Aaron Ashba
Blog #5
After reading the assignment for this blog, one song immediately came to mind. The song I chose to discuss is “Luka” by Suzanne Vega. This song was from the album Solitude Standing released in 1987. She released a video on MTV and VH1 and this song reached #3 on the US charts.
Attached is a link to her official website with the audio and video feed:
http://www.suzannevega.com/music/discography/albums/SolitudeStanding.aspx
Below are the lyrics to the song:
My name is Luka
I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
I think it's because I'm clumsy
I try not to talk too loud
Maybe it's because I'm crazy
I try not to act too proud
They only hit until you cry
And after that you don't ask why
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
Yes I think I'm okay
I walked into the door again
Well, if you ask that's what I'll say
And it's not your business anyway
I guess I'd like to be alone
With nothing broken, nothing thrown
Just don't ask me how I am
Just don't ask me how I am
Just don't ask me how I am
My name is Luka I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
They only hit until you cry
And after that you don't ask why
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
This song explains to me a story of a woman that lives in an apartment building and is ashamed by the fact she is physically abused and covers it up by false claims of accidents. This song doesn’t have a positive message per se if you were to just listen to it once, but the idea here is that it shows that women do not deserve to be abused and nor should they feel any shame or guilt from this happening to them. This is a story of a woman that has experienced a horrible thing, but is used as an example for women who have experienced the same to stand up for themselves and know they are not alone. It’s a song and message for women to bond together with their sisters in pain to unite against their abusers and their internal guilt. The lyrics are brutally honest that it really shows how a woman feels in these types of situations that it acts as a wake up call to get help. I think this song can help many people, not just women and make them aware of these types of problems are real and do exist around us.
Aaron Ashba
Friday, April 25, 2008
castle blog 4
~Alisa Castle~
The tenant of the movie “Working Girl” is that the ends justify the means. It is a movie that asks what are you willing to do to get to a position that you genuinely deserve to be in.
The main characters of this film are Tess, Katherine, Cyn, Mic, Jack. Tess works for Katherine as her secretary. Jack and Katherine were formerly dating. Cyn is one of Tess’s coworkers who also shares Tess’s social-economic culture. Mic is Tess’s boyfriend. Tess is actively trying to better her self. She comes from a blue-collar background. She is taking night classes and working on her speech so that she can fit in and move up the corporate ladder. Mic is also of a working-class background, but he does not understand Tess’s drive. Unlike Tess, Cyn is perfectly happy in her little mold and is even gently trying to hold back Tess. Cyn questions why Tess is trying to break out of her mold, and even questions Tess’s ability to achieve her goals. Katherine, on the surface, is a “outwardly affable yuppie whose grinning visage hides a wicked and larcenous propensity for exploiting the ideas of her employees” (Erickson) . She offers to mentor Tess and goes so far as to say that she would be the type of person to make sure Tess will be credited for business concepts that Tess creates. So Katherine goes on a trip and is hurt causing her to be out of the office for a while. While Katherine is gone, Tess steps into Katherine’s executive position without permission. She orchestrates a large business deal, transforming herself in the process, from working-class to executive style. As she organizes this deal, she starts collaborating with Jack and they begin an intimate relationship. When Katherine comes back, she realizes that Tess has usurped her position by orchestrating a tremendously successful deal, taking her man and on some level even becoming a better “Katherine”. It all comes to a head when Katherine points out that Tess is only a secretary. Tess is fired from her job and Katherine tries to take credit for Tess’s success. It is eventually discovered that the business deal was Tess’s idea, that she does have the capability regardless of her background. This recognition allows Tess to be hired as a junior manager at Jack’s company allowing her to continue working her way up the corporate ladder, as well as allowing the couple’s relationship to grow.
This film deals with gender by showing a variety of women. First we see a woman in power who is a lying, manipulative b*tch. Next it shows a woman who is content to stay where she is: the character of Cyn shows a limited model of women’s experience as she does “not consciously view [themselves] as part of an oppressed group seeking liberation” (Christ 8). The most positive female image is Tess because she believes in herself. Yet this is really not that positive as she has to lie, cheat and steal to reach her goals. As a whole, this film shows both positive and negative representations. The positive is that if you work, you will eventually have the opportunity to prove yourself.
I really don’t consider this a feminist film. Now that I think about it, it shows women in a limited stereotypical light: the powerful b*tch, the contented peon, and the underhanded heroine. All of these women find their meaning, not necessarily in themselves, but in their comparisons to the men.
I enjoyed the movie, but it is funny as now that I am analyzing it I wonder why as it is quite negative. Other than the one aspect of the character who, by negative means, comes to the point that she can possible move forward.
This movie relates to my experience as I have seen a lot of b*tchy women in power and I have seen a lot of people who are afraid of where they think society expects them to be. In my field of IT, women are not usually thought of as executive material, therefore, like Tess, I have had to believe in myself and prove my skills repeatedly. Unlike Tess, I don’t believe in lying and cheating and stealing when proving myself!
Christ, Carol P. “Preface.” Womenspirit Rising. New York: HarperCollins, 1992.
Erickson, Hal. “Working Girl Synopsis”. (http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie.aspx?m=144891&pkw=PI&vendor=Paid+Inclusion&OCID=iSEMPI&mp=syn)
“Working Girl.” Dir. Mike Nichols. Distrib. 20th Century Fox. Released December 21, 1988.
~Alisa Castle~
The tenant of the movie “Working Girl” is that the ends justify the means. It is a movie that asks what are you willing to do to get to a position that you genuinely deserve to be in.
The main characters of this film are Tess, Katherine, Cyn, Mic, Jack. Tess works for Katherine as her secretary. Jack and Katherine were formerly dating. Cyn is one of Tess’s coworkers who also shares Tess’s social-economic culture. Mic is Tess’s boyfriend. Tess is actively trying to better her self. She comes from a blue-collar background. She is taking night classes and working on her speech so that she can fit in and move up the corporate ladder. Mic is also of a working-class background, but he does not understand Tess’s drive. Unlike Tess, Cyn is perfectly happy in her little mold and is even gently trying to hold back Tess. Cyn questions why Tess is trying to break out of her mold, and even questions Tess’s ability to achieve her goals. Katherine, on the surface, is a “outwardly affable yuppie whose grinning visage hides a wicked and larcenous propensity for exploiting the ideas of her employees” (Erickson) . She offers to mentor Tess and goes so far as to say that she would be the type of person to make sure Tess will be credited for business concepts that Tess creates. So Katherine goes on a trip and is hurt causing her to be out of the office for a while. While Katherine is gone, Tess steps into Katherine’s executive position without permission. She orchestrates a large business deal, transforming herself in the process, from working-class to executive style. As she organizes this deal, she starts collaborating with Jack and they begin an intimate relationship. When Katherine comes back, she realizes that Tess has usurped her position by orchestrating a tremendously successful deal, taking her man and on some level even becoming a better “Katherine”. It all comes to a head when Katherine points out that Tess is only a secretary. Tess is fired from her job and Katherine tries to take credit for Tess’s success. It is eventually discovered that the business deal was Tess’s idea, that she does have the capability regardless of her background. This recognition allows Tess to be hired as a junior manager at Jack’s company allowing her to continue working her way up the corporate ladder, as well as allowing the couple’s relationship to grow.
This film deals with gender by showing a variety of women. First we see a woman in power who is a lying, manipulative b*tch. Next it shows a woman who is content to stay where she is: the character of Cyn shows a limited model of women’s experience as she does “not consciously view [themselves] as part of an oppressed group seeking liberation” (Christ 8). The most positive female image is Tess because she believes in herself. Yet this is really not that positive as she has to lie, cheat and steal to reach her goals. As a whole, this film shows both positive and negative representations. The positive is that if you work, you will eventually have the opportunity to prove yourself.
I really don’t consider this a feminist film. Now that I think about it, it shows women in a limited stereotypical light: the powerful b*tch, the contented peon, and the underhanded heroine. All of these women find their meaning, not necessarily in themselves, but in their comparisons to the men.
I enjoyed the movie, but it is funny as now that I am analyzing it I wonder why as it is quite negative. Other than the one aspect of the character who, by negative means, comes to the point that she can possible move forward.
This movie relates to my experience as I have seen a lot of b*tchy women in power and I have seen a lot of people who are afraid of where they think society expects them to be. In my field of IT, women are not usually thought of as executive material, therefore, like Tess, I have had to believe in myself and prove my skills repeatedly. Unlike Tess, I don’t believe in lying and cheating and stealing when proving myself!
Christ, Carol P. “Preface.” Womenspirit Rising. New York: HarperCollins, 1992.
Erickson, Hal. “Working Girl Synopsis”. (http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie.aspx?m=144891&pkw=PI&vendor=Paid+Inclusion&OCID=iSEMPI&mp=syn)
“Working Girl.” Dir. Mike Nichols. Distrib. 20th Century Fox. Released December 21, 1988.
~Alisa Castle~
Castle - Blog 3
~Alisa Castle~
Sexist Ad
http://justelite.net/2006/11/08/sexy-ads-in-it/633?page=2
This is a series of photos that were taken at an IT tradeshow wherein Kodak was advertising. It is not a print-ad per say, it is more of an advertising stunt. I know that sex is supposed to sell but this exploit is certainly not going to win over this IT professional. Instead, this ad has prompted my protest in which I will not purchase Kodak products. The offensive advertisement takes advantage of every stereotype and cliché. They take a young, blonde, fit, nubile, woman and have the logo placed on her (censored) to be viewed when she “accidently” bends over to retrieve her pen.
In the male-dominated IT field Kodak might have gained some customers; however, from a feminist point of view, it is demeaning. The female is shown without any power (she cannot even seem to hold onto her pen! Does she even know how to use one?).
Another thing that is particularly offensive about this “display” is the clothing the model is wearing: she is clad in a very short school-girl skirt. This promotes a pedophile mentality: saying young girls are supposed to be used as sex objects. To add to this sickness, she is wearing stiletto shoes with straps up her legs as some sort of semi-bondage image. The very design of stilettos themselves add to the imagery as they make the wearer weak and unbalanced, thereby forcing the wearer to depend on others. To add to the sexist depiction, they have her bending down as if to say: get on the ground, get in the right position so I can use you.
The logo itself is placed on the core of femininity. I am really not sure what Kodak and the female reproductive system have in common (unless we take into account Pamela Anderson’s sex videos, providing they used Kodak equipment).
This ad is offensive because they are showing her as nothing more than a piece of meat! The ad says nothing about the product they are trying to sell. It is just eye-candy (for some). It is so blatantly offensive it is iconically anti-feminist. I am wondering if they did not use this approach for shock value in addition to drawing the attention of the stereotypical male geek that never gets any.
What is the dividing line between sexist and sexy? This ad has obviously crossed that line. Sexy is about an attitude, a confidence, a health, both emotional and physical. Sexy is a comfort with oneself. Sexist on the other hand is about power and lack of power. It’s about dominance. Sexist is about putting someone down in order to build someone else up. This ad is so sexist and antifeminist I cannot even describe…. It is the epitome of male-domination throughout the generations. The model in this ad is another example of the perpetual “woman as sex toys” mentality. Advertisers should promote healthy body images for both men and women. The ads should be about the products, not about using, demeaning, or putting anyone down.
~Alisa Castle~
Sexist Ad
http://justelite.net/2006/11/08/sexy-ads-in-it/633?page=2
This is a series of photos that were taken at an IT tradeshow wherein Kodak was advertising. It is not a print-ad per say, it is more of an advertising stunt. I know that sex is supposed to sell but this exploit is certainly not going to win over this IT professional. Instead, this ad has prompted my protest in which I will not purchase Kodak products. The offensive advertisement takes advantage of every stereotype and cliché. They take a young, blonde, fit, nubile, woman and have the logo placed on her (censored) to be viewed when she “accidently” bends over to retrieve her pen.
In the male-dominated IT field Kodak might have gained some customers; however, from a feminist point of view, it is demeaning. The female is shown without any power (she cannot even seem to hold onto her pen! Does she even know how to use one?).
Another thing that is particularly offensive about this “display” is the clothing the model is wearing: she is clad in a very short school-girl skirt. This promotes a pedophile mentality: saying young girls are supposed to be used as sex objects. To add to this sickness, she is wearing stiletto shoes with straps up her legs as some sort of semi-bondage image. The very design of stilettos themselves add to the imagery as they make the wearer weak and unbalanced, thereby forcing the wearer to depend on others. To add to the sexist depiction, they have her bending down as if to say: get on the ground, get in the right position so I can use you.
The logo itself is placed on the core of femininity. I am really not sure what Kodak and the female reproductive system have in common (unless we take into account Pamela Anderson’s sex videos, providing they used Kodak equipment).
This ad is offensive because they are showing her as nothing more than a piece of meat! The ad says nothing about the product they are trying to sell. It is just eye-candy (for some). It is so blatantly offensive it is iconically anti-feminist. I am wondering if they did not use this approach for shock value in addition to drawing the attention of the stereotypical male geek that never gets any.
What is the dividing line between sexist and sexy? This ad has obviously crossed that line. Sexy is about an attitude, a confidence, a health, both emotional and physical. Sexy is a comfort with oneself. Sexist on the other hand is about power and lack of power. It’s about dominance. Sexist is about putting someone down in order to build someone else up. This ad is so sexist and antifeminist I cannot even describe…. It is the epitome of male-domination throughout the generations. The model in this ad is another example of the perpetual “woman as sex toys” mentality. Advertisers should promote healthy body images for both men and women. The ads should be about the products, not about using, demeaning, or putting anyone down.
