Explore how the representation of America has been constructed in the video to 'This is America' by Childish Gambino

Explore how the representation of America has been constructed in the video to 'This is America' by Childish Gambino 

Representation in the music video from this is America by childish gambino is constructed through the use of binary oppositions and intertextual reference links to the intended audience of America. The use of binary oppositions can be seen between the expressive dancing of Gambino and the children around him, contrasting to the violence within the background and in between these dancing. This dancing is a reference to the desensitised youth towards violence and how it’s considered a normal part of their lives. This is further anchored by children in a later scene filming some of the violent actions on their phone, however none seem phased by the actions taking place. This representation of the youth and their view on violence is a reference to the ever growing issues of gang violence within American democracy it’s impact on the modern youth, being more easily accessible. 

Gilroy- post colonialism, racial hierarchy 

exotic, dangerous- how people are perceived 

Stuart hall- preferred reading

negotiated reading 

oppositional reading 

we just want to party- i don't wanna die'- happy positive 

atmospheric change when he shoots the guitarist, beat matching with the gun shot, lyric and tempo change 

reference to gang violence, as children play and are bought up in a violent atmosphere, this can be seen when some of the children in the background are using a money gun sat on one of the destroyed cars while others run round them. shows their innocence. 

binary opposition between the children dancing and the violence- represent how children are raised within society 

all the cars shown are cheap older cars, represent the perceived black community as poor and a lower class, this can also be seen in the chickens (Gilroy- post colonialism, seen as a lower class with stigma and stereotypes still attacked, chickens roaming free, uncivilised) 

continuity between shots as it pans, creating the effect of one long continuous shot going to the scene with the choir. 

'don't catch you slipping'- reference to happy scenes when there is peace, which results in death. the black community is under constant threat, they are unable to relax and enjoy their culture. 

another reference to children as they are seen to be filming the violence blow on their phones, reference to social media and its impact on young people perception of attacks and their immunity to its effect. desensitised. 

all the cars at the end have their hazard lights on, this could be viewed as a warning or imply the aftermath of an attack. 

full circle- guitarist at the start is seen at the end as well, with the bag over his head as he's plays his music blind the the events happening around him. 

seen to smoke at the end, another stereotype of the black community linked to drugs 

last shot is the first time he is seen to not smile and be fearful, he has always maintained power during the video, but at the end shown to be scared. 

intertextual reference- horror film 'Get out', shown at the end when Gambino is running away scared with a focus on his eyes 

camera movement- constantly moving- only pauses at significant moments- creates stand out images that have a lasting impact.