1) How might this video contribute to Butler’s idea that gender roles are a ‘performance’?
Gender roles as a performance would be seen in Beyonce satirising traditional female roles. For example, her burning the cooking, and her sweeping and dusting the house. Moreover, Beyonce takes up this 'femme fatale' persona seen when she is smoking the cigarette and drinking liquor. This portrays how women are able to create a more masculine image. This contributes to Butler's theory as it shows how gender isn't down to biology but an ideal constructed by society.
2) Would McRobbie view Beyonce as an empowering role model for women?
McRobbie could view Beyonce as an empowering model for women. This is down to her success as a female artist in the music industry. But not only her success, but her ability to remain relevant, and constant in releasing music that is creative and memorable. Furthermore, Beyonce's confidence in wearing such outfits would definitely show how she's an empowering model for women as she is shown to embrace her femininity.
3) What are your OWN views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ (Mulvey)?
Using Beyonce as an example is difficult because she could fit on both sides of the argument. On one side yes, she reinforces the male gaze through the clothes she wears and the choreography on her shows and music videos. However, she is empowering because she is a woman with unbelievable talent. She could even be seen as an inspiration because she made a good life for her and her family even when she wasn't born into big money.
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