Chained to the System

Katy Perry’s music video for her new single “Chained to the Rhythm” packs a heavier punch than her previous videos. Instead of depicting boys and booze, Perry drops a bomb. In the video, through the use of signs and feminism, Katy asserts that Americans are oblivious to the fact that they have become trapped within the constraints of a society blind to its increasingly intolerant government, which has consequently discouraged diversity.

In the video, Perry enters the bright, happy world of the “Oblivia” amusement park. However, the cheerful feelings and color scheme only serve as a contrast to the dark reality of the video’s message. Throughout the video, she aimlessly wanders the park and watches people obsessively take selfies and get on rides with pointed titles, such as the “Great American Dream Drop” and “Home Sweet Home.” The mob of brainwashed amusement park guests scurry to catch a movie in the final third of the video. Perry is among them, but she appears noticeably more uncomfortable than before, taking their cues and faking smiles. This scene is juxtaposed with scenes of her and two others running on a circular treadmill, which resembles a hamster wheel. The last scene is a disturbing close-up of Katy, in which she gazes into the camera, terrified.

Perry first signifies the idea that Americans are trapped within society through the sign of the hamster wheel. Perry connects Americans to hamsters to suggest that they blindly follow one another and do not think for themselves. The circular motion is of particular importance as well, because no matter how fast one runs on the wheel, one will remain stagnant. This parallels the idea that despite how much one person may try to challenge the limitations of society, their efforts have yet to significantly move society forward.

Additionally, Perry also uses the wheel to highlight the discrimination present in today’s society. Before she runs on the wheel, an African American male and an Asian American female go before her and fall whilst on the ride. While Katy cannot gain any significant ground, both people of color are not even able to run without falling, which suggests that society acts against them. In this way, the music video acts as a call to action for Americans to come together and challenge their society and government.

Perry, who has voiced her displeasure with current President Donald Trump multiple times, specifically references his policies in the video. The “Home Sweet Home” ride involves flinging riders over a white picket fence, another prominent sign in the music video. The fence is meant to symbolize a wall dividing the United States and Mexico, one of the defining elements of President Trump’s campaign.

The depiction of the white picket fence as the wall is especially ironic. Traditionally, white picket fences have been used to symbolize a perfect, Utopian  America. However, it is used in the video to call attention to Trump's intolerant immigration policies. Everyone who rides the "Home Sweet Home" ride is a person of color, mirroring the theme that the American government and society discourage diversity.

The video also embodies feminism, because Perry asserted herself into the political sphere, an area dominated by men. To convey that she is a person of importance, Perry uses low-angle shots in the scenes where she runs on the treadmill. According to Bernard Dick, "low angle shots can suggest dominance or power" since the audience must look up to the presented figure. Perry affirms herself as a person of influence since she is urging Americans to take a stand.

In Feminist Approaches to Popular Culture: Giving Patriarchy its Due, Lana F. Rakow states that an important aspect of the cultural approach to feminist study is that "men and women live in two different spheres and have two different cultural experiences." The music video is essentially a political commentary, and brings a women's perspective to political debate. Perry refuses to be excluded from discussion by taking on the daunting role of standing up to President Trump’s policies and calling attention to the dark reality of our current society and government.

Perry has made other contributions to the political sphere, such as her fierce campaign efforts for Hilary Clinton in the recent presidential election. Perry's support for Clinton further demonstrates her feminist ideals, as Clinton had the potential to be the first female president of the United States.

Since the election, Perry has not faltered from establishing her political presence. Her exposure of our society and government in "Chained to the Rhythm" solidifies her presence in the political sphere and encourages Americans to stand up to the system that confines them.