Oh Britney.

After watching “Womanizer” by Britney Spears, it got me thinking a lot about how I could implement this video and music in the classroom. The first thing that I noticed about the video was that while Spears is calling her boyfriend/fiancé/significant other a womanizer, she is using sex appeal throughout in order to prove her point. While I understand that sex sells in the media, I do not think that its promotion helps to better the predicament that Spears is feeling in her music. We, as a society, allow sex to be a huge aspect of media appeal. I always find it funny when female stars who are taking off their clothes say that their sexuality is empowering and that they are not ashamed of that fact. At the same time, they want respect and to be seen as professionals in the field of entertainment. It’s not to say that these women do not deserve respect nor should they necessarily be ashamed of any image they portray, whether that be sexual or not. The only thing that I wonder is, if you’re okay with taking off your clothes then you should also be aware of the potential scrutiny that will follow. And if that results in some judgmental or disapproving comments, then that’s the risk those individuals take. I, personally, do not know how effective overt sexual promotion can be when in search of respect, but it is definitely food for thought.

 I agree with Billy and how he thinks that this topic might be a little inappropriate for middle schoolers. This might be something that is more appropriate within a high school setting.  I do not know, however, if I would use “Womanizer” so freely in the classroom without being prepared to talk about its implications. Music and its usage in the media is something that affects our students’ tastes and thoughts regarding music and musical artists. Knowing how to tackle the topics that music can provoke, especially in today’s society, is another tool that music educators should carry with them in the quest to teach and connect to each students’ world. Because, let’s face it, Britney Spears is in everyone’s world whether they like it or not. You might not like her music or image, but she might help to open up great, thought-provoking discussions within your classroom.