Firstly I choose a song called "Proud" by Tegan and Sara. I was first introduced to Tegan and Sara through my girlfriend, they are her favorite band. When I first read about this assignment I knew I was going to write about this song. I had been interested in Tegan and Sara since my girlfriend first introduced me to their music mainly because they send a positive message about powerful women in their music. The song "Proud" is a good example of being a strong women with a voice of your own. This song addresses the issue of femanism with a indie, be yourself and love yourself attitude. I really feel that Tegan and Sara did a good job of presenting a positive role model for young women. The song "Proud" says "take our stand and fight for tomorrow, Finally we got something" I interpret this to mean taking a stand against mainstream America and being proud to stand for equal freedom for everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, color or race. This song makes me feel very empowered as a women, it's one of those songs that you want to sing out loud and go out into the world and make a change instead of waiting for someone else to. I believe that this song is saying that by being ourselves and using that to fight to make things equal for everyone, that is how we can change society. I am not sure however that more song's like this would make a difference in mainstream music. It seems like when music gets into the mainstream they lose their message. I really like Tegan and Sara and their message of women power I would be deeply saddened if they lost the meaning in their songs and became duplicable. If I could say something to Tegan and Sara about their music I would just want to say thank you. Thank you for creating something with meaning behind it and with a good message for all people.
Denise Haggerty
WS 200
Blog 5
Tegan and Sara
"Proud"
Freedom and blood
I make my mark and fight for tomorrow
Finally I've got something
Something I can raise my voice for
Fine tell them who you really want
Fine well you'll get yours and I'll get mine
Proud
I'm proud to be proud to see
They said proud
I'm proud to be proud to be me
They said tell me oh you've got to tell me
Freedom's rough
So we take our stand and fight for tomorrow
Finally we got something
Something we can bring down the house with
Fine tell them who you think you are
Fine tell them fine is what you are
And when you finally figure out what it is you need
You better think of me
No no no no
When I get up
I feel the rhythm in my fingers
I get up - I hear the rhythm in my laughter
Take a second look
You might find that I am stronger
Take a second look
You might find that you are stronger
Imagination inspiration
It's only fair that I tell you
I plan on leaving here tonight with my pride
It gets me every time
With my pride
I'm proud to be I'm proud to be me
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Terri Clark, Blog 5 by Kristen Shannon
Her sister’s sick, she’s gotta baby-sit
Yeah, that sounds like a pretty good excuse
Now you didn’t hear any of this from me
But things aren’t always what they seem
Brace yourself, this may come as a shock to you
Girls lie, too
We don’t care how much money you make
What you drive or what you weigh
Size don’t matter anyway
Girls lie, too
Don’t think you’re the only ones
Who bend and break and stretch it some
We learn from you
Girls lie, too
We can’t wait to hear about your round of golf
We love to see deer heads hanging on the wall
And we like Hooter’s for their hotwings too
Other guys never cross our minds
We don’t wonder what it might be like
How could it be any better than it is with you
Girls lie, too
We don’t care how much money you make
What you drive or what you weigh
Size don’t matter anyway
Girls lie, too
Don’t think you’re the only ones
Who bend and break and stretch it some
We learn from you
Girls lie, too
Yeah, girls lie, too
We always forgive and forget
The cards and flowers you never sent
Will never be brought up again
Girls lie, too
Old gray sweatpants turn us on
We like your friends and we love your mom
And that's the truth
Girls lie, too
Yeah that’s the truth
Girls lie, too
[No, we don’t care how much hair you have
Yeah, that looks good
Comb it over like that
Rrrrrrrrrrr...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESMIQLvKZ7A
Even before we had this assignment to do I have always loved this song just for humor alone. It has been said throughout history that men are always blowing women off, and lying and making excuses for themselves. This song not only speaks to women but gives men a shot at the truth. Women have become stronger and more stable alone. Today a women is not in need of a man they are completely capable of creating and maintaining happiness for themselves. In this song it allows men to understand that women are just the same at times. That is it possible for women to lie too, to exaggerate the truth to make them feel better, that they are the one and only, and that the little things they do mean the world to them. The music video for this song does not represent the true meaning of the song. I have found this song to be a great anthem for women when having girls night or when angry with their fella'. This is a song to let men and boys beware, now instead of spending your days and nights wondering what you will say to not hurt our feelings you may now take that time and wonder if we have just spared your feelings with an innocent white lie!:)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Pink "Stupid Girls" - Elena Funk
