Queer Theory - Jessie J 'Do it like a dude'

In this post I am going to look at Queer Theory, emerging in the early 1990s, it focuses on the sexualities of individuals looks at 'natural' and 'unnatural' behaviour of gays and lesbians. It looks upon feminists theory of that gender is essential for personal identity. Queer theory is a set of ideas based around the idea that identities are not fixed and do not determine who we are. It suggests that it is meaningless to talk in general about 'women' or any other group, as identities consist of so many elements that to assume that people can be seen collectively on the basis of one shared characteristic is wrong. It is based on a book by Judith Butler.

I am going to look at the song 'Do it like a dude' by Jessie J. 

The title states that it's a girl doing what a 'dude' does for example the lyric 'Grab my crotch, wear my hat, low like you' shows what maybe Jessie J is a t typical guy thing to do. She implies that male traits of power, aggression and strength is what a 'dude' does NOT a 'man'. In the video she acts like a 'dude' by the way she stands and dances, the other dancers in her video are dressed up to look like males as well as this they are smoking cigars typically seen to be a male thing to do. Although 'Do It Like a Dude' employs some masculinity's most misogynistic stereotypes, it also celebrates a masculine woman. Jessie repeats 'do it like a dude' gesturing towards her genitals with upturned palms as well as hurling her crotch in the air. Her exaggerated psycho eyes look at the camera as if she is 'owning' it and that she has the power. 

The video shows Jessie J going into a Lesbian club showing a modern day occurance something that wouldn't of happened 20 or so years ago. The video shows a lesbian couple kissing, this shows that the Queer theory is right in that it brings out an identity. The lyric line 'Boom, boom pull me a beer' could be seen to be a manly thing that men drink beer. Jessie J is an artist that is a Lesbian and therefore this video is quite controversial to her own identity. 

Opposing to this is Jessie J - Who You Are

A completely opposite video to 'Do it like a Dude' because it just has Jessie J sitting in the middle of a room with minimal 'normal' make up and clothing. It is the complete opposite song to Do it like a Dude and talks about just being yourself and don't hide your identity. It is all about not being perfect therefore she is open about her sexuality and isn't 'fake'.It is a normal acoustic song that breaks into ballad about self-expression and emits a more positive and less explicit message to her fans.
This song suggests that she is compromising her true (GAY) identity to please others.

Hannah Culley.