The vote deciding whether Robin Thicke’s summer hit ‘Blurred Lines’ will be banned around campus has started today.
The lyrics, which can easily be perceived as sexist, explicit nature of the video and apparent references to rape, have caused significant controversy since its release earlier this year. After a complaint from an anonymous source, The Students’ Guild launched a vote to allow students to have their say.
It was reported in the latest print edition of Exeposé that the format of the vote was to change. In previous votes such as the campaign to ban The Sun, students could vote Yes or No. However, the ‘Blurred Lines’ referendum will give students the chance to select one of three options.
The ‘Condemn and Remove‘ case strongly believes that the song upholds and accepts ‘rape culture’, arguing that it encourages the use of rape in everyday language. It argues that lyrics such as ‘I hate these blurred lines’ and ‘you know you want it’ refer to the acceptance of rape, which could be considered offensive towards the thousands of women who suffer sexual abuse every year.
Alternatively, students have the option to vote for the ‘No ban and Condemn’ case, which firmly agrees that the song contains negative and sexist qualities, but does not believe that the song should be banned. This campaign is also concerned with the issues of censorship, saying that students should be able to listen and enjoy the song if they want to. The case states “this song alone cannot be made a scapegoat for the entire music industry or our attitudes towards women in society as a whole.”
Finally students can vote for ‘No change’, for those who feel that the song should not be banned and do not wish the Guild to make a statement condemning the lyrics.
The women’s officers from the National Union of Students said: “We consider “Blurred Lines” to be deeply offensive and dangerous. The idea that consent is a ‘blurry’ concept is outrageous. It reinforces the shameful way sexual assault is often represented in the media and wider popular culture.” The group also said “we want to see a society that recognizes “no means no,” that doesn’t engage in victim blaming and doesn’t think that rape is a “blurry” concept.”
President of the Students’ Guild, Hannah Barton said: “I believe anything we can do to reduce sexism and sexual violence is paramount especially if concerns are raised by students. We are a student-led organisation here to represent student views.”
The song has been banned by other student unions, including Kingston, Edinburgh, Derby, West Scotland and Leeds; but Exeter has a history of voting differently to other student unions, with many expecting the split ‘condemn’ options to mean the song is not banned.
The vote has been open since 9am this morning and finishes at 4pm on Friday. Students can vote via the Guild website here and read Exeposé coverage throughout the week.
Rachel Gelormini, News Team
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