~Alisa Castle~
Castle Blog Five
~Alisa Castle~
A feminist song? That I enjoyed? Yes, there actually are some! For this assignment, I choose India.Arie’s song entitled “Video” from 2001. It was the one of the first songs I had heard from this artist. I had actually been looking up Grammy winners for various years as a way to expand my musical palate and stumbled on a link. I absolutely fell in love with this song for its lyrics spoke to me.
The song is kind of an anthem for accepting yourself as you are. Body image is something I and many other women struggle with and this song reminds me to accept and love myself. Arie talks about doing what feels good in her soul rather than what is conventionally acceptable. She talks about her creator not making mistakes; that every part of her is exactly as it is supposed to be. I love the feeling of empowerment that I feel when reading or hearing these lyrics. When I think of all the women that think they should look like a supermodel or a girl from a video (myself included) a song like this helps remind me of reality. “My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes” is another poignant message in our materialistic society that focuses on money and looks more than kindness and humanity. Much of mainstream popular culture is about money and looks and Arie addresses that by saying you “can keep your Crystal” that she just wants to be herself with all her non-supermodel looks.
If more songs were able to address feminist issues without anger or accusations as she does, I think it would help people be more accepting of feminist ideas. If I had a chance to express my feelings to India Arie I would probably just tell her how I much I appreciate this upbeat song about self love and acceptance.
Lyrics from www.lyrics.com
Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don’t
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won’t
Depend of how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul
Chorus
I’m not the average girl from your video
And I ain’t built like a supermodel
But I learned to love myself unconditionally,
Because I am a queen
I not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I’m wearing I will always be
India.Arie
When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it’s suppose to be
And I know my creator didn’t make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my Lips, my eyes, I’m loving what I see
Chorus
Am I less of a lady if I don’t where panty hose
My momma said a lady ain’t what she wears but what she knows…
But I’ve drawn the conclusion, it’s all an illusion
Confusion’s the name of the game
A misconception, a vast deception,
Something got to change
Now don’t be offended this is all my opinion
Ain’t nothing that I’m saying law
This is a true confession Of a life learned lesson
I was sent here to share with y'all
So get in when you fit in
Go on and shine
Clear your mind Now’s the time
Put your salt on the shelf
Go on and love yourself‘
Cause everything’s gonna be alright
Chorus
Out
Keep your fancy drink, and your expensive minks
I don’t need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive cars and your caviar
All’s I need is my guitar
Keep your crystal and your pistol
I’d rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don’t need you silicone, I prefer my own
What god gave me is just fine…
~Alisa Castle~
A feminist song? That I enjoyed? Yes, there actually are some! For this assignment, I choose India.Arie’s song entitled “Video” from 2001. It was the one of the first songs I had heard from this artist. I had actually been looking up Grammy winners for various years as a way to expand my musical palate and stumbled on a link. I absolutely fell in love with this song for its lyrics spoke to me.
The song is kind of an anthem for accepting yourself as you are. Body image is something I and many other women struggle with and this song reminds me to accept and love myself. Arie talks about doing what feels good in her soul rather than what is conventionally acceptable. She talks about her creator not making mistakes; that every part of her is exactly as it is supposed to be. I love the feeling of empowerment that I feel when reading or hearing these lyrics. When I think of all the women that think they should look like a supermodel or a girl from a video (myself included) a song like this helps remind me of reality. “My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes” is another poignant message in our materialistic society that focuses on money and looks more than kindness and humanity. Much of mainstream popular culture is about money and looks and Arie addresses that by saying you “can keep your Crystal” that she just wants to be herself with all her non-supermodel looks.
If more songs were able to address feminist issues without anger or accusations as she does, I think it would help people be more accepting of feminist ideas. If I had a chance to express my feelings to India Arie I would probably just tell her how I much I appreciate this upbeat song about self love and acceptance.
Lyrics from www.lyrics.com
Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don’t
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won’t
Depend of how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul
Chorus
I’m not the average girl from your video
And I ain’t built like a supermodel
But I learned to love myself unconditionally,
Because I am a queen
I not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I’m wearing I will always be
India.Arie
When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it’s suppose to be
And I know my creator didn’t make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my Lips, my eyes, I’m loving what I see
Chorus
Am I less of a lady if I don’t where panty hose
My momma said a lady ain’t what she wears but what she knows…
But I’ve drawn the conclusion, it’s all an illusion
Confusion’s the name of the game
A misconception, a vast deception,
Something got to change
Now don’t be offended this is all my opinion
Ain’t nothing that I’m saying law
This is a true confession Of a life learned lesson
I was sent here to share with y'all
So get in when you fit in
Go on and shine
Clear your mind Now’s the time
Put your salt on the shelf
Go on and love yourself‘
Cause everything’s gonna be alright
Chorus
Out
Keep your fancy drink, and your expensive minks
I don’t need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive cars and your caviar
All’s I need is my guitar
Keep your crystal and your pistol
I’d rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don’t need you silicone, I prefer my own
What god gave me is just fine…
~Alisa Castle~
Blog 5
Nora Hovanic
WS 200
J. Ryan
25 April 2008
Blog 5
WS 200
J. Ryan
25 April 2008
Blog 5
I choose to blog about the song title Dear Mr. President, by PINK. I had heard this song before because I own her 2006 album title I’m not dead. I do listen to PINK on my own time and I do believe she is an empowering singer/songwriter for today’s women. She takes topics of abuse, sex, feminism, politics, and other social concerns and puts the frustrations of them all into words. She is an artist that I know plenty of girls will play loudly getting themselves ready to go out on a weekend night. It is music that not only gives you energy, but also makes girls ready to feel like they can empower boys.
Although not all of PINK’S material is fast paced and filled with “loud” lyrics. She has many songs with a softer tone that are still just as empowering. The song I have choosen goes as follows…
Dear Mr. PresidentCome take a walk with meLet's pretend we're just two people andYou're not better than meI'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestlyWhat do you feel when you see all the homeless on the streetWho do you pray for at night before you go to sleepWhat do you feel when you look in the mirrorAre you proudHow do you sleep while the rest of us cryHow do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbyeHow do you walk with your head held highCan you even look me in the eyeAnd tell me whyDear Mr. PresidentWere you a lonely boyAre you a lonelyHow can you sayNo child is left behindWe're not dumb and we're not blindThey're all sitting in your cellsWhile you pay the road to hellWhat kind of father would take his own daughter's rights awayAnd what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gayI can only imagine what the first lady has to sayYou've come a long way from whiskey and cocaineHow do you sleep while the rest of us cryHow do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbyeHow do you walk with your head held highCan you even look me in the eyeLet me tell you bout hard workMinimum wage with a baby on the wayLet me tell you bout hard workRebuilding your house after the bombs took them awayLet me tell you bout hard workBuilding a bed out of a cardboard boxLet me tell you bout hard workHard workHard workYou don't know nothing bout hard workHard workHard workhow do you sleep at nighthow do you walk with your head held highdear mr. president,you'd never take a walk with meHmmm,would youHow do you sleep at nightHow do you walk with your head held highDear Mr. PresidentYou'd never take a walk with me
(You can also biew this video at youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm5AO4S04r4&feature=related )
When I heard this song for the first time, I remember that I wasn’t paying much attention to it. That was until I really listened to some of the lyrics. The one in particular that caught my mind was, “What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay.” I mean wow, how true is that? Once I went back and really paid attention to what the whole song said I was blown away. I couldn’t believe any singer had the audacity to address not only a male in this tone, but the President. I know that there are issues in the song that address so many people of today, and they are things that so many people want to say, but no one ever can.
I Believe PINK really touches feminine issues in this song by saying, “How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye” or “What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay,” and “Minimum wage with a baby on the way.” These are all stressing issues that women face today. Mothers deal with not having right to there sons and husbands that are soldiers, and women deal with gay and lesbian rights. There also plenty of single mothers that can hardly afford to feed their children when a man (or the father) is nowhere to be found. PINK also touches on many social issues by reciting, “How can you say No child is left behind We're not dumb and we're not blind,” or “Let me tell you bout hard work Building a bed out of a cardboard box.” Thousands of Americans have been upset by No Child Left Behind, and thousands of Americans sleep on the streets. PINK boldly asks, “What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street, Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep… How do you sleep while the rest of us cry.” She is noting mainstream issues society needs to look at. She doesn’t make a reference of how to change them, but she is trying to point them out to the person most able to change them.
I personally enjoy PINK’S messages in her songs. I am on board with the things she is saying, and the message she is sending across. I am not certain if there were more song lyrics for feminists if it would change the way feminism is viewed. Although I do not think it could hurt.
Tracy Chapman
Lyrics from New Beginning CD, 1995
Heaven’s Here On Earth
You can look to the stars in search of the answers Look for God and life on distant planets Have your faith in the ever after While each of us holds inside the map to labyrinth And heaven’s here on earth
We are the spirit The Collective conscience We create the pain and the suffering and the beauty in this world Heaven’s here on earth
In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding
I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people leading ordinary lives Filled with love compassion forgiveness and sacrifice Heaven’s in hearts In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding
Look around Believe in what you see The kingdom is at hand The promised land is at your feet We can and will become what we aspire to be If heaven’s here on earth If we have faith in humankind And respect for what is earthly And an unfaltering belief that truth is divinity And heaven’s here on earth
I’ve seen spirits I’ve met angels I’ve touched creations beautiful and wondrous I’ve be places where I question all I think I know But I believe I believe I believe this could be heaven
We are born inside the gates with the power to create life And to take it away The world is our temple The world is our church Heaven’s here on earth
If we have faith in humankind And respect for what is earthly And an unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding This could be heaven here on earth
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Tracy Chapman has been writing songs and playing guitar from the time she was eleven years old. Her songs are about the social injustices of the world. It is poetry set to music. Her lyrics are designed to make you think about the inequalities in our culture. The words inspire us to truly look around at what is going on with humankind. To believe that peace, love, and understanding of one another, is (and should be) possible.
I have been familiar with Chapman’s music for a number of years. I have always appreciated her ability to continue to enlighten others through her music. She continues to stand up, through words, for all man/woman kind; to empower us all to respect one another. If more artist where as thought provoking as her, we could have "Heaven Here on Earth", for it would be from our hearts. This song is just one example of her poetry.
Annette Parson
Additional Resources:
http://www.google.com/musica?aid=A82NdH1oavC&sa=X&oi=music&ct=result
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKYWOwWAguk
http://www.about-tracy-chapman.net/
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/tracychapman
Heaven’s Here On Earth
You can look to the stars in search of the answers Look for God and life on distant planets Have your faith in the ever after While each of us holds inside the map to labyrinth And heaven’s here on earth
We are the spirit The Collective conscience We create the pain and the suffering and the beauty in this world Heaven’s here on earth
In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding
I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people leading ordinary lives Filled with love compassion forgiveness and sacrifice Heaven’s in hearts In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding
Look around Believe in what you see The kingdom is at hand The promised land is at your feet We can and will become what we aspire to be If heaven’s here on earth If we have faith in humankind And respect for what is earthly And an unfaltering belief that truth is divinity And heaven’s here on earth
I’ve seen spirits I’ve met angels I’ve touched creations beautiful and wondrous I’ve be places where I question all I think I know But I believe I believe I believe this could be heaven
We are born inside the gates with the power to create life And to take it away The world is our temple The world is our church Heaven’s here on earth
If we have faith in humankind And respect for what is earthly And an unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding This could be heaven here on earth
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Tracy Chapman has been writing songs and playing guitar from the time she was eleven years old. Her songs are about the social injustices of the world. It is poetry set to music. Her lyrics are designed to make you think about the inequalities in our culture. The words inspire us to truly look around at what is going on with humankind. To believe that peace, love, and understanding of one another, is (and should be) possible.
I have been familiar with Chapman’s music for a number of years. I have always appreciated her ability to continue to enlighten others through her music. She continues to stand up, through words, for all man/woman kind; to empower us all to respect one another. If more artist where as thought provoking as her, we could have "Heaven Here on Earth", for it would be from our hearts. This song is just one example of her poetry.
Annette Parson
Additional Resources:
http://www.google.com/musica?aid=A82NdH1oavC&sa=X&oi=music&ct=result
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKYWOwWAguk
http://www.about-tracy-chapman.net/
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/tracychapman
Blog #5 - Feminism and Popular Music
Stevie R. Bowling
WS 200 - Online
Blog #5
4.25.2008
LINK TO YOUTUBE MUSIC VIDEO: http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=3037
I chose the song “Can’t Hold Us Down” by Christina Aguilera featuring Lil’ Kim. The song was released on August 26, 2003 from the album Stripped. The song hit the #12 spot on the Billboard Hot 100’s and was also a top five hit in other music countdowns around the world. The song was written by Aguilera herself, with the help of Scott Storch and Matt Morris. Storch also produced the 2003 hit single.
When I first read the prompt for this blog, I began to brainstorm about songs that I knew had powerful messages about women and feminist issues. I knew of plenty, but just couldn’t pull one off the top of my head. So, I googled “feminist songs” and I was directed to a Wikipedia page that listed songs with feminist themes in alphabetical order by the song title. I have always been a fan of Aguilera and when I noticed that “Can’t Hold Us Down” was one of the songs with a feminist theme, I remembered that this song really did address women’s issues and portrayed how women are treated in a sexual way at in the music video.
