Article: http://allhiphop.com/2012/11/12/the-rap-rock-rape-of-black-women-music-misogyny-or-myth/
Response:
Today
there are many forms of misogyny in the world around us, specifically in the
media. It is in various advertisements as women are pinned down by the male
figure, or in sweatshirts that say "cool story babe. Now go make me a
sandwich." It is examples like these that encourage the world to continue
in misogynitic practices. Specifically in the article I found, rap music was
not the only form of music that disrespects women, rather the song specifically
discussed Mick
Jagger and The Rolling Stones' hit rock record called “Brown Sugar." The song has lyrics such as, "
Ah brown sugar how come you taste so good (a-ha) brown sugar, just like a black
girl should" thus not only depicting a hatred to women, but also racism. The song represents the woman as sugar, which
is often used as a side to something to make it sweeter, thus the male is the
dominant food and the woman is only the "sugar" to satisfy the man. It
also illustrates that women "should" be this way and ready to cater
to a man's desires, which gives them no room for individuality or strength. Also, this example plays on the need
for women to feel wanted, because it is a natural need for one to feel wanted
and accepted by others. The article continues in pointing out that, "maybe
some women actually felt honored that Jagger thought enough of them to shout
them out on a record," and while this may be true for some women, the
issue of misogyny is still existent in the song, etc. and it portrays the wrong
way to get attention.
My personal experience with this issue is being surrounded by society that constantly portrays a misogynistic image, in addition I have written a paper on the negative portrayal of women in the media. The
article also discussed
that the struggle of misogyny is not just a recent occurrence, rather it is
something the world has faced for a long time The article states a reference
from historian, E. Franklin Frazier's
book, Black Bourgeoisie, “In giving themselves [black women]
to their white masters, there were certain concrete advantages to be gained.”
These advantages ranged from better food and clothing to the possibility that
their mulatto children would enjoy special privileges or even be emancipated.” It
seems the slave women do not want this treatment rather they "did it"
in order to gain advantage for their family. No matter what form or what time
the misogyny was produced, it is not right and should not be taken lightly
because if it is then that gives the future to continue to advance the levels
of misogyny. Personally, I do not see the importance of
constantly making these songs and advertisements, etc. so accessible because it
depicts an inequality that is unnecessary and untrue. This accessibility causes
it to spread to more people, so they can interpret it in their own way and
perhaps come up with more ways to negatively depict women. Overall, whether it is an advertisement
or song, etc. it degrades women and portrays a negative image that no one,
including women, should have to face.
Picture #1: http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/3855245_700b.jpg
Picture
#2:
Picture
#3:
Video #1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyTVGIjRl2E
An example
of the Australian prime minister Julia Gillard and her experience with
misogyny.
Video #2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDhG7PvU8EQ
This video
shows people's various views on what misogyny means.
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