Pink – Stupid Girls
Stupid girl / Stupid girls / Stupid girl / Maybe if I act like that / That guy will call me back / Porno paparazzi girls / I don’t wanna be a stupid girl / Go to Fred Segal, you’ll find them there / Laughin’ loud so all the little people stare / Lookin’ for a daddy to pay for the champagne / Droppin’ names / What happened to the dream of a girl president? / She’s dancing in the video next to 50 Cent / They travel in packs of two or three / With their itsy bitsy doggies and their teeny weeny tees / Where, oh where, have the smart people gone? / Oh where, oh where could they be? / Chorus: Maybe if I act like that / That guy will call me back / Porno paparazzi girls / I don’t wanna be a stupid girl / Maybe if I act like that / Flippin’ my blonde hair back / Push up my bra like that / I don’t wanna be a stupid girl / The disease is growing, it’s epidemic / I’m scared that there ain’t a cure / The believes it and I’m going crazy / I cannot take anymore!!!!!! / I’m so glad that I’ll never fit in / That will never be me / Outcasts and girls with ambition / That’s what I wanna see! / Disasters all around / A world of despair / Your only concern – will it fuck up my hair??? / Chorus / (Do ya think? Do ya think? Do ya think?) / Pretty will you fuck me girl / Silly I’m so lucky girl / Pull my hair I’ll suck it girl / Stupid girls 2x / Maybe if I act like that / Flippin’ my blonde hair back / Push up my bra like that / Stupid girl / Chorus / Maybe if I act like that / Flippin’ my blonde hair back / Push up my bra like that / Stupid girl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oGBvN3rAi0
I was not difficult to find a song to use to discuss feminism. I began listening to the artist Pink many years ago and bought her newest album, I’m Not Dead, during this fall semester. I have always enjoyed her songs proclaiming empowerment for women and issues that many young women face so I chose the song I thought best represented an issue within feminism: body image.
In the music video for “Stupid Girls” Pink does a parody on celebrities Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Mary Kate Olsen, and Paris Hilton. However, the music speaks overall about the lack of good role models for young girls. Lyrics such as “what happened to the dream of a girl president” or “where have the smart people gone” are Pink’s cry to young women that there are better things in store for the future than becoming pop icons with an aura of sexuality about them, like being a dancer in “the video next to 50 Cent.” Pink has been quoted saying, “Women have fought so long and hard for our rights and equality, and now all our attention is put on being a size 0", as well as that some women are "living vicariously through these people who seem to shop all day" rather than focusing on real-world issues like war and poverty.
This song directly addresses the issue of “stupid girls” that is too often ignored in society. There is more news coverage now-a-days of a female celebrity’s break-up than there is on lack of funding for the arts or the injustices on women in Nigeria. American media is so obsessed with the things and people that are considered “perfect” that we are forgetting the bigger picture: the future. How are we to build a better future when we do not provide good examples for the new generation?
While I do feel very empowered as a woman through this song, it does not offer a clear-cut method of improving the “stupid” conditions Pink sings about. I do think that she is helping bring awareness to the issue and through that the media at large can take notice and adjust the images it is giving young girls to base their judgments from. Were there more songs like this circulating television and the radio awareness for the issue of body image for young girls would grow, thus improving respect for feminism. Though body image is but one small aspect of feminism I believe Pink has taken a step in the right direction to help shine a positive light on feminism.
Were I to contact Pink I would commend her on her ability to tackle controversial issues within today’s society. Another one of Pink’s songs titled “Dear Mr. President” addresses the war, the homeless, No Child Left Behind, and homophobia. I agree with all the topics she has presented in her songs and the emotion she pours into each is breathtaking. Her musical style has changed a lot since I started listening to her, but I believe she still promotes empowerment among women and uses strong lyrics to help prove her point.
