"Like a Prayer" by Madonna. Analysis

Madonna's music video came out in the year 1989 and it brought controversy to the world immediately. First of all, the video is full of racist accusations supported by the narrative and the black cast, who play priests and one of them even represents Christ. This was revolutionary for the society of the 80s, when racial segregation was not as common as in the present. Also, Madonna is quite sexualised and has some scenes of kissing inside of the church which constitutes the main location. The clip tells the story of a white woman —Madonna— who visits a church were the worshippers and the worshipped are black. One day, after the service, she witnesses a crime by some young white men who get agressive with a woman. Then, the black Christ who is also represented as a regular man goes to help her, and by the time the police arrives they blame him. In the end, Madonna goes to court and frees the innocent black man who she is in love with.

"Like a Prayer" follows the conventions of a narrative-based video. There is lip syncing, and the main singer is on screen as a performer most of the time, while getting involved in the actual story as well. The themes include violence among white people and the racist system which blames it on the black community, legality, religious beliefs and love.

Women are depicted with certain power, but Madonna definitely has an innocent side in the church, where she is shown through low angles and faithfully holding on to her cross. Her cleavage and short dresses are quite suggestive, though she is the heroine of the video and the saviour of the black people, which means that she certainly has importance and is in one of the top steps of the hierarchy in this fictional piece. The symbols of femininity and passion are the red roses lying around in the church, while the burning crosses can be interpreted as an offense to the church. However, Madonna is probably not criticising religion itslef, but how people use it as an excuse to hate and isolate minorities. She believes in a more liberal approach and this point is made clear by the choice of her obsession with a black Christ. 

Her star image is obviously constructed by herself. She has control over her representation towards her audience; this can be seen by the lyrics of the music and the way in which she immerses herself in the narrative of the video, confidently leading the storyline. She relies on a loyal fanbase who appreciate her enough to accept her views and consider them seriously without getting offended. The people who follow her are aware of the fact that part of her attractive is her exposure to the world and her honesty when it comes to social or political issues. 

                                      

Madonna's target audience, apart from her established fandom, is centred on minorities (mixed-race, black race, gay), young people who have the same rebellious instict as her and just any man or woman who could feel sensually drawn towards her as she takes advantage of her attractive appearance without using it to achieve success. Madonna is a unique artist who can conceal talent and good looks while transmitting an empowering message to the masses.