stop where you are

• technical codes constructed:


  • low angle close up shot of her shoes, wearing gold and black heels which connotes to power.
  • she is powerful and rich in the sense that she has the platform and opportunity to teach and console others about their identity
• technical codes:

  • high key lighting - creates a halo effect, presented as angelic/godlike and makes her look powerful as the halo is typically associated with christianity and angels. argued as religious imagery of god - represents light in the darkness and a theme of light at the end of the tunnel.
  • used to reinforce the hegemonic view of idiolising celebrities and treating them as god.
  • theme of religion originates from CBR's childhood -singing in church choir showing light at the end of the tunnel, using herself as a beacon to personify this, to guide her audiences out of struggles
• technical codes:

  • red dress = power, not sexualising her and instead a Barthesian signifier of her as a powerful and influential figure.
  • slow motion action shot shows her power and physically embodies her influence, representing the social issues in society before and after - how her influence shows the message to not judge a book by its cover, since they are all mostly marginalised groups.
• messages of 'stop where you are':


  • appreciating the present moment, regardless of life's challenges
  • shows the changing face of Britain
  • celebrates multiculturalism and ethnic diversity
  • celebrates female empowerment - her red dress is an icon of power throughout the music video.
  • its an allegory of the heartlessness, alienation, social division and deprivation of modern Britain
  • the music video calls for a new spirit of hope, tolerance and compassion to relieve the bleakness and despair
  • find beauty and gratitude in their immediate surroundings, promoting a sense of peace.
• Analysis of Stop Where You Are: Sky & Architecture 


  • the juxtaposition of location and sky consistently conveys a theme of hope. the wide shot at the beginning contrasts the unwelcoming brutalist architecture with the calming blue sky and chirping birds. This contrast suggests there is hope beyond our narrow perspectives, and the future holds promise
• Analysis of Stop Where You Are:

  • opening shot employs a binary opposition, contrasting 'dark v light' to establish meaning. Dark mise-en-scene with its subdued greens and browns, symbolises the bleak nature of people's lives. Movement of smoke - suggests potential for change within individuals and society.
  • Ray of light - illuminating CBR's face signifies her empowering ability to alter people's attitudes.
  • emphasis her strength as a resilient individual, especially in the context of her personal tragedy, positions her strong female figure, particularly as a woman from an ethnic background.
• what genre of music video is stop where you are?

  • performance - soul, pop
• what does the red dress in CBR's video represent?

  • serves as a powerful motif of guidance, strength, liberation. its vividness contrasts with the muted background, drawing viewers attention to her as a guiding voice and symbolising freedom. The red stands out against the environment, suggesting a break from societal constraints and reinforcing her presence as a central, empowering figure.
• what is CBR background?

  • husband passed away from drug overdose
  • singing in the gospel choir - feeling marginalised - black women in her area
• what is the message of the music video?

  • the music video constructs a socially conscious message of helping others (transcending prejudice and struggles)
• what are the characteristics of performance style music videos?

  • focus on artists performing the songs
  • emphasis on dance, singing
  • limited storyline: performance Is the main element
  • direct engagement with the camera