Rihanna and the rise of raunch pop

The R&B star's S&M video offers an extreme portrayal of a particular vision of female sexuality that permeates popBondage, blow-up dolls and Perez Hilton on a dog leash – they all feature in the video for Rihanna's recent single S&M. The four-minute clip was banned in 11 countries and a blogosphere debate ensued. Were we meant to be seduced by bubblegum-coloured fetish outfits? Amused by the video's garish humour and leering camera work? Was the song's explicit hook – "Sex in the air, I don...

Read full article Share article