The song starts out with a bang asking the public “So what am I not supposed to have an opinion? should I be quiet just because I'm a woman?”, a typical feminist issue and stereotype that is still placed on women today. So many people still believe that women should not have a voice about issues and just take things how they are. The song goes on to address the fact that women are often called inappropriate names like a “bitch” or a “whore” just because some speak about what is on their mind or how a woman is called nasty names if she is seen hanging out with a group of her male friends, but a man is looked as a “pimp” if he is seen with three or so ladies. These issues that Aguilera goes on to sing about address a lot of the gender differences that are stereotyped when it comes to the things women and men do. What I mean by this, is that still today, women are criticized if they express their opinion because according to some men, we are not suppose to have one, or the fact that when Aguilera quotes “If you look back in historyit's a common double standard of society, the guy gets all the glory the more he can score.” It is absolutely disgusting to me that some people think they have the right to call women names for standing up for what they believe in and hanging out with their friends.
When I first read the prompt for this blog, I began to brainstorm about songs that I knew had powerful messages about women and feminist issues. I knew of plenty, but just couldn’t pull one off the top of my head. So, I googled “feminist songs” and I was directed to a Wikipedia page that listed songs with feminist themes in alphabetical order by the song title. I have always been a fan of Aguilera and when I noticed that “Can’t Hold Us Down” was one of the songs with a feminist theme, I remembered that this song really did address women’s issues and portrayed how women are treated in a sexual way at in the music video.
The song starts out with a bang asking the public “So what am I not supposed to have an opinion? should I be quiet just because I'm a woman?”, a typical feminist issue and stereotype that is still placed on women today. So many people still believe that women should not have a voice about issues and just take things how they are. The song goes on to address the fact that women are often called inappropriate names like a “bitch” or a “whore” just because some speak about what is on their mind or how a woman is called nasty names if she is seen hanging out with a group of her male friends, but a man is looked as a “pimp” if he is seen with three or so ladies. These issues that Aguilera goes on to sing about address a lot of the gender differences that are stereotyped when it comes to the things women and men do. What I mean by this, is that still today, women are criticized if they express their opinion because according to some men, we are not suppose to have one, or the fact that when Aguilera quotes “If you look back in historyit's a common double standard of society, the guy gets all the glory the more he can score.” It is absolutely disgusting to me that some people think they have the right to call women names for standing up for what they believe in and hanging out with their friends.
Mainstream popular culture often ignores the fact that situations like these are still going on. For example, you have artists like Lil’ Kim and Aguilera that address these issues and try to make some awareness about these issues that women are faced with everyday. In their music they give advice to women about they shouldn’t let anyone hold them down and to “shout out loud and stand their ground.” Then, on the other hand, you have artists, mostly male, who are bringing women down sexually, left and right, by portraying them in their videos as sluts and whores and singing about how women are so vulnerable to men and that a man with many women is desirable. Do they not get the point? Do they not understand the fact that there is a battle over stereotypes that are placed on women and that women do not want to be portrayed that way?! I believe that although women’s rights and the stereotypes that have been placed on them have improved over the years, that mainstream popular culture is still egging on the bashing of women because the artists and movies that do those sorts of things are a big hit and top sellers, they are ignoring the message that these songs and videos are addressing!
When I first heard this song, it was very empowering. I think Aguilera and Lil’ Kim really help lead the way to women standing up for themselves and not letting anyone walk all over them and make them feel that their opinions do not count. “This is for my girls all around the world, who’ve come across a man who don't respect your worth. Thinking all women should be seen, not heard, so what do we do girls? Shout out loud!Letting them know we're gonna stand our ground, lift your hands high and wave 'em proud, take a deep breath and say it loud…never can, never will, can't hold us down!” I think those lyrics in particular really send the message that everyone has the right to be who they are and say what they feel. We as women should not feel afraid to stand up and speak out and I think that the artists did a very good job in this song, empowering all women to make a change in society and show those men that they do not have anything on us women!
If you really research songs that discuss feminist issues, you really do come across a lot. I am grateful for that and I really think they do send a positive message to the listeners out there. On the other hand, there are also so many negative songs that people hear everyday that disrespect women and totally contradict the message that some of these female writers are speaking out about. When young men and women watch these music videos that are often times very sexually aimed at women, they think that is the cool thing to do to treat women like that and for the girls that are watching that video may think that, acting in those ways is all that they are good for. I always hope that more writers will come out with songs like “Can’t Hold Us Down” to help women build up the strength to speak out, but at the same time, I know that everyday there are more and more songs produced by writers who portray women negatively and people see those too. To me, those negative songs have a little bigger lead and that can really effect how people feel about themselves and treat others of the opposite sex.
Overall, I think both Christina Aguilera and Lil’ Kim are role models for women of all ages out there. To me, they are strong women within themselves and really can influence others with their strong wills and experiences that they have had in the past. I applaud them for writing and producing songs like these and hope to see more from them in the future.
Resources:
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_Hold_Us_Down
Loglar.Com - http://www.loglar.com/song.php?id=15647
Lyrics.Com/YouTube - http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=3037
Women Is Losers
Jennifer McKenna
Women Is Losers
by Janis Joplin
1968
One, two, three, four!
Oh ...
Now women is losers
Now women is losers
Women is losers, oh
And then women is losers.
You know, I know you must have heard it all,
I said now men always seem to end up on top of the world.
Oh!
Oh, you know, if they told you they want you
They come around by your door.
And I say now, if they don't desert you,
They'll leave you cryin' for more!
Women is losers
Now women is losers
Women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
N-now I know you must-a heard it all,
I said now, men always seem to end up on top of the world!
Alright, alright!
Remember you should be in confusion
They'll leave you when no one has thought to play.
They might say to watch out after your conduct
Why the hell there ain't another way, oh!
Women is losers
Women is losers
Women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
N-now I know you must-a heard it all,
I said now men always seem to end up on top of the world!
Oh, now they wear their nice shiny armor
Until there is a dragon for to slay.
And I say it depends,
Course with men beggin' to pay 'em
Then they'll turn and run away, oh!
Now women is losers
Yeah, women is losers
You women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
Hon I know you must-a heard it all,
I said Lord, men always seem to end up on top of the world.
Thank you.
(http://smironne.free.fr/JANIS/JOPLIN/box.html)
Janis Joplin was something of an enigma. She was born in Texas during the second World War and grew up in middle-class white America, but went on to become a blues singer. She and the band Big Brother and the Holding Company played a musical amalgamation of the blues, folk and psychedelic rock. She was a rock star when all the rock stars were men. She was a hedonistic bisexual during the period that newly liberated women were trying to define what equality and sexuality meant.
I love Janis Joplin. I first heard her catchier songs like "Mercedes-Benz" and "Me and Bobbie McGee" on the oldies stations my mom listened to her. I loved her voice. So I started to look into her music. This song appeared on one of her posthumous CD's: The Essential Janis Joplin.
Janis Joplin's feminism was very much a product of her times. Lilian Roxon, a music critic of the time, described Janis, saying that she "perfectly expressed the feelings and yearnings of the girls of the electric generation – to be all woman, yet equal with men; to be free, yet a slave to real love; to [reject] every outdated convention, and yet get back to the basics of life.” Janis never answered the questions, but she gave them a very distinctive voice. In "Women Is Losers", Janis examines the no-win situation many women felt they were in. They felt trapped between the old world order, where men were counted on to slay dragons and women were to watch their conduct, and a yet-undefined new world order. Despite the strides being made for gender equality, Janis felt that "men always seem to end up on top of the world".
I think her message is still relevant forty years later. It's been said that chivalry is dead, but for a woman to get ahead, she still has to act like a lady. Society is far more accepting of men who love 'em and leave 'em than it is of women. And it seems that even now, in the twenty-first century, men still end up on top, especially in terms of wealth and power.
Janis doesn't offer empowerment or suggest a way to right society's wrongs. She lived her own life in defiance of society's expectations -- and died before thirty of an accidental heroine overdose. She doesn't offer the answers, just the knowledge that every woman faces this same struggle.
I think we need more songs like this. I think people need to be exposed to a broader definition of feminism. There are too many stereotypes of feminists that Janis Joplin can't be pigeon-holed into. She wasn't a man-hater, she was looking for a better way. She wanted the freedom to live her life for herself, yet understood the loneliness that accompanied that. She once remarked that in her concerts she made love to ten thousand people, but she went home alone. She voiced the lack of balance that women often feel, the sense that every decision is the wrong one.
I love Janis Joplin. I'd have loved to see what she became if she had lived to see how the women's rights movement had progressed. I wonder what she would have thought of the world where there's a credible female presidential candidate. Her music still resonates with me because the questions she wrestled with still have no easy answers.
Additional resources:
http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/janis-joplin
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/janisjoplin/biography
http://www.officialjanis.com/bio.html
http://www.janisjoplin.net/articles/?id=13
Jennifer McKenna
Women Is Losers
by Janis Joplin
1968
One, two, three, four!
Oh ...
Now women is losers
Now women is losers
Women is losers, oh
And then women is losers.
You know, I know you must have heard it all,
I said now men always seem to end up on top of the world.
Oh!
Oh, you know, if they told you they want you
They come around by your door.
And I say now, if they don't desert you,
They'll leave you cryin' for more!
Women is losers
Now women is losers
Women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
N-now I know you must-a heard it all,
I said now, men always seem to end up on top of the world!
Alright, alright!
Remember you should be in confusion
They'll leave you when no one has thought to play.
They might say to watch out after your conduct
Why the hell there ain't another way, oh!
Women is losers
Women is losers
Women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
N-now I know you must-a heard it all,
I said now men always seem to end up on top of the world!
Oh, now they wear their nice shiny armor
Until there is a dragon for to slay.
And I say it depends,
Course with men beggin' to pay 'em
Then they'll turn and run away, oh!
Now women is losers
Yeah, women is losers
You women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
Hon I know you must-a heard it all,
I said Lord, men always seem to end up on top of the world.
Thank you.
(http://smironne.free.fr/JANIS/JOPLIN/box.html)
Janis Joplin was something of an enigma. She was born in Texas during the second World War and grew up in middle-class white America, but went on to become a blues singer. She and the band Big Brother and the Holding Company played a musical amalgamation of the blues, folk and psychedelic rock. She was a rock star when all the rock stars were men. She was a hedonistic bisexual during the period that newly liberated women were trying to define what equality and sexuality meant.
I love Janis Joplin. I first heard her catchier songs like "Mercedes-Benz" and "Me and Bobbie McGee" on the oldies stations my mom listened to her. I loved her voice. So I started to look into her music. This song appeared on one of her posthumous CD's: The Essential Janis Joplin.
Janis Joplin's feminism was very much a product of her times. Lilian Roxon, a music critic of the time, described Janis, saying that she "perfectly expressed the feelings and yearnings of the girls of the electric generation – to be all woman, yet equal with men; to be free, yet a slave to real love; to [reject] every outdated convention, and yet get back to the basics of life.” Janis never answered the questions, but she gave them a very distinctive voice. In "Women Is Losers", Janis examines the no-win situation many women felt they were in. They felt trapped between the old world order, where men were counted on to slay dragons and women were to watch their conduct, and a yet-undefined new world order. Despite the strides being made for gender equality, Janis felt that "men always seem to end up on top of the world".
I think her message is still relevant forty years later. It's been said that chivalry is dead, but for a woman to get ahead, she still has to act like a lady. Society is far more accepting of men who love 'em and leave 'em than it is of women. And it seems that even now, in the twenty-first century, men still end up on top, especially in terms of wealth and power.
Janis doesn't offer empowerment or suggest a way to right society's wrongs. She lived her own life in defiance of society's expectations -- and died before thirty of an accidental heroine overdose. She doesn't offer the answers, just the knowledge that every woman faces this same struggle.
I think we need more songs like this. I think people need to be exposed to a broader definition of feminism. There are too many stereotypes of feminists that Janis Joplin can't be pigeon-holed into. She wasn't a man-hater, she was looking for a better way. She wanted the freedom to live her life for herself, yet understood the loneliness that accompanied that. She once remarked that in her concerts she made love to ten thousand people, but she went home alone. She voiced the lack of balance that women often feel, the sense that every decision is the wrong one.
I love Janis Joplin. I'd have loved to see what she became if she had lived to see how the women's rights movement had progressed. I wonder what she would have thought of the world where there's a credible female presidential candidate. Her music still resonates with me because the questions she wrestled with still have no easy answers.
Additional resources:
http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/janis-joplin
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/janisjoplin/biography
http://www.officialjanis.com/bio.html
http://www.janisjoplin.net/articles/?id=13
Jennifer McKenna
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Blog 5: Liz Phair
Big Tall Man
By: Chasko/Phair
Performed by: Liz Phair
1998
I'm a big, tall man
I cut the grass
My left eye hurts
I am waiting and reading parts
I can be a complicated communicator
Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache.
Zeus and
Asphalt and tires
Sand and the beach,
Rocker panel
Headlights in the dark...
I'm drag racing
Drag
Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache
Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache
Fog and the distance beyond it
Boats and the quiet morning noises
I'm walking the shoreline
A beer and a cigarette
A bug with twitching antennae
A button up short-sleeved shirt
Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache
I'm a big tall man
I cut the grass
My left eye hurts
I can be a complicated communicator
Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache
(repeated several times with background vox:
Yes, I'm careening down!
Winding the canyons, now!
Yes, I am broadcasting myself!)
Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache
Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache
The artist that I chose for my song is Liz Phair. I recognized her name from a CD that I had made from the movie 13 going on 30. This song is called “Why Can’t I” but it does not deal with feminism. So I searched through her songs and lyrics and found “Big Tall Man” and found it much better suiting. I think this song addresses women’s roles in society and how it is much easier to be a man. When she says,” And it feels good
Like relieving a headache,” she is referring to it relieves herself to call herself a man. She is saying that it lifts stress off of her shoulders just by calling herself a man and being able to do manly duties.
