Is Green Day’s New Music Video Anti-Feminist?

Last month, Green Day released this music video for their latest single, “Oh Love.” It features the band playing their catchy release in front of a few scantily-clad models, and, um, that’s pretty much it.

As a feminist and longtime Green Day fan, I have to say this video is nothing short of disappointing. Although Green Day has a history of tackling political subjects and questioning the status quo (see “Minority”, “American Idiot,” “East Jesus Nowhere,” essentially anything they released between 2004 and 2009), what I see here is nothing short of misogynistic.

This video is an embodiment of everything that’s wrong with today’s modern media. In Oh Love, we see models giving the camera blank stares, pulling down their underwear, touching themselves, etc. Now, I have no problem with nudity whatsoever, but this sort of objectification is exactly the kind of degrading imagery rampant in the media today, the sort that studies show has a negative impact on body image in young girls and prevents them from seeing themselves as fit for positions of power.

I know Green Day members have never claimed to be feminists, but the reason I’ve always been a fan of this band is because of their tendency to call out bullshit when they see it. Their tendency to be outspoken about political and social issues is much of what gave me the confidence to start doing so from an early age. Now, they’re the ones churning out the bullshit. This video contains no relevant commentary whatsoever–at least when the band featured scantily-clad models in their “Holiday” video, they evoked a sense of irony, showing older models with smeared make-up.

I’m still highly anticipating Green Day’s three-album release. But this fan is begging–no more of this tripe!

Disclaimer: This post was written by a Feministing Community user and does not necessarily reflect the views of any Feministing columnist, editor, or executive director.

Join the Conversation