The “Offending” Breast of Janet Jackson: Public Discourse Surrounding the Jackson/Timberlake Performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII

Abstract

This article examines national newspapers' framing of the Jackson/Timberlake halftime performance during Super Bowl XXXVIII. I argue that Jackson was often represented in national newspapers as the primary or sole instigator of the event and as a scheming seductress who manipulated Timberlake for her own economic gain. This framing not only constructed Jackson as a contemporary Jezebel but also deflected attention away from Timberlake and, conversely, reaffirmed his white male privilege.

Keywords:

• Janet Jackson
• Jezebel
• sexuality
• intersectionality
• media