Treat Me Right by Pat Benatar
Pam Fletcher
WS200
Blog #5
My older sister purchased this album when it came out in August of 1980 and I would say I knew each song, by heart, by September of 1980. Pat Benatar, at the time, was leading the way for feminism through her music and lyrics. Much of her music revolved around women “not taking it anymore”. This particular song deals with letting her partner know he’d better shape up, or she’s done as she indicates when she says “I’m losing my patience, you’re nearing the end”. She addresses inequality in her verses of “You can’t have it both ways, it’s no way to live, you’ve done all the takin’ it’s your turn to give” and “One of these days you’re gonna reach out and find, the one that you count on has left you behind”. This clearly indicates she is tired of living a patriarchal lifestyle and wants to be treated as an equal. Pat Benatar’s music is typically empowering and strives to point out that women can make the rules: “Do you think I’m a fool, well you better think twice, I’ve had enough baby, it’s time you realize”. I think if there were more music like hers, we would set a different standard for girls, a much better standard than the hip hop stuff out today, which may have a good beat, but very derogatory remarks against women. You can listen to the song in its entirety on the following youtube link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zPNQ2ktvVCE and sing along with the following lyrics:
You want me to leave, you want me to stay
You ask me to come back, you turn and walk away
You wanna be lovers, and you wanna be friends
I'm losing my patience, you're nearing the end
One of these days you're gonna reach out and find
The one that you count on has left you behind
Don't want to be no martyr, with no one, no say
Oh my, my baby, before it's too late
Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right
Open your eyes, maybe you'll see the light
Do you think I'm a fool, well you better think twice
I've had enough baby, it's time you realized
That you can't have it both ways, it's no way to live
You've done all the takin', it's your turn to give
One of these days you're gonna reach out and find
The one that you count on has left you behind
Don't want to be no martyr, with no one, no say
Oh my, my baby, before it's too late
Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right
Open your eye's, maybe you'll see the light
Ooh, Ooh, Treat Me Right
You want me to leave, you want me to stay
You ask me to come back, you're turn and walk away
You wanna be lovers, and you wanna be friends
I'm losing my patience, you're nearing the end
Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right
Open your eyes, maybe you'll see the light
Ooh, Ooh, Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right - Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right - Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right - Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right - Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right (Fading Out)
Written by: Pat Benatar and D. Lubahn Time: 3:24
Performed by Pat Benatar
Original Release Date: August 1980 on Crimes of Passion LP
WS200
Blog #5
My older sister purchased this album when it came out in August of 1980 and I would say I knew each song, by heart, by September of 1980. Pat Benatar, at the time, was leading the way for feminism through her music and lyrics. Much of her music revolved around women “not taking it anymore”. This particular song deals with letting her partner know he’d better shape up, or she’s done as she indicates when she says “I’m losing my patience, you’re nearing the end”. She addresses inequality in her verses of “You can’t have it both ways, it’s no way to live, you’ve done all the takin’ it’s your turn to give” and “One of these days you’re gonna reach out and find, the one that you count on has left you behind”. This clearly indicates she is tired of living a patriarchal lifestyle and wants to be treated as an equal. Pat Benatar’s music is typically empowering and strives to point out that women can make the rules: “Do you think I’m a fool, well you better think twice, I’ve had enough baby, it’s time you realize”. I think if there were more music like hers, we would set a different standard for girls, a much better standard than the hip hop stuff out today, which may have a good beat, but very derogatory remarks against women. You can listen to the song in its entirety on the following youtube link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zPNQ2ktvVCE and sing along with the following lyrics:
You want me to leave, you want me to stay
You ask me to come back, you turn and walk away
You wanna be lovers, and you wanna be friends
I'm losing my patience, you're nearing the end
One of these days you're gonna reach out and find
The one that you count on has left you behind
Don't want to be no martyr, with no one, no say
Oh my, my baby, before it's too late
Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right
Open your eyes, maybe you'll see the light
Do you think I'm a fool, well you better think twice
I've had enough baby, it's time you realized
That you can't have it both ways, it's no way to live
You've done all the takin', it's your turn to give
One of these days you're gonna reach out and find
The one that you count on has left you behind
Don't want to be no martyr, with no one, no say
Oh my, my baby, before it's too late
Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right
Open your eye's, maybe you'll see the light
Ooh, Ooh, Treat Me Right
You want me to leave, you want me to stay
You ask me to come back, you're turn and walk away
You wanna be lovers, and you wanna be friends
I'm losing my patience, you're nearing the end
Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right
Open your eyes, maybe you'll see the light
Ooh, Ooh, Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right - Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right - Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right - Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right - Treat Me Right
Treat Me Right (Fading Out)
Written by: Pat Benatar and D. Lubahn Time: 3:24
Performed by Pat Benatar
Original Release Date: August 1980 on Crimes of Passion LP
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Blog #5 by Rebecca Tirabassi
I Am Not My Hair
by India Arie
Release Date: June 27, 2006
Artist: India Arie
Songwriters: India Arie, Andrew Ramsey, Shannon Sanders
Opening with a quick question about India’s hair, a “beat-box” background, and audience laughter, a jazzy Motown sound sets the tone that this going to be a fun song. Even still, India respectfully preaches the distinct message of an awakened feminist who sings, “I am not my hair.” It includes a solo track mixed with a gospel choir effect and lyrics that tell India’s—and every woman’s—story.
