A Critical Analysis of Katy Perry's "Firework"

RE:  Blog Entry #2 - A Critical View of Music Videos

For this assignment, I decided to analyze Katy Perry's music video for her newest hit, "Firework" as directed by Dave Meyers.

Here's the music video for that video:

And here is my analysis of that video.

Initial Reaction

My immediate reaction to this video is that it's very well done.  I initially see that the music video perfectly portrays the song's message and name.

Analysis and Interpretation

I think this video was created to further promote Katy Perry's new single.  I also think it was created because, since it was her newest hit, it gave a chance for her fans to see how Katy interpreted her song and to see if their views were similar to hers.  A theme promoted in this video is to believe in yourself and know that you're just as strong, great and bold as a firework.  Although I don't think this theme perfectly aligns with Gospel values, I know they don't go against them.  This theme focuses more on the moral value of believing in oneself and to know that we are worth it.

Consideration of Cultural Context

Events that could have influenced the musician or the director to create this music is video is that he, she or a close friend had to go though a really hard time in their life.  They could have possibly been bullied, had really serious insecurities or were possibly just not accepted in their community.  In the end though, they probably overcame these obstacles and issues and were able to believe in themselves again.

Expression of Aesthetic Judgement

The cinematography, storyline and acting, and performance works quite well in this music video, in my opinion.  All the acting done in this video, other than Katy that is, portrays how someone who's really insecure becomes stronger and begins to believe in his- or herself.  A great example of this is one of the girls in the video.   This girl doesn't have the body society and media likes to see, but she is at a pool party and is afraid to get in the water with her friends because of her insecurities with her body.  As the music video progresses though, she begins to believe in herself and gains the courage to get in the pool and enjoy the party with her friends.

The only choreography that's used in this music video is at the end of the video, and I think it worked well with the music.  Despite this, I don't think the choreography worked with the storyline.  The choreography by itself was very good and really worked with the music, but really didn't relate to the storyline of the music video.  This is because it was only showed at the end at it seemed a bit random and out of place for me.

The only special effects used in this video was the fireworks coming out of everyone's chest.  Even though the song is called "Firework", and although I understood the concept of having the fireworks coming out of everyone's chest, I didn't think it worked quite well with the song.  To me, it seemed kind of random and the director just had to incorporate fireworks somehow throughout the entire video because of the song's title.  I would have liked to seen an entire firework spectacle only at the end, which the video did have.  Now, despite the fact that I did not like how the visuals were incorporated, it really gave me a better understanding of what Katy meant when she sang her lyrics "you're a firework."  This is because some fireworks I've seen are actually just very small and short lived sparks - the fireworks in this video were big and constant bursts of light that brightened everyone's attitude.

Ongoing Reflection

This music video influenced my perception of the song in different ways.  One way it affected me was my perception of Katy's definition of "firework".  Now, every time I hear this song, I will see big bursts of light and big firework spectacles, not just small sparks.  It also improved my perception on how many different types of people can be positively affected by this song.  Like the child with the disease in the video, it can give strength and hope for one to know that they are still worth it and that perhaps they can beat whatever they're struggling with.

All in all, I was satisfied with Katy Perry's music video for her single, "Firework".

-x-x-x-x-x-

NOTE TO MY TEACHERS:

I really hope this music video wasn't offending to anyone and is acceptable in our Catholic school!

-Jercy

Privacy Control on Social Networking Websites

RE:  Blog Entry #1 - Facebook on the Big Screen (Mary Ward Communications)

Websites like Facebook have been getting heat from many who say that their social networking site enables others to invade one's privacy.  This always brings up the topic of how one could and should stay safe on the Internet, especially on websites like these.

Why is it important to protect your information from uninvited eyes and advertisers?

There are many reasons why it’s important to protect your privacy on social networking sites.  One reason why is because total strangers who you may accept a “friend request” to can access your profile and abuse or use the things you post in potentially harmful ways.  Another reason why is because even people who you know well enough can access things on your profile you may not want them to see.  Also, once you post something onto the Internet, even if you delete it, someone may still have proof that whatever you posted.  By limiting the amount of people who can access your profile, you limit the amount of people who can abuse your things or keep things you would rather not have them keep.  This is especially true for major companies who you might associate with.  Companies or organizations can keep a record of things you might have posted and can use that against you in different ways.  This, and all the other scenarios, is easily avoided through privacy control.

What are ways you can protect your privacy on social networking sites, such as Facebook?

The biggest way to protect your privacy is to not let people whom you don’t know access your profile.  In social networking sites, this is by “adding a friend.”  If you don’t know who is sending you a “friend request”, don’t accept it.  This easily avoids strangers accessing things you wouldn’t want them to see.  Another way to control your privacy is through privacy settings.  This controls which specific people, whether it’s one person or an entire group, can see what posts you have on your profile.  One last way you can protect your privacy is to not post anything personal at all.  This just means not to post anything you absolutely do not want anyone to see.  Doing this avoids many problems that a post could cause.

For example, no [bed] intruders should be allowed to see your personal information.  Do you personally know this man?  Probably not.  Changing your privacy settings or simply not accepting this particular man's friend request can prevent him from seeing your profile - or intruding your bed.

-x-x-x-x-x-

NOTE TO MY TEACHERS:

I made the picture myself, photoshopping a "do not" sign over the man's picture.  Please don't hesitate to ask me if you want to see the raw files.
Jercy.

PS  Here's the URL for a YouTube video if you don't quite understand the picture:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMtZfW2z9dw