The success of Spice girls' "Wannabe" was backed by contemporary young
generations. The society and culture of Britain were very rigid and
conservative. Class division and its discrimination were prevalent.
Public was tired of the conservative party for 18 years. Young
generations aspired to something fresh and different. Furthermore,
Britain was at an important turning point. The country was about to
return HongKong to China. Also, People were going to vote for a new
prime minister. Spice girls' "Wannabe" captured these social,
economical and political change demands well in the lyrics and the
music video.
In the music video, Spice girls wear tank-top without bra, short
skirts and dance like a mischievous boys running over throughout the
video. This style was totally against a passive feminine concept which
was conventional in Britain. It was shocking and accepted as a riot to
the old generation and upper class. In contrast, teenagers were
cheering their rebellion. First the video starts with a luxurious
hotel and a bagger leaning on the wall. This is juxtaposition of class
between the haves and the have-nots, pinching class oriented British
society. Then, the spice girls were breaking into the banquet,
scattering papers which may be a list of guests. Paper means formality
and a guest list welcomes only invited class. Inside of the hall,
their rebellious dancing goes on, interrupting luxurious guests.
Mostly, singers approach boldly the guests and ridicule them. One
singer even kisses guys first. This behavior is also against a social
custom imposing on women. They did backhand spinning on the tables,
making a mess in the banquet. Well ornamented banquet is for high
class. We can find more clues in the lyrics too. Spice girls are
asking people to listen to their mind, singing: "I will tell you what
I want, what I really want so tell me what you want" This lyric
touches and moves people's aspiration to own freedom out of ways being
required by rigid society. Particular it affected on adolescents,
wandering between dream and things to do. Next, spice girls insists
that people embrace new, singing:"If you want my future forget my
past", "If you wannna get with e better make it fast". 1997, Britain
was being faced with reforming and innovation out of glory of the
past. Public's demands to change and fast actions were melted in the
lyrics. Furthermore, singers warn polarization in class and suggest
harmony, singing: "If you wanna be my lover you gotta get with my
friends"," If you wanna be my lover you have got to give" Low class of
people endure a longstanding class division. Spice girls are
pleasantly singing "let's be friends and share to be friends" on this.
The simple and direct lyrics, powerful dancing and stunning fashion
style of spice girls were shocking but revolution to the obsolete
society. They captured "zeitgeist" of the Britain at the moment by
being an icon of new and girl empowerment through "Wannabe".
No comments:
Post a Comment