I think this song pokes fun at certain subjects that society portrays as manly. Some examples would be mowing the lawn, being a complicated communicator, and wearing short sleeve button up shirts. I feel she is almost mocking men in her song. I think it can be an empowering song because it is telling women that only men are supposed to be doing the things she is singing about. However, it is clear that women are capable of these things, but just by calling herself a man she is allowed to be doing them. I think that her songs could eventually touch a certain audience, but it is a bit abstract, and those that are not looking for the positive side of feminism may not see it in her song. I think it stood out more to me because I was looking for it. She may want to take a stand and be more bold with her lyrics and accusations.
Lauren Suehrstedt
Gretchen Wilson: Breaking Musical Boundaries for Women in Country Music
My first experience with listening to the music of Gretchen Wilson, was in 2004 when her song, “Redneck Woman” was played nationwide over country radio stations. She broke the boundaries of what women in music are supposed to be singing about. She did not want to conform to the ‘glamourous’ lifestyle most musicians choose to adhere to. Her music which some may refer to as ‘rough around the edges’ breaks the stereotype of what society expects women to be. She believes that women should just be themselves and do what makes them happy, even if it is not what the societal norm is. She has been described as a “working class feminist for the post feminist age” (Thom Jurek).
Although most her songs talk about breaking the boundaries of what is socially acceptable for women I am including two of her songs that I feel do this the best. The first song is titled “California Girls”. In the second verse and chorus the lyrics are as follows:
“There ain't nothing wrong with plastic surgeryWell Dolly Parton never looked so good to meEverybody ought to be exactly who they want to beBut that Paris Hilton Gets under my skinWith her big fake smile and and her painted on tanShe'd never have a chance at a real manAin't you glad we ain't all California girlsAin't you glad there's still a few of us left.That know how to rock your worldAin't afraid to eat fried chicken and dirty dance to MerleAin't you glad we ain't all California girls”In a sense this song does somewhat stereotype the typical California women but it also is somewhat of a statement saying, listen up ladies we don’t have to be thin, tan, and only eat salads to be desirable.
Another song that I previously mentioned that fights for social justice is “Redneck Woman”. This song talks about how lower social class women are just as capable and attractive as those of higher social classes. To display how see states these ideals I have included part of this song below:
“Well, I ain't never been the Barbie doll typeNo, I can't swig that sweet Champagne, I'd rather drink beer all nightIn a tavern or in a honky tonk or on a four-wheel drive tailgateI've got posters on my wall of Skynyrd, Kid and StraitSome people look down on me, but I don't give a ripI'll stand barefooted in my own front yard with a baby on my hip'Cause I'm a redneck womanI ain't no high class broadI'm just a product of my raisingI say, 'hey ya'll' and 'yee-haw'And I keep my Christmas lights onOn my front porch all year longAnd I know all the words to every Charlie Daniels songSo here's to all my sisters out there keeping it countryLet me get a big 'hell yeah' from the redneck girls like me, hell yeahVictoria's Secret, well their stuff's real niceBut I can buy the same damn thing on a Wal-Mart shelf half priceAnd still look sexy, just as sexy as those models on TVNo, I don't need no designer tag to make my man want meWell, you might think I'm trashy, a little too hardcoreBut in my neck of the woods I'm just the girl next door”
Women in lower economic classes rarely get public recognition or the chance to be heard by people nationwide. Musicians like Gretchen Wilson give hope to those that do not have the luxuries and amenities that members of higher social classes have. For people of high social classes, hearing her lyrics may be offensive but it serves as a reminder that there is nothing that really makes them better than anyone else.
I think the most musicians like Gretchen would help the world become a more equal place. She speaks for those who do not have the opportunity to and for that I respect and commend her.
Additional Links to songs and other sources:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/gretchenwilson/californiagirls.html
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/gretchenwilson/redneckwoman.html
http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,3997860,00.html
Although most her songs talk about breaking the boundaries of what is socially acceptable for women I am including two of her songs that I feel do this the best. The first song is titled “California Girls”. In the second verse and chorus the lyrics are as follows:
“There ain't nothing wrong with plastic surgeryWell Dolly Parton never looked so good to meEverybody ought to be exactly who they want to beBut that Paris Hilton Gets under my skinWith her big fake smile and and her painted on tanShe'd never have a chance at a real manAin't you glad we ain't all California girlsAin't you glad there's still a few of us left.That know how to rock your worldAin't afraid to eat fried chicken and dirty dance to MerleAin't you glad we ain't all California girls”In a sense this song does somewhat stereotype the typical California women but it also is somewhat of a statement saying, listen up ladies we don’t have to be thin, tan, and only eat salads to be desirable.
Another song that I previously mentioned that fights for social justice is “Redneck Woman”. This song talks about how lower social class women are just as capable and attractive as those of higher social classes. To display how see states these ideals I have included part of this song below:
“Well, I ain't never been the Barbie doll typeNo, I can't swig that sweet Champagne, I'd rather drink beer all nightIn a tavern or in a honky tonk or on a four-wheel drive tailgateI've got posters on my wall of Skynyrd, Kid and StraitSome people look down on me, but I don't give a ripI'll stand barefooted in my own front yard with a baby on my hip'Cause I'm a redneck womanI ain't no high class broadI'm just a product of my raisingI say, 'hey ya'll' and 'yee-haw'And I keep my Christmas lights onOn my front porch all year longAnd I know all the words to every Charlie Daniels songSo here's to all my sisters out there keeping it countryLet me get a big 'hell yeah' from the redneck girls like me, hell yeahVictoria's Secret, well their stuff's real niceBut I can buy the same damn thing on a Wal-Mart shelf half priceAnd still look sexy, just as sexy as those models on TVNo, I don't need no designer tag to make my man want meWell, you might think I'm trashy, a little too hardcoreBut in my neck of the woods I'm just the girl next door”
Women in lower economic classes rarely get public recognition or the chance to be heard by people nationwide. Musicians like Gretchen Wilson give hope to those that do not have the luxuries and amenities that members of higher social classes have. For people of high social classes, hearing her lyrics may be offensive but it serves as a reminder that there is nothing that really makes them better than anyone else.
I think the most musicians like Gretchen would help the world become a more equal place. She speaks for those who do not have the opportunity to and for that I respect and commend her.
Additional Links to songs and other sources:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/gretchenwilson/californiagirls.html
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/gretchenwilson/redneckwoman.html
http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,3997860,00.html
"L7" Punk Rock Group - Song "This Ain't Pleasure"
By Kim Seder
Lyrics:
No raving beauty
But she's got heart
He's got escaping
Down to an art
This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly
She's an infection
A stain on his soul
He's her addiction
They're out of control
This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly...oh, no
This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly
This song was performed by the all girl band L 7, from L.A. in 1992 on their 3rd Album Bricks are Heavy. As you can read from the lyrics above, the song is short and simple. But that is the beauty of it! I looked and looked over many lyrics written and/or performed by female artists and I had trouble finding one that 'hit me.' I basically browsed numerous websites with lyrics contained on each site, but it was much more difficult than I thought it would be. I also don't have the latest auditory technology so I found it even more difficult trying to download and even FIND the song in order to attempt to download it.
So, here goes my blog:
The song, "This Ain't Pleasure" is not a song I have heard before and I have never heard of the group before either! I did listen to a lot of different music in the 90's and I love PINK who is considered a punk rocker (I think) but apparently this group may not have been as mainstream otherwise I suspect I would have heard of them. This song addresses the women's issues of 'self image, perceived image, suggestions of sex, noncommittments, vulnerability of women, women as baggage and self discovery. In the first paragraph first line, the song reads... No raving beauty...we have discussed attractiveness as both positive and negative in our feminist studies so beauty is one of the central issues here. To me, I believe this song written in 3rd person is talking about not being a RAVING beauty as a problem because it goes on to say, BUT SHE'S GOT A GOOD HEART! Well, how nice of them to say that! Imagine her not having beauty and also not having a heart....double whammy. The song goes on to say, HE'S GOT ESCAPING DOWN TO AN ART which clearly shows the sometimes typical behavior of some men who leave the relationship due to either committment problems or just because they (not all of them) just want sex and then they leave. I think that the issue of men using women for sex is certainly thought of in our mainstream society, however the issue of men 'escaping' or leaving relationships is not.
The 3rd stanza is more troubling to me...SHE'S AN INFECTION, A STAIN ON HIS SOUL.... That line is very sad...the woman is viewed as a microbial, free radical, negative infection -spreading group of cells throughout his spiritual being; my goodness, his soul!!! How can he escape? And let's go on...HE'S HER ADDICTIION, THEY'RE OUT OF CONTROL. She is seen here as more of a problem again...she has an addiciton problem, no self control and because of her inability to control herself, she (and her name COULD be EVE, who tempted ADAM) he cannot control himself either. It's clearly her fault, right? NOT! How common is this in our American society today? Let's blame women for men's problems. Isn't there a saying in Sue Monk Kidd's book that takes a text from the Bible that states a boy's problem is from his mother?!
The only empowerment in this entire song is in the chorus when they repeat the words, "THIS AIN'T PLEASURE, DON'T ASK WHY." There is validation of reality here and the woman admits there is a problem and knows that it is not right which is a first step in solving a problem, but then the song goes on to say "THIS AIN'T PLEASURE AND MONKEYS CAN'T FLY." We all know monkeys can't fly, it's impossible... so the group L 7 is saying that it's impossible for the woman to do much about it. Like she will keep on suffering and loving the man, but not get what she needs from him in return. Only to see his back side walk away..... I don't see any text in these lyrics that suggests ways to fight. It's pretty much depicting reality in an unhealthy relationship with a very narrow escape route for the female.
Because this song was written in the early 90's, females were not as active in the feminist movement. It was the end of the 1st wave of feminism and the relationship is basically apathetic. There should be more songs that empower women and give them strength, hope and how about instruction for escaping sorrowful relationships!?! I believe if I had chosen a song written within the last couple years, we would be exposed to more 'feminists fists' than frail flowers! If I had a chance to speak with the writers of this song, I would say they should strongly consider writing songs with more enlightening and empowering words using reflective music interspersed with strong bass notes and firm beats. Politically, that is up to them, but I would say, be an independent thinker, writer and an independent feminist (who doesn't hate men.) Democrats or Republicans welcome!
Research websites:
www.l7official.com
www.thecoverzone.com
Lyrics:
No raving beauty
But she's got heart
He's got escaping
Down to an art
This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly
She's an infection
A stain on his soul
He's her addiction
They're out of control
This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly...oh, no
This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly
This song was performed by the all girl band L 7, from L.A. in 1992 on their 3rd Album Bricks are Heavy. As you can read from the lyrics above, the song is short and simple. But that is the beauty of it! I looked and looked over many lyrics written and/or performed by female artists and I had trouble finding one that 'hit me.' I basically browsed numerous websites with lyrics contained on each site, but it was much more difficult than I thought it would be. I also don't have the latest auditory technology so I found it even more difficult trying to download and even FIND the song in order to attempt to download it.
So, here goes my blog:
The song, "This Ain't Pleasure" is not a song I have heard before and I have never heard of the group before either! I did listen to a lot of different music in the 90's and I love PINK who is considered a punk rocker (I think) but apparently this group may not have been as mainstream otherwise I suspect I would have heard of them. This song addresses the women's issues of 'self image, perceived image, suggestions of sex, noncommittments, vulnerability of women, women as baggage and self discovery. In the first paragraph first line, the song reads... No raving beauty...we have discussed attractiveness as both positive and negative in our feminist studies so beauty is one of the central issues here. To me, I believe this song written in 3rd person is talking about not being a RAVING beauty as a problem because it goes on to say, BUT SHE'S GOT A GOOD HEART! Well, how nice of them to say that! Imagine her not having beauty and also not having a heart....double whammy. The song goes on to say, HE'S GOT ESCAPING DOWN TO AN ART which clearly shows the sometimes typical behavior of some men who leave the relationship due to either committment problems or just because they (not all of them) just want sex and then they leave. I think that the issue of men using women for sex is certainly thought of in our mainstream society, however the issue of men 'escaping' or leaving relationships is not.
The 3rd stanza is more troubling to me...SHE'S AN INFECTION, A STAIN ON HIS SOUL.... That line is very sad...the woman is viewed as a microbial, free radical, negative infection -spreading group of cells throughout his spiritual being; my goodness, his soul!!! How can he escape? And let's go on...HE'S HER ADDICTIION, THEY'RE OUT OF CONTROL. She is seen here as more of a problem again...she has an addiciton problem, no self control and because of her inability to control herself, she (and her name COULD be EVE, who tempted ADAM) he cannot control himself either. It's clearly her fault, right? NOT! How common is this in our American society today? Let's blame women for men's problems. Isn't there a saying in Sue Monk Kidd's book that takes a text from the Bible that states a boy's problem is from his mother?!
The only empowerment in this entire song is in the chorus when they repeat the words, "THIS AIN'T PLEASURE, DON'T ASK WHY." There is validation of reality here and the woman admits there is a problem and knows that it is not right which is a first step in solving a problem, but then the song goes on to say "THIS AIN'T PLEASURE AND MONKEYS CAN'T FLY." We all know monkeys can't fly, it's impossible... so the group L 7 is saying that it's impossible for the woman to do much about it. Like she will keep on suffering and loving the man, but not get what she needs from him in return. Only to see his back side walk away..... I don't see any text in these lyrics that suggests ways to fight. It's pretty much depicting reality in an unhealthy relationship with a very narrow escape route for the female.
