Eres Mía

In reflecting on social and cultural norms surrounding the notion of masculinity in our culture popular music seemed like a good place to start my gender journals. For something a little different I decided to explore the Latin genre that is very popular with some of my friends. "Eres Mía" is one of the most popular, crowd pleasing songs at the Latin nightclubs I've been to, so I decided to pay attention to the lyrics and take a look at the music video. Unsurprisingly, like with most content in popular music the lyrics and video were filled with subtle and not so subtle portrayals of masculinity, gender roles and sexuality.

Similar to the "Mr. Cougar" competition mentioned in this week's reading the singer, Romeo Santos, claims his masculinity by challenging that of another in the first line of this song. The lyrics, which are presumably spoken to an ex-lover he wishes to reconcile with state "Ya me han informado que tu novio es un insípido aburrido" (I already know your boyfriend is an insipid bore). In the music video, he also follows her home and enters her home without her permission (romantic, right?). 

Countering Romeo Santos repeated assertions of his masculinity, the girl in the music video, and the subject of this love ballad is repeatedly objectified. In the music video, the girl doesn't breathe a word. In fact the only semblance of communication is her gesturing towards the security systems her husband has set up in her house, which is another issue in and of itself. Ultimately the female role in this song and music video is to wander around looking doe- eyed and pretty and in the end fall victim to Romeo's charms. The lyrics themselves state "No te asombres, si una noche, entro a tu cuarto y nuevamente te hago mía" (Don't be surprised if one night i enter your room and newly make you mine). This denigrates her to an object to be claimed and fought over to reassert a man's masculinity. 

Like many pop songs in English or Spanish, "Eres Mía" trivializes the importance of women's opinions in relationships in addition to proclaiming masculinity in many ways. Romeo Santos upholds his masculinity by driving fancy cars (displaying wealth), expressing his heterosexuality, and most importantly challenging the masculinity of another man by "stealing" his woman.