Representation

Sexuality - The male and female protagonists share a conventional relationship in the music video. Although modern society has developed an open mind to love with the same gender, music videos appear to remain behind the times and avoid using homosexuals. The pattern has recently been broken by a music video "Take Me to Church" by Hozier which involves a relationship between two homosexual men. 

The stop motion in the final product shows a stereotypical relationship between a male and female, resulting in some of the target audience to believe that it isn't open minded, however, the final product is only one of many interpretations of the lyrics. The message is still the same, showing that no matter whom you are and if you can only see the negatives in yourself, there will be someone there who sees the positives and loves you for who you are. There is no reason why someone can't look at the video and vision it with two males or two females. This is the same as "Take Me to Church". While some watch the video and see two men, they may find their own interpretation of the lyrics and vision heterosexuals instead. It is this interpretation people develop that can be shared using the visual communication of a music video. 

Female protagonist's appearance - The female seems to follow Mulvey's theory that females are seen as innocent and pure however, this is not the case. Indeed the character may seem "pure" but that does not mean she is perfect. She doubts herself and hides in fear of being judged by the negatives she sees in herself. She loves the male protagonist and shows this many times throughout the video but this once again does not mean she is perfect. Her fear effects the loved ones around her, as she shuts them out, making them worry about her. Her confidence does progress however throughout, showing her development as a character and becoming less of a paper character and more of a real person, allowing her to be a relatable character for the target audience members who are also effected by the low confidence and pressures created by the media. Her purple top symbolizes that she is loyal, while yellow shows that she is a very bright and happy person (seen more as the video goes on). Blue shows she is natural and kind, while pink shows she is girly and bubbly.


Male protagonist's appearance - The male may follow the conventions of being a hero and saving the female, however he like the female is not perfect. While he helps his girlfriend find herself, he is hit by the world, symbolizing that he also deep down feels the pressures given by the media, showing that the need to be perfect happens to both genders however, he is able to fight back, teaching his girlfriend that although the pressures will always be there, it should not stop her from being the girl he loves - herself. Green shows he is natural and honest while blue shows he is kind and easy going most of the time. Red shows his romantic side, but also shows fear and danger as he tries to protect those close to him.


Some may believe that because the skin for the characters is different to that of the singer, the video is not open minded. Once again it is down to interpretation. The reason why this was done was to show that not matter who you are (age, race ect.) love is out there for everyone, not just the singer. The male protagonist represents John Legend's lyrics not the John Legend himself. These are two different people going through the same type of events with their lover, showing it happens to everyone not just one person.