Because this song was written in the early 90's, females were not as active in the feminist movement. It was the end of the 1st wave of feminism and the relationship is basically apathetic. There should be more songs that empower women and give them strength, hope and how about instruction for escaping sorrowful relationships!?! I believe if I had chosen a song written within the last couple years, we would be exposed to more 'feminists fists' than frail flowers! If I had a chance to speak with the writers of this song, I would say they should strongly consider writing songs with more enlightening and empowering words using reflective music interspersed with strong bass notes and firm beats. Politically, that is up to them, but I would say, be an independent thinker, writer and an independent feminist (who doesn't hate men.) Democrats or Republicans welcome!
Research websites:
www.l7official.com
www.thecoverzone.com
Independent Women: Caroline R
I choose Independent Women by Destiny’s Child. It was on the album Survivor, which was released in 2001. It was written by Beyonce Knowles, the lead singer, Sam Barnes, Jen-Claude Olivier, and Cory Rooney. The song held the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven consecutive weeks from November 2000 to February 2001. It was also the theme song for the film Charlie’s Angels. I have always listened to Destiny’s Child and have always liked their music. They have always had positive songs that are empowering to women. They were big when Britney Spears and others artists like that were famous, Destiny’s Child never put women down, used bad language or were negative unlike the other singers of that period.
I believe Independent Women is a great example of a song that portrays women’s rights and feminism. The song is about a women being independent from her boyfriend/husband and how he did not think she could make it. The best line that represents empowerment to women is, “I depend on me,” this is repeated throughout the whole song. They also say things like, “I do what I want, I work hard to get where I am, and a relationship is 50/50.” I think the most important part of this song is in the first verse, they name Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore, and these are all famous, successful, healthy and strong women who have made a name for themselves through their positive actions. Today, I think women are often viewed as the part of society who earn less than men, therefore making us dependent on men. This song is all about buying your own things, paying your own bills and living your own life. Yes, this song does make me feel empowered, the lyrics and music are great and it is hard not to feel great when listening to it. All of Destiny’s Childs songs promote the same things, independence, strength, health, and positive attitudes. I do not think it offers ways to change society, but it shows women that they should and can be independent. Today is such a rap music period, it is hard to find a decent song that kids can listen to that does not slam women or is written by someone like Britney Spears who sing songs like, “I’m a Slave For You”. I wish there were more groups and songs out there like this. When we buy music written and sung by women who portray themselves as sex objects and sing demeaning lyrics, we are only making them famous, which means those are the faces our kids will see on television, and that is who they will want to be like!
I would like to thank Destiny’s Child for writing and singing positive songs and for being strong role models for young girls. I wish other female artists could see that they do not have to lower themselves to become famous.
Here are the lyrics to the song- http://lyricsdemon.com/67369/destinys-child/independent-women-part-1/
Here is the link to watch the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuMmfDWMLgY
By: Caroline R
I believe Independent Women is a great example of a song that portrays women’s rights and feminism. The song is about a women being independent from her boyfriend/husband and how he did not think she could make it. The best line that represents empowerment to women is, “I depend on me,” this is repeated throughout the whole song. They also say things like, “I do what I want, I work hard to get where I am, and a relationship is 50/50.” I think the most important part of this song is in the first verse, they name Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore, and these are all famous, successful, healthy and strong women who have made a name for themselves through their positive actions. Today, I think women are often viewed as the part of society who earn less than men, therefore making us dependent on men. This song is all about buying your own things, paying your own bills and living your own life. Yes, this song does make me feel empowered, the lyrics and music are great and it is hard not to feel great when listening to it. All of Destiny’s Childs songs promote the same things, independence, strength, health, and positive attitudes. I do not think it offers ways to change society, but it shows women that they should and can be independent. Today is such a rap music period, it is hard to find a decent song that kids can listen to that does not slam women or is written by someone like Britney Spears who sing songs like, “I’m a Slave For You”. I wish there were more groups and songs out there like this. When we buy music written and sung by women who portray themselves as sex objects and sing demeaning lyrics, we are only making them famous, which means those are the faces our kids will see on television, and that is who they will want to be like!
I would like to thank Destiny’s Child for writing and singing positive songs and for being strong role models for young girls. I wish other female artists could see that they do not have to lower themselves to become famous.
Here are the lyrics to the song- http://lyricsdemon.com/67369/destinys-child/independent-women-part-1/
Here is the link to watch the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuMmfDWMLgY
By: Caroline R
Blog#5
-Willie Gibson
Queeh Latifah - U.N.I.T.Y.
Song Writers: Dana Owens and Joe Sample
http://youtube.com/watch?v=prhF6LE89z4&feature=related
Uh, u.n.i.t.y., u.n.i.t.y. thats a unityU.n.i.t.y.,
love a black man from infinity to infinity(who you calling a bitch? )
U.n.i.t.y., u.n.i.t.y. thats a unity (you gotta let him know)(you go, come on here we go)
U.n.i.t.y., love a black woman from (you got to let him know)Infinity to infinity (you aint a bitch or a ho)
U.n.i.t.y., u.n.i.t.y. thats a unity (you gotta let him know)(you go, come on here we go)
U.n.i.t.y., love a black man from (you got to let him know)Infinity to infinity (you aint a bitch or a ho)
Instinct leads me to another flowEverytime I hear a brother call a girl a bitch or a ho
Trying to make a sister feel lowYou know all of that gots to go
Now everybody knows theres exceptions to this rule
Now dont be getting mad, when we playing, its cool
But dont you be calling out my nameI bring wrath to those who disrespect me like a dame
Thats why Im talking, one day I was walking down the block
I had my cutoff shorts on right cause it was crazy hot
I walked past these dudes when they passed me
One of em felt my booty, he was nasty
I turned around red, somebody was catching the wrath
Then the little one said (yeah me bitch) and laughedSince he was with his boys he tried to break flyHuh,
I punched him dead in his eye and said who you calling a bitch?
I hit the bottom, aint nowhere else to go but up
Bad days at work, if you an attitude then you were rough
And take it out on me but thats about enoughYou put your hands on me again
Ill put your ass in handcuffs
I guess I fell so deep in love I grew dependency
I was too blind to see just how it was affecting meAll I knew
was you, you was all the man I hadAnd I was scared to let you go,
even though you treated me badBut I dont want my kids to see
me getting beat downBy daddy smacking mommy all around
You say Im nothing without ya, but Im nothing with ya
A man dont really love you if he hits yaThis is my notice to the door,
Im not taking it no moreIm not your personal whore,
thats not what Im here forAnd nothing good gonna come
to ya til you do right by meBrother you aint ? sick? (who you calling a bitch? )
Whats going on in your mind is what I ask yaBut like yo-yo,
you dont hear me thoughYou wear a rag around your head
and youCall yourself a gangsta bitch now that you saw apaches
videoI saw you wilding, acting like a foolI peeped you out the
window jumping girls after schoolBut where did all of this come from?
A minute ago, you was a nerd and nobody ever heard of ya
Now you a wannabe...hardYou barely know your abcs, please
Theres plenty of people out there with triggers ready to pull it
Why you trying to jump in front of the bullet (young lady)
Uh, and real bad girls are the silent typeAint none of this work
getting your face slicedCause thats what happened to your
homegirl, right? bucking with nobodyShe got to wear that for life (who you calling a bitch? )
I have been familiar with queen Latifah’s music since her early career in the late 80’s. I was always a fan of her work and when I saw her name on the list I immediately remembered this song.
“I peeped you out the window jumping girls after schoolBut where did all of this come from? A minute ago, you was a nerd and nobody ever heard of yaNow you a wannabe...hardYou barely know your abcs, pleaseTheres plenty of people out there with triggers ready to pull itWhy you trying to jump in front of the bullet (young lady)Uh, and real bad girls are the silent type”
In these verses I interpret Latifah trying to address the fight by young women for gender equality through violence. She points out the violent actions and attitudes taken by young women, empathizes with them and then shows that strong women don’t have to use violence to achieve equality to men. There is also an overall reference to the physical abuse that women receive. She admits to the reasoning behind why women submit to men but shows that physical violence is not acceptable.I think mainstream popular culture is familiar with the physical violence that is taken by men against women but I don’t think there is much reference to the violence that is used by women against other women.
Since I am not a woman it is difficult to identify with the oppressed feelings that male on female violence can bring but I do identify with the idea of standing up for your rights in an oppressed situation. It does give me a sense of empowerment in that way.
That same idea and feeling of standing up for your rights is also a demonstration that could be used to overcome sexist oppression.
I think Queen Latifah has a unique way of incorporating a feminist message that opposes sexist attitudes and allows men to understand the message without feeling threatened. I think there were more songs done in a style similar to this one, feminism would be leas threatening and more positively understood.
As a man sometimes it is difficult to understand a woman’s viewpoint and empathize with feelings of oppression and sexism. I would like to say to Queen Latifah that throughout her career in all her works, she has been able to create a positive image for woman of all races and provided the ability for men to see and understand the viewpoint of many oppressive and sexist behaviors that men are guilty of without even knowing at times.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I AM NOT MY HAIR
Blog # 5
I Am Not My Hair by India Arie
Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
Hey I am not my hair
I am not is skin
I am not your expection no
Breast cancer chemotherapy took away her crown and glory
She promise God if she was to survive
She would enjoy everyday of her life
On national television
Her diamond eyes are sparking
Bald headed like a full moon shining sing out to the whole world like HEY,
Hey I am not my hair
I am not is skin
I am not your expectation no
This song was played on the radio station I listen to everyday. The DJ was talking about the different ways women wore their hair. He was joking around on how many African American women change their hairstyles. India Arie stated in her song that she dose not have to be like other women. How you wear your hair doses not define who you are. This only happens when you know what and who you are. Change comes when you can be yourself and stand what for what is right for you.
On Monday April 21,2008 Robin Roberts on Good Morning America has breast cancer she had to shave her head because of chemotherapy so she has been wearing a wig On national television she removed her wig and said “ She is not her hair. “ This song by India Arie was playing in the back ground tears can to my eyes just sitting there looking at this women letting the world know that cancer will not control her life.
India Arie and Robin Roberts are truly apart of the movement of being yourself they both show true dedication to themselves.
http#//www.indiaarie.com
http:// www.abcnews.go.com/robinroberts
Melinda Scott WS200
I Am Not My Hair by India Arie
Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
Hey I am not my hair
I am not is skin
I am not your expection no
Breast cancer chemotherapy took away her crown and glory
She promise God if she was to survive
She would enjoy everyday of her life
On national television
Her diamond eyes are sparking
Bald headed like a full moon shining sing out to the whole world like HEY,
Hey I am not my hair
I am not is skin
I am not your expectation no
This song was played on the radio station I listen to everyday. The DJ was talking about the different ways women wore their hair. He was joking around on how many African American women change their hairstyles. India Arie stated in her song that she dose not have to be like other women. How you wear your hair doses not define who you are. This only happens when you know what and who you are. Change comes when you can be yourself and stand what for what is right for you.
On Monday April 21,2008 Robin Roberts on Good Morning America has breast cancer she had to shave her head because of chemotherapy so she has been wearing a wig On national television she removed her wig and said “ She is not her hair. “ This song by India Arie was playing in the back ground tears can to my eyes just sitting there looking at this women letting the world know that cancer will not control her life.
India Arie and Robin Roberts are truly apart of the movement of being yourself they both show true dedication to themselves.
http#//www.indiaarie.com
http:// www.abcnews.go.com/robinroberts
Melinda Scott WS200
I Am Woman (Helen Reddy)
A. Kelley
My chosen song is I Am Woman, co-written by Helen Reddy and Ray Burton, and performed by Helen Reddy. It was released in 1972.
Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=aPDcMyPlFvw
Lyrics:
I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'Cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again
Oh yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
You can bend but never break me
'Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'Cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul
Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand
Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman
I’ve known of this song for quite a while; on history programs and other programs that may touch upon feminism, it’s often used as an all-purpose feminist anthem, although anything past the initial “I am woman, hear me roar” is rarely quoted. I will admit that I was not aware of any of Reddy’s work previous to examining I Am Woman, despite her having a rather prolific discography and being responsible for other 70s songs that I am aware of such as Delta Dawn and You and Me Against the World.
Reddy’s anthem directly and forcefully addresses issues of feminism, women’s rights, and gender equality. It is not particularly specific other than asserting that woman will no longer accept submissiveness—“…I’ve been down there on the floor/No one’s ever gonna keep me down again”, “I am strong/I am invincible/I am woman”, “I am woman, watch me grow/See me standing toe to toe”, et cetera. Despite this, because of the time period in which it was produced, that being the early 1970s, the song was revolutionary and a rallying cry for early second-wave feminists who were just opening their eyes to the ghastly state of women’s rights and beginning to fight for their equal place in society. What is most feminist and pro-gender equality about this song is that it breaks the mold of female passivity—it was likely that, even as late as the 1970s, the majority of women who would be otherwise receptive to feminist doctrine were afraid to speak out, to break the womanly mold of acceptance, quietness, obedience. The idea of a woman “roaring”, even more doing it “in numbers too big to ignore”, would have conjured images of a masculinized woman, being clamorous and asserting strength to achieve goals in the ways men have traditionally sought what they desire. What motivates women to embrace, rather than reject as ‘unnatural”, this assertive image is the sheer strength of the statement “I am woman”; this alone declares that all that follows in the song is woman’s right to act out upon, that there is nothing essentialist chaining woman from attaining her rights and desires; that identity as “woman” in and of itself is a blanket entitlement to be whatever a woman wishes herself to be, and to do whatever is necessary to defeat those who would oppose her. It also gives a realistic depiction of feminism as struggle—I Am Woman admits that the path is long and that there will be suffering involved, “Oh yes, I am wise/But it’s wisdom born of pain”, “You can bend but never break me/Cause it only serves to make me/More determined to achieve my final goal”, “…a long, long way to go/Until I make my brother understand”, et cetera, however, the extremely-powerful motivational aspects of the song, the assertion that identity as woman breaks down all barriers, allows women to embrace combative and warlike attitudes that were before considered the realm of men alone. The song indicates that man’s “no pain, no gain” attitude can be used against himself to break down his patriarchal rule.
