1. Critical Perspectives

2. Critical Perspectives Reminder
When we look at critical perspectives and the different “lenses” we can use to interpret text, try not to get yourself confused.
Don’t look at the text itself as being “feminist” or “Marxist”.
Instead, try to imagine how the author or artist’s work is informing the audience. You can use any perspective to look at any text. It is less about the author’s intended message and more about the perception of the audience.
For example, it would be easy to use the feminist perspective to analyze “Single Ladies” by Beyonce, but what things might we be able to look at from another critical perspective?

3. Example: Single Ladies
From a Marxist lens, you might be able to say that Beyonce’s insistence to “put a ring on it” is a statement about the traditional and “outdated” ritual of providing something of monetary value in order to “lock down” a bride.
From a biographical perspective, you could see this as Beyonce’s celebration of finally finding a man to “put a ring on it” after her on-again, off-again relationship with rapper Mos Def.
From a cultural perspective you could say that Beyonce is speaking to her fans (most of whom are coming of age in their early to late 20’s) about the pressures that millennials face to “grow up”, get married, and start a family.
See how easy it is? You can analyze ANY text from virtually ANY perspective.

4. Practice
We will watch a music video for each perspective we’ve talked about.
On your graphic organizer, you will write down how you perceive the song/video from the given perspective.
Along with the conclusion, you must list the evidence you found in the song/video for support.

5. Historical Perspective
“Fortunate Son” by CCR
Note: This is a Vietnam Era song.

6. Feminist Perspective “Roar” by Katy Perry

7. Archetypal Perspective
“Boys ‘ Round Here” by Blake Shelton

8. Biographical Perspective
“Through The Wire” by Kanye West

9. Marxist Perspective “Money” by Pink Floyd

10. Cultural Perspective “Friday” by Rebecca Black