White female singers or band leaders were featured in 11 percent and nonwhites five percent. It appeared that black artists must have incorporated rock elements in their music or have established popularity on the pop charges to get MTV exposure. Almost half of the songs were about love in relationship to courting, desiring a sexual relationship or severing a relationship. Blacks were more likely than whites to be depicted doing domestic activities and females less likely than males to be shown in professional work. Generally women were shown as less active, less goal-directed and less worthy of serious attention than men.
Marriage is depicted negatively.
Work is portrayed negatively 46 percent and positive 33 percent. That may reflect an adolescent's perspective in trying to become independent. Forty-three percent of the videos were considered positive and 25 percent negative. In 1985 Greeson and Williams conducted a study to determine if the views promoted through MTV carried over into the real life of the viewers. Age seemed to make a difference, though.