I tend to be a much larger fan of older music than the genres and themes we have today, but even in the era around the 1970s when music was more diverse than today’s generic love songs, pro-violence music, and angst-ridden rock, virtually all music tried to steer clear of issues or controversy. Most individuals who are avid music fans consider music to be an escape from reality or a method of momentary alleviation for their problems and emotionally encouraging or uplifting. Individuals, however, are likely far less receptive when music is the opposite of this—political and illustrative of social problems. Even if there were other politically-active musicians in that era, Reddy is the only one whose fame has extended to the present day and, furthermore, issue-based music tends to be relegated to fringe counterculture elements, indicating that the smash success of I Am Woman was a (very welcome) anomaly and not the start of a new trend, unfortunately. There is virtually no mainstream music today that addresses the issues that Reddy addressed. Of course, there are female artists with lyrics depicting lifestyles made possible by the women’s movement of Reddy’s time, but these are generally taken for granted by the artist and not seen as depicting the issue of women’s rights/liberation/etc. The problem today is that some people think that feminism has run its course, some are completely unaware of it, others would just not be interested in seeing issues put to song even though they are aware of it. People have forgotten that it is perfectly okay to wear one’s politics on one’s sleeve and integrate this passion into all aspects of one’s life. Because music becomes popular when enough people see something of their own identities in a song, political and issue-based music must find a way to re-open the eyes of the masses to this fact before they can re-enter what we commonly consider to be popular culture.
Being someone who has always accepted female equality, I think the song is very empowering. Although, in some ways, the very general theme of I Am Woman makes it somewhat less better-equipped to motivate women to deal with the more specific women’s issues of the twenty-first century, in other ways its suggestions for fighting for change in our society and overcoming sexist gender oppression are timeless and core to the feminist spirit. After all, it all starts with being willing to stand up and aggressively, assertively defend one’s rights. “I am woman, hear me roar” is the first cry of the woman newly initiated into feminism, as she suddenly experiences a surge of power and control over her own destiny that she has never previously felt. That statement is the initial spark that has lead to all the great and enormous achievements of the feminist movement, and, in a more literal sense, this very song was the point of ignition for so many women who were suddenly awakened and empowered. It is the acorn from which the mighty oak someday rises.
All radical ideas that were at one time expressed in music have become acceptable when the idea has been repeated in enough songs. The rock and roll of the 1950s motivated the youth culture to resist arcane rules against sexuality; the music of the 1960s encouraged individuals to seek personal freedom, and drug use and alternative lifestyles became socially acceptable. The 1970s’ musical styles lent themselves nicely to feminist and anti-government ideas that motivated individuals to oppose power and fight for change. For better or for worse, 1980s music encouraged individuals to seek money, power, and status in life, and our goals as a nation changed. The music of the 1990s and 2000s has hearkened back to the messages of the 1950s and expanded upon it to bring us the idea that the carnality is deeply defining for humans, and this has once again been embraced by youth and integrated into the culture. If we were to have a decade where feminist ideas were the great recurring theme in music, popular culture would do what it does best and create a generation that defines itself by adherence to the principles espoused in their music, and it is for certain that we would be far closer to dismantling patriarchy for it.
Lastly, the first thought that comes to mind that I would wish to express to Reddy regarding her work, her music, and her political ideas is simply Thank You. Your little tune had more impact on our world than I imagine that you or any of us could have ever dreamed, and we who have a stake in the end of patriarchy are eternally thankful. Although I’m sure you had much more to say, you made the wise decision of tailoring a song toward newcomers to the movement rather than those already well-acquainted, and you soon did see numbers too big to ignore rising up. Your central idea—the long-oppressed woman burning with aggression, undaunted by the threat of pain and struggle, ready to fight en masse and march upon patriarchy and roar the truth of your equality to them until they concede—is a beautiful one, and one that changed history.
A. Kelley
My chosen song is I Am Woman, co-written by Helen Reddy and Ray Burton, and performed by Helen Reddy. It was released in 1972.
Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=aPDcMyPlFvw
Lyrics:
I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'Cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again
Oh yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
You can bend but never break me
'Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'Cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul
Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand
Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman
I’ve known of this song for quite a while; on history programs and other programs that may touch upon feminism, it’s often used as an all-purpose feminist anthem, although anything past the initial “I am woman, hear me roar” is rarely quoted. I will admit that I was not aware of any of Reddy’s work previous to examining I Am Woman, despite her having a rather prolific discography and being responsible for other 70s songs that I am aware of such as Delta Dawn and You and Me Against the World.
Reddy’s anthem directly and forcefully addresses issues of feminism, women’s rights, and gender equality. It is not particularly specific other than asserting that woman will no longer accept submissiveness—“…I’ve been down there on the floor/No one’s ever gonna keep me down again”, “I am strong/I am invincible/I am woman”, “I am woman, watch me grow/See me standing toe to toe”, et cetera. Despite this, because of the time period in which it was produced, that being the early 1970s, the song was revolutionary and a rallying cry for early second-wave feminists who were just opening their eyes to the ghastly state of women’s rights and beginning to fight for their equal place in society. What is most feminist and pro-gender equality about this song is that it breaks the mold of female passivity—it was likely that, even as late as the 1970s, the majority of women who would be otherwise receptive to feminist doctrine were afraid to speak out, to break the womanly mold of acceptance, quietness, obedience. The idea of a woman “roaring”, even more doing it “in numbers too big to ignore”, would have conjured images of a masculinized woman, being clamorous and asserting strength to achieve goals in the ways men have traditionally sought what they desire. What motivates women to embrace, rather than reject as ‘unnatural”, this assertive image is the sheer strength of the statement “I am woman”; this alone declares that all that follows in the song is woman’s right to act out upon, that there is nothing essentialist chaining woman from attaining her rights and desires; that identity as “woman” in and of itself is a blanket entitlement to be whatever a woman wishes herself to be, and to do whatever is necessary to defeat those who would oppose her. It also gives a realistic depiction of feminism as struggle—I Am Woman admits that the path is long and that there will be suffering involved, “Oh yes, I am wise/But it’s wisdom born of pain”, “You can bend but never break me/Cause it only serves to make me/More determined to achieve my final goal”, “…a long, long way to go/Until I make my brother understand”, et cetera, however, the extremely-powerful motivational aspects of the song, the assertion that identity as woman breaks down all barriers, allows women to embrace combative and warlike attitudes that were before considered the realm of men alone. The song indicates that man’s “no pain, no gain” attitude can be used against himself to break down his patriarchal rule.
I tend to be a much larger fan of older music than the genres and themes we have today, but even in the era around the 1970s when music was more diverse than today’s generic love songs, pro-violence music, and angst-ridden rock, virtually all music tried to steer clear of issues or controversy. Most individuals who are avid music fans consider music to be an escape from reality or a method of momentary alleviation for their problems and emotionally encouraging or uplifting. Individuals, however, are likely far less receptive when music is the opposite of this—political and illustrative of social problems. Even if there were other politically-active musicians in that era, Reddy is the only one whose fame has extended to the present day and, furthermore, issue-based music tends to be relegated to fringe counterculture elements, indicating that the smash success of I Am Woman was a (very welcome) anomaly and not the start of a new trend, unfortunately. There is virtually no mainstream music today that addresses the issues that Reddy addressed. Of course, there are female artists with lyrics depicting lifestyles made possible by the women’s movement of Reddy’s time, but these are generally taken for granted by the artist and not seen as depicting the issue of women’s rights/liberation/etc. The problem today is that some people think that feminism has run its course, some are completely unaware of it, others would just not be interested in seeing issues put to song even though they are aware of it. People have forgotten that it is perfectly okay to wear one’s politics on one’s sleeve and integrate this passion into all aspects of one’s life. Because music becomes popular when enough people see something of their own identities in a song, political and issue-based music must find a way to re-open the eyes of the masses to this fact before they can re-enter what we commonly consider to be popular culture.
Being someone who has always accepted female equality, I think the song is very empowering. Although, in some ways, the very general theme of I Am Woman makes it somewhat less better-equipped to motivate women to deal with the more specific women’s issues of the twenty-first century, in other ways its suggestions for fighting for change in our society and overcoming sexist gender oppression are timeless and core to the feminist spirit. After all, it all starts with being willing to stand up and aggressively, assertively defend one’s rights. “I am woman, hear me roar” is the first cry of the woman newly initiated into feminism, as she suddenly experiences a surge of power and control over her own destiny that she has never previously felt. That statement is the initial spark that has lead to all the great and enormous achievements of the feminist movement, and, in a more literal sense, this very song was the point of ignition for so many women who were suddenly awakened and empowered. It is the acorn from which the mighty oak someday rises.
All radical ideas that were at one time expressed in music have become acceptable when the idea has been repeated in enough songs. The rock and roll of the 1950s motivated the youth culture to resist arcane rules against sexuality; the music of the 1960s encouraged individuals to seek personal freedom, and drug use and alternative lifestyles became socially acceptable. The 1970s’ musical styles lent themselves nicely to feminist and anti-government ideas that motivated individuals to oppose power and fight for change. For better or for worse, 1980s music encouraged individuals to seek money, power, and status in life, and our goals as a nation changed. The music of the 1990s and 2000s has hearkened back to the messages of the 1950s and expanded upon it to bring us the idea that the carnality is deeply defining for humans, and this has once again been embraced by youth and integrated into the culture. If we were to have a decade where feminist ideas were the great recurring theme in music, popular culture would do what it does best and create a generation that defines itself by adherence to the principles espoused in their music, and it is for certain that we would be far closer to dismantling patriarchy for it.
Lastly, the first thought that comes to mind that I would wish to express to Reddy regarding her work, her music, and her political ideas is simply Thank You. Your little tune had more impact on our world than I imagine that you or any of us could have ever dreamed, and we who have a stake in the end of patriarchy are eternally thankful. Although I’m sure you had much more to say, you made the wise decision of tailoring a song toward newcomers to the movement rather than those already well-acquainted, and you soon did see numbers too big to ignore rising up. Your central idea—the long-oppressed woman burning with aggression, undaunted by the threat of pain and struggle, ready to fight en masse and march upon patriarchy and roar the truth of your equality to them until they concede—is a beautiful one, and one that changed history.
A. Kelley
Blog #5 - Pink
by Michele Schwamberger
The song, Dear Mr. President, featuring the Indigo Girls, was released in 2006 on Pink’s I’m Not Dead Album. I found this sound by looking on the web at Pink’s albums and read the lyrics and thought, “wow, what a song!” I have heard a few of Pink’s songs before, so I was a little familiar with her work. “Let’s pretend we’re just two people and you’re not better than me” really brings out the gender inequality. Even though Pink is a female celebrity, she still feels like the President is better than her. This could be viewed two ways -- one view because he is male and another view because he is President of the United States. I think Pink focuses on so many social concerns in this song that a lot of us have had to or even are still dealing with. “How can you say no child is left behind” and “We’re not dumb and we’re not blind.” The war in Iraq doesn’t seem to have an end in sight which she expresses, “How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye” and Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away.” I like how she expresses hard work, “Let me tell you bout hard work” “Minimum wage with a baby on the way” “Let me tell you bout hard work.” I think all of these quotes address a lot of issues in our everyday lives. People deal with situations in different ways, and I think this song is a great way to deal with these particular problems.
I do think that this song makes me feel empowered as a human. It reminds me of the Constitution – free speech. I think that when a celebrity brings these everyday issues of humans to light – it gets the word out to all.
I also agree that more songs like this would get the word out about many issues, including feminism. I think education is the key to dealing with issues and feminism and most people enjoy music and would probably listen to music before opening a book.
I think Pink expressed many concerns that a lot of people have to deal with in this song and she did a great job.
Here are the lyrics to the song:
Dear Mr. President
Come take a walk with me
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly
What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street
Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep
What do you feel when you look in the mirror
Are you proud
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
And tell me why
Dear Mr. President
Were you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
How can you say
No child is left behind
We're not dumb and we're not blind
They're all sitting in your cells
While you pay the road to hell
What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away
And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay
I can only imagine what the first lady has to say
You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
Let me tell you bout hard work
Minimum wage with a baby on the way
Let me tell you bout hard work
Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away
Let me tell you bout hard work
Building a bed out of a cardboard box
Let me tell you bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
You don't know nothing bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
Oh
How do you sleep at night
How do you walk with your head held high
Dear Mr. President
You'd never take a walk with me
Would you
http://www.lyricsandsongs.com/song/651512.html
The song, Dear Mr. President, featuring the Indigo Girls, was released in 2006 on Pink’s I’m Not Dead Album. I found this sound by looking on the web at Pink’s albums and read the lyrics and thought, “wow, what a song!” I have heard a few of Pink’s songs before, so I was a little familiar with her work. “Let’s pretend we’re just two people and you’re not better than me” really brings out the gender inequality. Even though Pink is a female celebrity, she still feels like the President is better than her. This could be viewed two ways -- one view because he is male and another view because he is President of the United States. I think Pink focuses on so many social concerns in this song that a lot of us have had to or even are still dealing with. “How can you say no child is left behind” and “We’re not dumb and we’re not blind.” The war in Iraq doesn’t seem to have an end in sight which she expresses, “How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye” and Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away.” I like how she expresses hard work, “Let me tell you bout hard work” “Minimum wage with a baby on the way” “Let me tell you bout hard work.” I think all of these quotes address a lot of issues in our everyday lives. People deal with situations in different ways, and I think this song is a great way to deal with these particular problems.
