The Representation of the American Stereotypical Femininity and Myths Creation in Taylor Swifts ‘Blank Space’ Song Posters: A Semiotic Analysis

Abstract

Everywhere we turn, signs surround us, silently communicating messages that shape our perceptions and influence our behaviors. Thus, semiotics provides us with the tools to decode these signs, unveiling the hidden layers of meaning and cultural realities that lie beneath the surface. With this in mind, the present study examines the representation of stereotypical American femininity in the posters of Taylor Swift's song "BlankSpace" through semiotic analysis, focusing specifically on the concepts of denotation, connotation, myth and codes. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing on Barthes' semiotic theory as a guiding framework. The results of the study reveal the semiotic elements, such as color schemes, objects, gestures, expressions and any other relevant visual or textual cues, by which the song posters represent and reinforce stereotypical American femininity, including notions of beauty, romance and toxic relationships. Regarding the representation of myth, the posters use narrative elements, mythical figures and symbolic motifs that evoke mythical narratives and contribute to the creation of femininity and the perpetuation of gender stereotypes. The codes identified within Barthes' framework provide valuable information about how signs are structured and interpreted in a cultural context. These results, in addition to providing valuable information on the specific topic addressed, serve as a basis for future research, opening perspectives to explore