Katy Perry's Bon Appetit Video - Thoughts and Views

There are all sorts of problems with this, Katy presents herself as a product, Simply put, this is a female presenting herself as something to be consumed. Arguably this is what all pop stars do - but that in itself is the problem. 

Is it just me or is Katy Perry's new music video perhaps a little too far? I recently read an article on the video commending the use of food and sexuality in the one video and how fantastic this video is.

However, I would have to very strongly disagree. Katy opens the video in some revealing clothing and is presenting herself as food. Throughout the video, she goes through various stages of food preparation. The first of which is where she is bread and being kneaded, throughout which she is suggestively enjoying all male chefs rubbing her body. This is the first introduction of sexuality into the video.

Unquestionably, in recent years, arguably as a result of some of Marks and Spencer's advertisements, we have seen the emergence of the idea of 'food porn.' However, Katy has merged porn and food porn into the one idea. Whereby she, the female is the food, and essentially reinforcing the idea of females being a consumable product.


Not only does Katy present herself as a product, it is a  product associated with sensuality. Unquestionably food is something which tickles the senses to put it delicately, this is exactly what advertisements play on. Katy not only introduces sensuality she heightens this association to sexuality. Not only is Katy presented as a product, a specific product which is associated with pleasure. This pleasure is heightened through the suggestively of the kneading scene in particular. Progressing on from the sexuality
dimension, Katy is fragmented.

Katy is the food is chopped, torn, and fragmented in various ways. This idea of fragmentation reinforces dehumanisation of female bodies, as the fragments are visually easier to consume as a view (see Mulvey).

Finally, in the conclusion of this video, Katy is served onto a table. And in the most post-feminist way, Katy saves herself, by dancing on a pole. She overcomes the sexual oppression she has seemingly enjoyed to date, and in keeping with post-feminist values, Katy uses this oppression to her advantage.