Ideological Analysis COMM 445

Eternal Sunshine as a whole is a captivating album that speaks to the trials and tribulations of being in the public eye. It also discusses how womanhood is unfortunately critiqued and speculated upon. Ariana Grande undeniably has significant power and influence in the media. For example, she is one of the leading artists on Spotify with over 84.4 million listeners per month. Needless to say, her success has welcomed many unwarranted opinions and obstacles. The Eternal Sunshine album is an outcry to the public to become more understanding and less cynical.

The visual elements that accompanied Eternal Sunshine’s release were the “Yes, and?,” “We Can’t Be Friends,” and “The Boy is Mine.” “Yes, and?” Interpolated Paula Abdul’s “Cold Hearted” music visuals as the first single off of the album. “Yes, and?” Begins with a group speculating on Ariana Grandes life and relationships. They are also picking apart her looks with the comment “you know, I liked her better when

her ponytail was a few centimeters higher.” These comments were purposely made to sound minuscule and unimportant. Including these naysayers in the beginning of the video lays the foreground for the entire video.

These skeptics take a seat in front of the dancers and the song begins. Ariana Grande then breaks out of her literal shell, which serves as a figurative meaning as well. With the new era of Ariana Grande, the shell signifies a rebirth or regrowth. She begins dancing and singing along with the extras in the video. About halfway through, the skeptics that are sitting down begin to get hot and sweaty as they are sitting under a

heat lamp. This signifies Ariana flipping the script and putting them in the hot seat for once. This being the first music video for the entire album was fitting for the era it was released in. There was heavy speculation on her marriage and new relationship. The video acts as her response to the media coverage she was receiving at the time.

The video itself highlighted how being a woman in the media can have its benefits and drawbacks. While having the power to share your truth publicly may seem like a benefit, it could be a risk when it threatens your privacy. Overall, women being exploited in the media is a topic that has come a long way. However, the misrepresentation that Ariana Grande faced amidst facing home wrecking rumors damaged her credibility for a short period of time. It was up to her to respond however she felt was necessary at the time.

This media object centers itself around keeping your peace sacred and your business to yourself. Truthfully, there should not be a world where women are constantly picked apart and ridiculed for who they choose to date. The general public should also be hesitant to attack public figures, especially when they do not know the entire truth. Today, society will objectify women in the media regardless of how they stand. However, Ariana Grande used this album and lead single to create a space where society can change that.