Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Mass Communication and Media Arts
Advisor
Thompson, Jan
Abstract
Music videos have a way of leaving memories in people, especially music lovers. Music videos are creative marketing tools for artists, bands, or groups to promote new music to their respective markets. However, how artists represent themselves, especially when it comes to marginalized populations, can be more critical than others when those who are marginalized are judged against hegemonic standards. When the intersections of Black, male, and gay collide in a music video study, how do Black males view Black male artists when their sexual orientations are not the same? This qualitative study explored how fifteen (15) participants defined Black masculinity within the music videos they saw. Using music videos from Black gay male artists Todrick Hall and Lil Nas X and Black straight male artists Aminé and Pink Sweat$, this study found that most participants did not view anything in any of the videos as unmasculine. Because participant responses recognized the craft and music of the music videos, this study concluded that, despite heteronormativity socialized to be the norm, overall Black gay men can be positive role models of Black masculinity.