When thinking about the term "gender wars," I automatically think of pop culture. Specifically, the subject of rap music. I say this because when we turn on the radio, itunes, or our ipods...there is typically at least a few songs about a woman..."shakin' that THANG..." which makes me think, music hasn't always been this way. And it also raised to question: how did music become so degrading? Did this come from the idea of man vs. woman. I mean sure some songs are great to get your dance on to, but there are some songs that are down right gross. Could this possibly be showing women that men are trying to express some type of right over them? Some lyrics really make one wonder...This makes me think that this war that is present in our generation is somewhat created by it's species...one gender expressing thoughts, feeling, and emotions and the other genders perception.
Sure women can sit back and be told to make a sandwich, but at some point there has and will continue to develop some type of controversy between genders. But it's not just about being a man or a woman, think about all the gay and lesbian citizens that get tormented on a daily basis. We hear more and more stories of suicides about people with alternative genders, and controversies in schools and everyday life. There is a smoke in the air, the smoke being the tension between different genders.
Don't get me wrong, it's not as if I spear the opposing gender if I come across them on campus...let us call the gender wars; "a friendly battle." I say this because as much as a woman says she can do anything better than you, to a man, the fact is that she is still talking to him. They will still go on a date, kiss, and show love for one another. Just because two opponents in a bad mitten match are trying to win, doesn't mean that one is going to slit the others throat after the game if one were to lose...what I'm getting at here is just because some have issues with other genders doesn't mean we are at this full out war. Two people of the same gender can get into a argument that opposing genders may get into.
Question:
What if in pop culture; women (sing/rap) songs as men (sing/rap) about women in today's era? In your opinion how do you think men would react?
What are some songs you know of that are degrading to any type of gender?
Hannah I agree with what you said and how you feel about the gender wars!! Good job!
ReplyDeleteHannah - Great post! We are going to watch the documentary Dreamworlds in class that looks at the very issues that you are raising regarding the music industry. Also, you should also check out Hip Hop: Beyond the Beats, which specifically looks at the objectification of women and homophobia in the rap industry. My question is - When did it become cool to use music as a form of oppression?
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