitchen you should do the dishes"
alludes to climate change and generational responsibility.
● Inequality in Industries: The scene with the dolls suggests that inequalities extend
even to the toy industry.
● LGBTQ+ Rights: Includes images of Gay Pride marches and the rainbow flag,
contrasting with the American flag. Monáe is non-binary and pansexual/bisexual,
bringing a personal perspective on discrimination.
● Immigration Issues: Alludes to campaigns like "Families Belong Together" related to
family separation at the US-Mexican border.
Key Groups Represented and How The video deliberately features a wide range of
people, particularly those often underrepresented or misrepresented in media.
● Black People: Represented across history and in contemporary settings. Archive
footage shows civil rights fights, protests, and marches. Contemporary images show
black families, protesters, and individuals casting votes.
○ Representation: They are shown as powerful, active, and resilient fighters
against oppression. The video focuses on positive representations,
, celebrating culture and heritage (e.g., ornate hairstyles) and avoiding
portrayals as victims.
● Minority Groups: The video represents different underrepresented and
misrepresented groups, reflecting an intersectional approach.
○ Representation: Shown fighting for their rights and depicted positively,
celebrating community and diversity.
● Women: Features powerful, influential women like Janelle Monáe, Stacey Abrams,
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Tony Morrison, and Angela Davis.
○ Representation: Portrayed as leaders and voices of the people. The mother
in the family scene challenges traditional gender stereotypes by reading the
newspaper while the father cooks.
● Non-Binary People: Janelle Monáe identifies as non-binary, using both she/her and
they/them pronouns.
○ Representation: As the central artist and activist, Monáe's identity
contributes to the video's theme of diversity and fighting discrimination.
● Diverse People: Inclusion of people with afro hair, braided hair, people with
disabilities, and those from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures emphasises
diversity.
○ Representation: Their presence highlights the call for inclusivity and
suggests that the issues impact a broad community.
● Protesters and Activists: Features real and symbolic images of protest.
○ Representation: Shown as active agents of change, embodying power and
resistance through gestures like the raised fist.
● Children: Features a young black girl in a futuristic setting and a girl choosing a
black doll.
○ Representation: Represents hope for a positive future where past injustices
are learned about through technology rather than lived experience, and where
black identity is celebrated. Children are also represented as needing
protection in a dangerous world.
Construction of Representation (Media Language) The video uses various media
language elements to construct its representations:
● Narrative Structure: Employs a non-linear narrative combining past (archive
footage), present (performance, contemporary issues), and future (young girl with VR
headset). This structure highlights how historical injustices connect to current
struggles and points towards future hope. The narrative is held together by Monáe's
performance and direct address.
● Visual Codes:
○ Clothing: Monáe's clothing includes a 1940s army uniform, linking to national
identity and suggesting issues have been ongoing. Other clothing styles
reflect cultural diversity and community. Monáe's formal attire can suggest
leadership.
○ Hair: Elaborate and ornate black hairstyles are shown, particularly on the
mother and daughter. This is a powerful symbol of reclaiming culture and
resistance, referencing the historical significance of African hair and past
oppression where hair was removed.
TURNTABLES
Representation
Introduction "Turntables" by Janelle Monáe is a music video released in 2020. It serves as
a protest song and was initially written for the Amazon documentary All In: The Fight for
Democracy. The documentary focuses on voter suppression, particularly impacting black
voters in American elections, such as the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election involving
Stacey Abrams. The music video was inspired by the erosion of democracy highlighted in
the documentary and extends to address Monáe's concerns about other social
inequalities in America and globally. Monáe refers to the video as an "emotion picture"
and a "chronicler of social issues," aiming to draw attention to truth to facilitate change.
Key Issues Represented The video tackles multiple interconnected issues:
● Voter Suppression: A central theme, directly linked to the All In documentary. It
highlights tactics used to make voting difficult, historically impacting black people.
Images of US mail post boxes piled up reference delays impacting postal voting.
● Racial Inequality and Systemic Racism: The video directly challenges white
supremacy and systemic oppression. It references historical struggles against
racism, including the Civil Rights movement and slavery.
● Black Lives Matter: Images reflective of the movement highlight police brutality and
inequality within the criminal justice system.
● Social Injustice and Oppression: The video is broadly about fighting against
injustice and fighting for democracy. It suggests that America has not lived up to its
promises and highlights "innate integral problems within America".
● Environmental Issues: The lyric "You fuck up the kitchen you should do the dishes"
alludes to climate change and generational responsibility.
● Inequality in Industries: The scene with the dolls suggests that inequalities extend
even to the toy industry.
● LGBTQ+ Rights: Includes images of Gay Pride marches and the rainbow flag,
contrasting with the American flag. Monáe is non-binary and pansexual/bisexual,
bringing a personal perspective on discrimination.
● Immigration Issues: Alludes to campaigns like "Families Belong Together" related to
family separation at the US-Mexican border.
Key Groups Represented and How The video deliberately features a wide range of
people, particularly those often underrepresented or misrepresented in media.
● Black People: Represented across history and in contemporary settings. Archive
footage shows civil rights fights, protests, and marches. Contemporary images show
black families, protesters, and individuals casting votes.
○ Representation: They are shown as powerful, active, and resilient fighters
against oppression. The video focuses on positive representations,
, celebrating culture and heritage (e.g., ornate hairstyles) and avoiding
portrayals as victims.
● Minority Groups: The video represents different underrepresented and
misrepresented groups, reflecting an intersectional approach.
○ Representation: Shown fighting for their rights and depicted positively,
celebrating community and diversity.
● Women: Features powerful, influential women like Janelle Monáe, Stacey Abrams,
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Tony Morrison, and Angela Davis.
○ Representation: Portrayed as leaders and voices of the people. The mother
in the family scene challenges traditional gender stereotypes by reading the
newspaper while the father cooks.
● Non-Binary People: Janelle Monáe identifies as non-binary, using both she/her and
they/them pronouns.
○ Representation: As the central artist and activist, Monáe's identity
contributes to the video's theme of diversity and fighting discrimination.
● Diverse People: Inclusion of people with afro hair, braided hair, people with
disabilities, and those from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures emphasises
diversity.
○ Representation: Their presence highlights the call for inclusivity and
suggests that the issues impact a broad community.
● Protesters and Activists: Features real and symbolic images of protest.
○ Representation: Shown as active agents of change, embodying power and
resistance through gestures like the raised fist.
● Children: Features a young black girl in a futuristic setting and a girl choosing a
black doll.
○ Representation: Represents hope for a positive future where past injustices
are learned about through technology rather than lived experience, and where
black identity is celebrated. Children are also represented as needing
protection in a dangerous world.
Construction of Representation (Media Language) The video uses various media
language elements to construct its representations:
● Narrative Structure: Employs a non-linear narrative combining past (archive
footage), present (performance, contemporary issues), and future (young girl with VR
headset). This structure highlights how historical injustices connect to current
struggles and points towards future hope. The narrative is held together by Monáe's
performance and direct address.
● Visual Codes:
○ Clothing: Monáe's clothing includes a 1940s army uniform, linking to national
identity and suggesting issues have been ongoing. Other clothing styles
reflect cultural diversity and community. Monáe's formal attire can suggest
leadership.
○ Hair: Elaborate and ornate black hairstyles are shown, particularly on the
mother and daughter. This is a powerful symbol of reclaiming culture and
resistance, referencing the historical significance of African hair and past
oppression where hair was removed.
