Prompt 1:
The cultural artifact I choose is
the song Girls & Boys by Good Charlotte. The song was released back in May
9, 2003 and reached popularity in September 2003 for approximately 13 weeks on the Mainstream Top 40 billboard songs. It is mainly about the stereotypes
found in many relationships during the time period due to how men and women
act in society.
Prompt 2:
Throughout the song there are
references to gender and gender expression. First the song begins with the opening lyrics “educated,
with money He’s well dressed, not funny” which assumes that if you are a wealthy
educated guy you have to look and act the part. While the line “But he’ll foot the bill
in all situations because he pays for everything” enforces the gender role that
if you are a male you always have to pay for everything while in relationships.
The song goes on to say “girls don’t
like boys Girls like cars and money” which assumes that all girls are straight
and gold diggers. Followed shortly after by the lines “vacation and shopping
sprees These are a few of her favorite things” which assumes that girls like to
take part in feminine activities that involve spending money. Finally, the song
implies that only the good-looking girls who are thin with nice bodies will like rich guys
by saying “The girls with the bodies like boys with Ferrari’s."
Although the song talks about
gender and gender expression I do not think it attempts to challenge or push
back against any traditional ideas. I think it merely emphasizes them throughout the song.
Prompt 3:
I do not
think the song has impacted the way I think about my own gender identity and expression
because I do not agree with the ideas that are presented in the lyrics. I do not revolve my world and mind around them so they have little effect on me. I would just listen to the
song because I thought it was catchy.
Prompt 4:
The cultural object is the song
Girls & Boys. The social world in which the song exists, and acts is in the
American society of men and women from the early 2000s and on. The creators of the song are Joel Madden and
Benji Madden, members of the American pop punk band Good Charlotte. The
intended audience may be teenagers/young adults who are fans of the band.