I do think that this song makes me feel empowered as a human. It reminds me of the Constitution – free speech. I think that when a celebrity brings these everyday issues of humans to light – it gets the word out to all.
I also agree that more songs like this would get the word out about many issues, including feminism. I think education is the key to dealing with issues and feminism and most people enjoy music and would probably listen to music before opening a book.
I think Pink expressed many concerns that a lot of people have to deal with in this song and she did a great job.
Here are the lyrics to the song:
Dear Mr. President
Come take a walk with me
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly
What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street
Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep
What do you feel when you look in the mirror
Are you proud
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
And tell me why
Dear Mr. President
Were you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
How can you say
No child is left behind
We're not dumb and we're not blind
They're all sitting in your cells
While you pay the road to hell
What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away
And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay
I can only imagine what the first lady has to say
You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
Let me tell you bout hard work
Minimum wage with a baby on the way
Let me tell you bout hard work
Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away
Let me tell you bout hard work
Building a bed out of a cardboard box
Let me tell you bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
You don't know nothing bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
Oh
How do you sleep at night
How do you walk with your head held high
Dear Mr. President
You'd never take a walk with me
Would you
http://www.lyricsandsongs.com/song/651512.html
Tori Amos: "Me And A Gun"
By Michelle Rush
I chose to write about a song by the name of "Me And A Gun," written by Tori Amos. I have may Tori Amos CD's in my music collection. I started to listen to her music when I was around fifteen years old. I have always thought of her style as being very unique. Then I heard this song which opened me up to an entire different side to her because it's story written about her own experience of rape, surviving, and even healing.
"I made a commitment not to be a victim again, by writing and by singing as often as I can 'Me and a Gun'. It's like I refuse now to be a victim of my own guilt. I refuse to be a victim of not having a wonderful sexual experience again. And you are a victim when you can't allow yourself to have sexual pleasure again. I refuse to put all men in the same category, as I was doing. When something like that happens you do want to punish men, punish the ones that crushed the flower. But no one should choose to hold onto that hatred. It choked me. Sexually, I feel I won't be able to give completely and love to the extent, say, that I will want to have kids with him, for quite some time yet. I couldn't even consider that for a few years. I'm only beginning to fulfill myself now because I'm beginning to accept, and love, the parts of me, of woman, that I was trained to hate all my life. Particularly the bad girl I still can be."
-Tori Amos
For me, this song can be very painful to listen to. Yet at the same time it can also be uplifting because it shows others that have been raped (such as myself) that they are not alone. There is one particular part in this song that stands out above all, "Yes I wore a slinky red thing. Does that mean I should spread?" It's unfortunate that many do get judged or misread based on the clothes they chose to wear. Those who do abuse women always have an excuse for it.
"In America some radio stations didn't want to play Me and a Gun because it's 'too feministic' and 'too realistic'. I sing: 'Yes, I wore a slinky red thing. Does that mean I should spread?' That's the way it is, yes? 'But mister judge, she was hitchhiking in a mini-skirt!' Bullshit!"
-Tori Amos
"Me And A Gun" by Tori Amos:
By Michelle Rush
I chose to write about a song by the name of "Me And A Gun," written by Tori Amos. I have may Tori Amos CD's in my music collection. I started to listen to her music when I was around fifteen years old. I have always thought of her style as being very unique. Then I heard this song which opened me up to an entire different side to her because it's story written about her own experience of rape, surviving, and even healing.
"I made a commitment not to be a victim again, by writing and by singing as often as I can 'Me and a Gun'. It's like I refuse now to be a victim of my own guilt. I refuse to be a victim of not having a wonderful sexual experience again. And you are a victim when you can't allow yourself to have sexual pleasure again. I refuse to put all men in the same category, as I was doing. When something like that happens you do want to punish men, punish the ones that crushed the flower. But no one should choose to hold onto that hatred. It choked me. Sexually, I feel I won't be able to give completely and love to the extent, say, that I will want to have kids with him, for quite some time yet. I couldn't even consider that for a few years. I'm only beginning to fulfill myself now because I'm beginning to accept, and love, the parts of me, of woman, that I was trained to hate all my life. Particularly the bad girl I still can be."
-Tori Amos
For me, this song can be very painful to listen to. Yet at the same time it can also be uplifting because it shows others that have been raped (such as myself) that they are not alone. There is one particular part in this song that stands out above all, "Yes I wore a slinky red thing. Does that mean I should spread?" It's unfortunate that many do get judged or misread based on the clothes they chose to wear. Those who do abuse women always have an excuse for it.
"In America some radio stations didn't want to play Me and a Gun because it's 'too feministic' and 'too realistic'. I sing: 'Yes, I wore a slinky red thing. Does that mean I should spread?' That's the way it is, yes? 'But mister judge, she was hitchhiking in a mini-skirt!' Bullshit!"
-Tori Amos
"Me And A Gun" by Tori Amos:
5am Friday morning Thursday night far from sleep
I'm still up and driving can't go home obviously
So I'll just change directions cause they'll soon know where I live
And I wanna live
Got a full tank and some chips
It was me and a gun and a man on my back
And I sang "holy holy" as he buttoned down his pants
You can laugh
Its kind of funny
Things you think
Times like these
Like I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this
Yes I wore a slinky red thing
Does that mean I should spread for you, your friends,
your father, Mr. Ed
It was me and a gun and a man on my back
But I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this
And I know what this means
Me and Jesus a few years back used to hang
And he said "it's your choice babe just remember
I don't think you'll be back in 3 days time so choose well"
Tell me what's right
Is it my right to be on my stomach of Fred's Seville
It was me and a gun and a man on my back
But I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this
And do you know Carolina
Where the biscuits are soft and sweet
These things go through your head when there's a man on your back
And you're pushed flat on your stomach it's not a classic Cadillac
It was me and a gun and a man on my back
But I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this
I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this
Tori Amos is the co-founder of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network). RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. It has programs that helps the prevention of sexual assault, helps victims, and ensures rapists are brought to justice.
By Michelle Rush
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Ani Difranco's song "Imperfectly" speaks true femininity by Kelly Lever
Before this blog I had only hear of Ani Difranco but never hear any of her music. After reading books like “The Dance of the dissident Daughter” By Sue Monk Kidd or “Body Outlaws: Rewriting the Rules of Beauty and Body Image” edited by Ophira Edut. Ani’s speaks with such potent words that truly spread an important message about being a woman. Ani has a poetic style while also mixing many different music genres such as folk, jazz, and rock. I have chosen Ani’s song entitled “Imperfectly” off of her album “Imperfectly” released in1992.
In the song “Imperfectly” Ani Difranco touches on issues of body image. In Ani’s opening to this song she states:
I'm okay
If you get me at a good angle
And you're okay
In the sort of light
And we don't look
Like pages from a magazine
But that's all right
That's all right
(http://www.azlyrics.com/d/difranco.html)
She goes on to talk about how as we age we get a little farther away what is considered “perfect”. Ani states “it is better to be dusty than polished”. A woman shouldn’t feel so attached to an ideal image of what a woman “should” look like in our society. Her lyrics in a lot of her song address different issues of women oppression in this patriarchy culture. In an interview with Kim Ruehl Ani states:
"...patriarchy is inherently imbalanced. I don’t think there’s any such thing as peace within patriarchy. I think men are great, they have all kinds of awesome ideas about the individual and individual rights and this is very useful stuff for things like Democracy. But individualism leads to hierarchy, which leads to aggression; so I think just the masculine sensibility is not enough to guide us to peace.” (Ani Difranco interview with Kim Ruehl)
Ani believes that in everything there is balance and that in this culture it is so heavily weighted to male with little to no representation of female. Her content is very feminist base. Judging from this song “Imperfectly” Ani believes women should feel love and acceptance, and not feel likethey have to measure up to anyone standards. Her music has brought me a clear image of a woman who is truly outspoken and righteous in her stance. Ani Difranco is a women who stepped outside of the mainstream ideas of what a woman should be or speak about and offers other women like myself a musical atmosphere full of feminine positivity.
I'm okay
If you get me at a good angle
And you're okayIn the sort of light
And we don't look
Like pages from a magazine
But that's all right
That's all right
I crashed your pickup truck
And then I had to drive it back home
I was crying
I was so scared
Of what you would do
Of what you would say
But you just started laughing
So I started laughing along
Saying, it looks a little rough
But it runs okay
It looks a little rough
But it runs good anyway
We get a little further from perfection
Each year on the road
I guess that's what they call character
I guess that's just the way it goes
Better to be dusty than polished
Like some store window mannequin
Why don't you touch me where I'm rusty
Let me stain your hands
When you're pretty as a picture
They pound down your door
But I've been offered love
In two dimensions before
And I know that it's not all
It's made out to be
Let's show them how it's done
Let's do it all imperfectly
Kim Ruehl’s Interview -Ani Difranco: "Feminism – Not Just For Babes Anymore’’ http://folkmusic.about.com/od/anidifranco/a/AniInterview.htm
www.righteousbabe.com/ani
http://www.azlyrics.com/d/difranco.html
by Kelly Lever
In the song “Imperfectly” Ani Difranco touches on issues of body image. In Ani’s opening to this song she states:
I'm okay
If you get me at a good angle
And you're okay
In the sort of light
And we don't look
Like pages from a magazine
But that's all right
That's all right
(http://www.azlyrics.com/d/difranco.html)
She goes on to talk about how as we age we get a little farther away what is considered “perfect”. Ani states “it is better to be dusty than polished”. A woman shouldn’t feel so attached to an ideal image of what a woman “should” look like in our society. Her lyrics in a lot of her song address different issues of women oppression in this patriarchy culture. In an interview with Kim Ruehl Ani states:
"...patriarchy is inherently imbalanced. I don’t think there’s any such thing as peace within patriarchy. I think men are great, they have all kinds of awesome ideas about the individual and individual rights and this is very useful stuff for things like Democracy. But individualism leads to hierarchy, which leads to aggression; so I think just the masculine sensibility is not enough to guide us to peace.” (Ani Difranco interview with Kim Ruehl)
Ani believes that in everything there is balance and that in this culture it is so heavily weighted to male with little to no representation of female. Her content is very feminist base. Judging from this song “Imperfectly” Ani believes women should feel love and acceptance, and not feel likethey have to measure up to anyone standards. Her music has brought me a clear image of a woman who is truly outspoken and righteous in her stance. Ani Difranco is a women who stepped outside of the mainstream ideas of what a woman should be or speak about and offers other women like myself a musical atmosphere full of feminine positivity.
I'm okay
If you get me at a good angle
And you're okayIn the sort of light
And we don't look
Like pages from a magazine
But that's all right
That's all right
I crashed your pickup truck
And then I had to drive it back home
I was crying
I was so scared
Of what you would do
Of what you would say
But you just started laughing
So I started laughing along
Saying, it looks a little rough
But it runs okay
It looks a little rough
But it runs good anyway
We get a little further from perfection
Each year on the road
I guess that's what they call character
I guess that's just the way it goes
Better to be dusty than polished
Like some store window mannequin
Why don't you touch me where I'm rusty
Let me stain your hands
When you're pretty as a picture
They pound down your door
But I've been offered love
In two dimensions before
And I know that it's not all
It's made out to be
Let's show them how it's done
Let's do it all imperfectly
Kim Ruehl’s Interview -Ani Difranco: "Feminism – Not Just For Babes Anymore’’ http://folkmusic.about.com/od/anidifranco/a/AniInterview.htm
www.righteousbabe.com/ani
http://www.azlyrics.com/d/difranco.html
by Kelly Lever
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Blog #5- Queen Latifah
Ladies First by Queen Latifah Featuring Monie Love (1987)
-Mandie Kohlenberg
I found this song on Limewire. I have heard some of Queen Latifah’s songs before, but not this song. I think this song addresses issues of feminism and gender equality very deeply. In this song she talks about women giving birth, to the next generation, which only women can do. “We are the ones that give birth to the new generation of prophets because it’s ladies first!” She also talks about how we work hard and stand up on our own two feet and how some people do not think women are strong enough. “Sloppy slouching is something I won’t do, Some think that we can’t flow, stereotypes, they got to go!”
This song addresses an issue that is often ignored by mainstream popular culture because many people don’t see that it is the woman who gives birth to children and they are strong enough to do so. Many raise children on their own, work, and go to school. Only a very strong person inside and out is capable of all this. “Who said the ladies couldn’t make it, you must be blind.”
This song does make me feel empowered as a woman. It can lift your spirits when you are down about yourself. I think this song suggests how to fight for change in our society and to overcome sexist gender equality just by her singing it. Telling the world, in any way you can, women’s accomplishments and how important women truly are in this world. I believe if there were more songs like this, even T.V. shows and writings, then many people may understand feminism better and treat women with the respect they deserve. I like the part of the song that says, “Desperately stressing I’m the daughter of a sister, Who’s the mother of a brother who’s the brother of another, Plus one more; all four, Have a job We doing it, Respect due to the mother who’s the root of it.” This really says a lot, I believe.
Some thoughts I would like to express to this artist about her work is just to tell her that is work is good, thoughtful, and well told. I believe more songs like this could change the way people think and this song is a good start. The end of her song expresses a lot and I really like it. “ The next man ,or the next woman, It doesn’t make a difference, Keep the competition coming, And I’ll recite the chapter in verse, The title of this recital is “Ladies First.”
