The majority of the British public say sexual content in music videos is unacceptable and problematic
Following a string of sexually explicit music videos from Robin Thicke, Miley Cyrus and Dizzee Rascal, YouGov put the question to the nation: is it just the usual hot air about nothing, or does the increasingly sexual content in music videos pose a serious problem for society?
51% of British adults think that “sexual content in music videos is generally unacceptable.” 33% say they are “generally acceptable”, 16% don’t know.
There is a striking gender divide on this issue – 45% of men think sexual content in music videos is acceptable compared to just 23% of women.
Additionally, 57% say sexual content in music videos is “a very big” or “a bit of” a problem. 33% say it is “not much” or “not at all” a problem – 44% of men compared to 21% women.
Older Britons are less likely to have a positive opinion of music videos featuring sexual content: 28% of those over 40 say they are acceptable and 29% not a problem, compared to 43% of those aged 18-39 who say they are acceptable and 39% not a problem. The differing attitudes amongst young and old could merely be due to older Britons not being familiar with what ‘sexual content’ actually means, however, as older Britons are also less likely to watch music videos and more likely to say they don't know the answer to the questions above. Similarly, the phrase may have varying connotations to different groups.
Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ was last week banned from Edinburgh University’s student union over claims it ‘trivialises rape.’ Miley Cyrus, perhaps best known as Disney Channel child icon Hannah Montana, also caused controversy with her video ‘Wrecking Ball,’ in which nudity features prominently.
