Lizzo - Deep Dive

Point Lizzo’s "Good as Hell" music video utilizes the conventions of the performance-based music video genre to celebrate marching band culture and the personal background of the artist. Evidence The video is set at Southern University in Baton Rouge, featuring the "Human Jukebox" marching band and the "Fabulous Dancing Dolls" dance group. Theory This reflects the artist's own cultural background, as Lizzo previously played the flute and piccolo in a marching band, which influences the choice of settings and costumes. Analysis As the narrative progresses, the color palette shifts from students in regulation navy tracksuits to bright blue and gold costumes, with Lizzo’s gold outfit specifically connoting her "star persona" and success. Cultural Context The setting in a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) influences the representation of people and themes, grounding the video in a specific American social and historical tradition founded in 1880.

Point The video blends performance with a narrative structure that follows the journeys of three female "heroes" overcoming personal conflicts. Evidence The narrative tracks Nicole (who is distracted in chemistry class), a student dealing with a romantic break-up, and another feeling isolated from her bandmates. Theory According to Vladimir Propp’s narrative theory, these students act as "heroes" who receive help from Lizzo and other female students on their journey toward self-love. Analysis Lizzo’s frequent use of direct address builds intimacy with her female audience, encouraging them to relate to the lyrics through their own personal identity. Cultural Context This narrative of female empowerment reflects contemporary social shifts and an increasing focus on body image and confidence in the age of online media.

Point The representation of ethnicity in "Good as Hell" serves as a powerful message of Black empowerment and community support. Evidence The video features an entirely Black cast in an HBCU setting, representing young Black Americans as educated, talented, and supportive of one another. Theory Applying Stuart Hall’s representation theory, the "preferred reading" is for the audience to embrace the positive, feel-good message of the video. Analysis Technical codes, such as shots of students marching in formation or playing together in a hall, visually represent the theme of teamwork and harmony. Cultural Context By focusing on the marching band rather than the male footballers at the "homecoming" game, Lizzo subverts traditional cultural expectations of US university events.

Point From a post-feminist perspective, the video constructs a version of femininity based on body confidence rather than the "male gaze". Evidence While the lyrics mention "hair and nails" and the "Dancing Dolls" wear revealing costumes, these are presented as tools for feeling "Good as Hell". Theory A post-feminist view argues that these feminine signifiers represent empowerment through body confidence and self-care. Analysis Women are represented as emotionally supportive of each other; for instance, it is a female teammate who helps the struggling saxophonist rather than the despairing male teacher. Cultural Context Lizzo herself acts as a role model for women who may have experienced body shaming, using her platform to promote pride in one's body.

Point The video portrays men through largely negative or secondary representations to emphasize the importance of female community. Evidence Individual male characters include a "villain" boyfriend who has neglected his partner and a teacher who shakes his head at a student's mistakes. Theory This could lead to an oppositional reading (Stuart Hall) from male audience members who may feel their social group is being misrepresented. Analysis However, group shots of men and women playing together in the band represent harmony achieved through a shared goal and interest. Cultural Context The final "out-take" shot, which captures the sound of students cheering, adds a sense of realism and inclusion, reinforcing the idea of the university as a supportive community.

Point The industrial success of Lizzo’s brand is a result of digital convergence and a strategic cross-platform construction of her star persona. Evidence Initially a "sleeper hit" in 2016, the song achieved mainstream success in 2019 alongside her Cuz I Love You album and her Emmy-winning Amazon reality series. Theory According to the Uses and Gratifications theory, audiences consume her content for personal identification and entertainment. Analysis Lizzo utilizes TikTok (25.3 million followers) and Instagram to take a personal approach, sharing her views on body shaming, racism, and LGBTQ+ Pride. Cultural Context Her launch of the Yitty shapewear brand (sizes XS to 6X) further aligns her commercial interests with her social message of inclusivity and body positivity.

1. Product History: In what year was "Good as Hell" first released, and what term is used to describe its delayed success in 2019?

2. Setting: What is the significance of Southern University in Baton Rouge regarding its status in the US education system?

3. Media Language: How does the color palette change throughout the video to signify the students' progress?

4. Narrative Theory: According to the source, how can the three female students be classified using Propp’s theory?

5. Representation: Contrast the representation of the male teacher with the representation of the female teammates.

6. Feminist Theory: Explain the difference between a traditional feminist and a post-feminist reading of the "hair and nails" lyrics.

7. Industry: Name three platforms or media forms used to construct Lizzo’s cross-platform star persona.

8. Audience: According to Stuart Hall, what is the "preferred reading" of the music video?

Glossary of Key Terms for Lizzo

• Body Positivity: A social movement rooted in the belief that all human beings should have a positive body image, which Lizzo promotes.

• Digital Convergence: The way Lizzo's music is promoted across her website, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to reach a wider audience.

• Direct Address: When the artist looks directly into the camera to build a sense of intimacy with the viewer.

• HBCU (Historically Black College and University): Institutions established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating Black Americans, such as Southern University.

• Homecoming: A traditional US cultural event where alumni return to their university for a celebratory football game.

• Human Jukebox: The specific name of Southern University’s world-renowned marching band.

• Male Gaze: A feminist theory concept where women are represented as objects for the pleasure of a male audience; the video is argued to avoid this.

• Personal Identity: A "Use and Gratification" where audiences watch media to find characters they can relate to or who reflect their own lives.

• Post-feminism: A perspective that suggests women can find empowerment through traditional feminine activities like makeup and fashion.

• Preferred Reading: The message the producer intends the audience to receive (in this case, empowerment and self-love).

• Sleeper Hit: A song that has low initial sales but becomes a major success long after its original release.

• Star Persona: The public image of a celebrity that is carefully constructed across different media platforms.

• Symbolic Signifier: An element like Lizzo's gold costume that carries a deeper meaning of success and glamour.

• Yitty: Lizzo’s inclusive shapewear brand that caters to a wide range of body sizes