Lyrics to this song:
[Queen Latifah]The ladies will kick it, the rhyme that is wickedThose that don't know how to be pros get evictedA woman can bear you, break you, take youNow it's time to rhyme, can you relate toA sister dope enough to make you holler and scream[Monie Love]Ayo, let me take it from here, Queen...Excuse me but I think I'm about doTo get into precisely what I am about to doI'm conversating to the folks that have no whatsoever clueSo listen very carefully as I break it down for youMerrily merrily merrily merrily hyper happy overjoyedPleased with all the beats and rhymes my sisters have employedSlick and smooth throwing down the sound totally a yesLet me state the position: Ladies first, yes? (Yes)(Yeah, there's going to be some changes in here)[Monie Love]
Believe me when I say being a woman is great, you seeI know all the fellas out there will agree with meNot for being one but for being with oneBecause when it's time for loving it's the woman that gets someStrong, stepping, strutting, moving onRhyming, cutting, and not forgettingWe are the ones that give birthTo the new generation of prophets because it's Ladies First[Queen Latifah]I break into a lyrical freestyleGrab the mic, look into the crowd and see smilesCause they see a woman standing up on her own twoSloppy slouching is something I won't doSome think that we can't flow (can't flow)Stereotypes, they got to go (got to go)I'm a mess around and flip the scene into reverse(With what?) With a little touch of "Ladies First"Who said the ladies couldn't make it, you must be blindIf you don't believe, well here, listen to this rhymeLadies first, there's no time to rehearseI'm divine and my mind expands throughout the universeA female rapper with the message to send theQueen Latifah is a perfect specimen[Monie Love]My sister, can I get some?[Queen Latifah]Sure, Monie Love, grab the mic and get dumb[Monie Lovie]Yo, praise me not for simply being what I amBorn in L-O-N-D-O-N and sound AmericanYou dig exactly where I'm coming fromYou want righteous rhyming, Imma give you someTo enable you to aid yourself and get paidAnd the material that has no meaning I wish to slayPay me every bit of your attentionLike mother, like daughter, I would also like to mentionI wish for you to bring me to, bring me to the rhythmOf which is now systematically givenDesperately stressing I'm the daughter of a sisterWho's the mother of a brother who's the brother of anotherPlus one more; all fourHave a job to do, we doing itRespect due, to the mother who's the root of itAnd next up is me, the M-O-N-I-E L-O-V-E And I'm first cause I'm a L-A-D-I-E[Queen Latifah]Contact and in fact, the style, it gets harderCooling on the scene with my European partnerLaying down track after track, waiting for the climaxWhen I get there, that's when I taxThe next man, or the next womanIt doesn't make a difference, keep the competition comingAnd I'll recite the chapter in verseThe title of this recital is "Ladies First"
-Mandie Kohlenberg
-Mandie Kohlenberg
I found this song on Limewire. I have heard some of Queen Latifah’s songs before, but not this song. I think this song addresses issues of feminism and gender equality very deeply. In this song she talks about women giving birth, to the next generation, which only women can do. “We are the ones that give birth to the new generation of prophets because it’s ladies first!” She also talks about how we work hard and stand up on our own two feet and how some people do not think women are strong enough. “Sloppy slouching is something I won’t do, Some think that we can’t flow, stereotypes, they got to go!”
This song addresses an issue that is often ignored by mainstream popular culture because many people don’t see that it is the woman who gives birth to children and they are strong enough to do so. Many raise children on their own, work, and go to school. Only a very strong person inside and out is capable of all this. “Who said the ladies couldn’t make it, you must be blind.”
This song does make me feel empowered as a woman. It can lift your spirits when you are down about yourself. I think this song suggests how to fight for change in our society and to overcome sexist gender equality just by her singing it. Telling the world, in any way you can, women’s accomplishments and how important women truly are in this world. I believe if there were more songs like this, even T.V. shows and writings, then many people may understand feminism better and treat women with the respect they deserve. I like the part of the song that says, “Desperately stressing I’m the daughter of a sister, Who’s the mother of a brother who’s the brother of another, Plus one more; all four, Have a job We doing it, Respect due to the mother who’s the root of it.” This really says a lot, I believe.
Some thoughts I would like to express to this artist about her work is just to tell her that is work is good, thoughtful, and well told. I believe more songs like this could change the way people think and this song is a good start. The end of her song expresses a lot and I really like it. “ The next man ,or the next woman, It doesn’t make a difference, Keep the competition coming, And I’ll recite the chapter in verse, The title of this recital is “Ladies First.”
Lyrics to this song:
[Queen Latifah]The ladies will kick it, the rhyme that is wickedThose that don't know how to be pros get evictedA woman can bear you, break you, take youNow it's time to rhyme, can you relate toA sister dope enough to make you holler and scream[Monie Love]Ayo, let me take it from here, Queen...Excuse me but I think I'm about doTo get into precisely what I am about to doI'm conversating to the folks that have no whatsoever clueSo listen very carefully as I break it down for youMerrily merrily merrily merrily hyper happy overjoyedPleased with all the beats and rhymes my sisters have employedSlick and smooth throwing down the sound totally a yesLet me state the position: Ladies first, yes? (Yes)(Yeah, there's going to be some changes in here)[Monie Love]
Believe me when I say being a woman is great, you seeI know all the fellas out there will agree with meNot for being one but for being with oneBecause when it's time for loving it's the woman that gets someStrong, stepping, strutting, moving onRhyming, cutting, and not forgettingWe are the ones that give birthTo the new generation of prophets because it's Ladies First[Queen Latifah]I break into a lyrical freestyleGrab the mic, look into the crowd and see smilesCause they see a woman standing up on her own twoSloppy slouching is something I won't doSome think that we can't flow (can't flow)Stereotypes, they got to go (got to go)I'm a mess around and flip the scene into reverse(With what?) With a little touch of "Ladies First"Who said the ladies couldn't make it, you must be blindIf you don't believe, well here, listen to this rhymeLadies first, there's no time to rehearseI'm divine and my mind expands throughout the universeA female rapper with the message to send theQueen Latifah is a perfect specimen[Monie Love]My sister, can I get some?[Queen Latifah]Sure, Monie Love, grab the mic and get dumb[Monie Lovie]Yo, praise me not for simply being what I amBorn in L-O-N-D-O-N and sound AmericanYou dig exactly where I'm coming fromYou want righteous rhyming, Imma give you someTo enable you to aid yourself and get paidAnd the material that has no meaning I wish to slayPay me every bit of your attentionLike mother, like daughter, I would also like to mentionI wish for you to bring me to, bring me to the rhythmOf which is now systematically givenDesperately stressing I'm the daughter of a sisterWho's the mother of a brother who's the brother of anotherPlus one more; all fourHave a job to do, we doing itRespect due, to the mother who's the root of itAnd next up is me, the M-O-N-I-E L-O-V-E And I'm first cause I'm a L-A-D-I-E[Queen Latifah]Contact and in fact, the style, it gets harderCooling on the scene with my European partnerLaying down track after track, waiting for the climaxWhen I get there, that's when I taxThe next man, or the next womanIt doesn't make a difference, keep the competition comingAnd I'll recite the chapter in verseThe title of this recital is "Ladies First"
-Mandie Kohlenberg
Friday, April 11, 2008
Working Girl - A Woman to Cheer For by Aaron Ashba
The movie I chose for my review is Working Girl from 1988. I saw this movie many years ago and recently borrowed it to watch for this assignment. This movie stars some household names in Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver and Alec Baldwin. The movie is set in New York City’s Financial District where Tess McGill is a secretary by trade is trying to better herself and grade her current situation, which many times turns against her. She has what it takes to be successful, but her presentation doesn’t allow anyone to take her seriously. After she is moved to a new position as a secretary to Katherine Parker (aka “Kath”), Tess has to adjust to working for a woman for the first time. Everything starts off well and Tess is offered a mentorship in the process.
After becoming more familiar with the business, Tess comes up with a great idea for one of their clients and shares it with Kath. This is the basis of how the differences and challenges between Tess and Kath begin, along with the Kath’s love interest, Jack Trainer comes in the picture and is pursued by Tess both personally and professionally as an ally as she’s leading a double life between her real job and the job is pretending to have in the eyes of Trainer. All in all, Tess is able to beat her scheming boss and get the guy in the end, but do it in a way that you have to applaud her courage, determination and spirit in a male dominated and woman cheat woman environment.
For that decade, the film is true to the staunch-corporate, big company atmosphere with the 3 piece suits and structure where secretaries are just that. Taking calls, fetching coffee and basically handling the boss’s personal lives as well. Katherine’s character portrays a dominant business woman that uses a “in your face attitude” to get ahead. This may have been more the norm for woman in the corporate world 20 years ago, but I don’t feel is case today. I have had many women bosses and never experienced a personality like hers. I thought it was interesting when Tess first started her job and her and Katherine were discussing their recent birthdays and ages. Katherine revealed she’s a bit younger than Tess, and Tess commented that she has never worked for a woman, or someone that is younger than she is. This would be a comment that would be less common to be said today.
With the characters, plot and premise of the movie, I would consider this to be more of a feminist film. There is much to be said by Tess’ character and will to make it in the tough environments of big business and what she was willing to do (in a positive way) to get there. It would be inspiring to any woman that watched this film to see themselves in some shape or form in her shoes, relating to her is one way or another. As we know, being a feminist doesn’t guarantee that other women follow your lead or even respect what you’re trying to do.
Overall, I was able to appreciate the film much more this time around. I’m older now with 10 years of corporate business experience with a better sense of how society works and an appreciation for the feminist movement. Overall, you get a good feeling from this movie and can appreciate each character and what they represent in the movie. I wouldn’t say this film is timeless by any stretch, but the message and feeling that you get from can represent women of the past and the future that can relate to Tess McGill.
Aaron Ashba
Related Websites:
http://www.imdb.com
http://www.movies.com
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800136897/info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_Girl
After becoming more familiar with the business, Tess comes up with a great idea for one of their clients and shares it with Kath. This is the basis of how the differences and challenges between Tess and Kath begin, along with the Kath’s love interest, Jack Trainer comes in the picture and is pursued by Tess both personally and professionally as an ally as she’s leading a double life between her real job and the job is pretending to have in the eyes of Trainer. All in all, Tess is able to beat her scheming boss and get the guy in the end, but do it in a way that you have to applaud her courage, determination and spirit in a male dominated and woman cheat woman environment.
For that decade, the film is true to the staunch-corporate, big company atmosphere with the 3 piece suits and structure where secretaries are just that. Taking calls, fetching coffee and basically handling the boss’s personal lives as well. Katherine’s character portrays a dominant business woman that uses a “in your face attitude” to get ahead. This may have been more the norm for woman in the corporate world 20 years ago, but I don’t feel is case today. I have had many women bosses and never experienced a personality like hers. I thought it was interesting when Tess first started her job and her and Katherine were discussing their recent birthdays and ages. Katherine revealed she’s a bit younger than Tess, and Tess commented that she has never worked for a woman, or someone that is younger than she is. This would be a comment that would be less common to be said today.
With the characters, plot and premise of the movie, I would consider this to be more of a feminist film. There is much to be said by Tess’ character and will to make it in the tough environments of big business and what she was willing to do (in a positive way) to get there. It would be inspiring to any woman that watched this film to see themselves in some shape or form in her shoes, relating to her is one way or another. As we know, being a feminist doesn’t guarantee that other women follow your lead or even respect what you’re trying to do.
Overall, I was able to appreciate the film much more this time around. I’m older now with 10 years of corporate business experience with a better sense of how society works and an appreciation for the feminist movement. Overall, you get a good feeling from this movie and can appreciate each character and what they represent in the movie. I wouldn’t say this film is timeless by any stretch, but the message and feeling that you get from can represent women of the past and the future that can relate to Tess McGill.
Aaron Ashba
Related Websites:
http://www.imdb.com
http://www.movies.com
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800136897/info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_Girl
Norma Rae
Norma Rae
by Jennifer McKenna
Norma Rae is a 1979 film starring Sally Fields in the eponymous role. Norma Rae is a wife, a mother, and an employee of the O.J. Henley textile plant. The factory has been a part of the community for years; most families seem to have someone who works there. Norma Rae seems somewhat restless within the roles she plays. She seems especially frustrated with the working conditions at the mill and the toll taken on the workers there. It's little wonder that when union organizer Reuben Warshovsky shows up the two of them connect. Warshvsky's message and methods are both vehemently opposed by Norma Rae's controlling father. Norma Rae's relationship with Reuben is a source of conflict between Norma Rae and her husband, Sonny. Though the management at the mill opposes the unionization, even throwing Norma Rae into jail, the workers are eventually won over and vote to unionize. What I found most interesting about this film is that is based on a true story about a worker named Crystal Lee Sutton.
This film portrays gender issues very realistically. It portrays a lot of the sexism and racism one might expect in a Southern town in the 1970's. Norma Rae's father is very dominant, particularly at the beginning of the movie when she and her two children are living with him. Norma Rae's relationship with Warshovsky is repeatedly called into question. It's hard for people to believe that it's appropriate. When the union sends down some officials to speak to Warshovsky, they express some qualms about how her reputation of promiscuity, her illegitimate child, and the relationship she has with him will affect the union's credibility. Her husband is uncomfortable with his wife being as close as she is to another man, but they do seem to work past that at the end.
I would consider this film to be feminist. Norma Rae is courageous and forward-thinking. She tells her children that she is fighting so that, if they ever end up working at the same factory, things will be better for them. She does not back down from the challenge and fights for the rights of everyone at the mill, male and female, black and white.
I enjoyed the film. I'd heard of it before, but had never seen it. I think it was very inspiring -- sometimes one voice can change things. It was very exciting to see the character go from seeming disenchanted with the world to feeling that she had the power and the responsibility to change it.
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