I chose this song because I was more familiar with the artist’s name over most other names on our list, though I had never heard of this song. The lyrics to I Am Not My Hair tell a universal story. And as often happens, when music is added to a message, it becomes memorable, repeatable, and even makes you want to dance, or bob your head and shoulders!
I Am Not My Hair is simply relevant—no matter one’s gender or race—as the opening conversation and choruses ring true to every listener:
[Talking:]
Is that India.Arie? What happened to her hair? Ha ha ha ha ha
Dat dad a dat da [4x] Dad a ooh
[Verse 1]
Little girl with the press and curl
Age eight I got a Jheri curl
Thirteen I got a relaxer
I was a source of so much laughter
At fifteen when it all broke off
Eighteen and went all natural
February two thousand and two
I went and did
What I had to do
Because it was time to change my life
To become the women that I am inside
Ninety-seven dreadlock all gone
I looked in the mirror
For the first time and saw that HEY....
[Chorus]
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations no no
I am not my hair
I ma not this skin
I am a soul that lives within
At this juncture, India Arie awakens to who she is. . .she is more than her hair! She says what everyone knows, but few act as if they believe! A woman’s hair does not make her less of a friend, or less of a person, or more or less feminine. Neither does a woman’s color (race) define her character or passions or purpose in life. And she closes with a captivating last line in the chorus, “I am a soul that lives within.”
When India moves from self-disclosure to self-discovery, she not only admits she has been living the lie that “you are how you look,” but she is also willing to admit that she must shed the “look” in which she has grown accustom, in order to embrace her true self.
In a brilliant flash of reverse psychology, she tricks those of us who often judge a woman (or any person) by their hair or appearance, reminding us that those who’ve lost their hair due to chemotherapy are NO LESS wonderful, or beautiful, or feminine.
For me, the message in this song is as much about freeing ourselves from judging others by their appearance as it is about freeing ourselves from others’ expectations of us.
As India continues her story, the following verses and chorus of this song thread allegory with empathy, laughter with tears, and pits truth against the lies of culture: a woman, no matter her race or shape, is not her hair!
[Talking:]
What'd she do to her hair? I don't know it look crazy
I like it. I might do that.
Umm I wouldn't go that far. I know .. ha ha ha ha
[Verse 2]
Good hair means curls and waves
Bad hair means you look like a slave
At the turn of the century
Its time for us to redefine who we be
You can shave it off
Like a South African beauty
Or get in on lock
Like Bob Marley
You can rock it straight
Like Oprah Winfrey
If its not what's on your head
Its what's underneath and say HEY....
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
Does the way I wear my hair make me a better person?
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend? Oooh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity?
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
I am expressing my creativity..
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
[Verse 3]
Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy
Took away her crown and glory
She promised God if she was to survive
She would enjoy everyday of her life ooh
On national television
Her diamond eyes are sparkling
Bald headed like a full moon shining
Singing out to the whole wide world like HEY...
[Chorus 2x]
[Ad lib]
If I wanna shave it close
Or if I wanna rock locks
That don't take a bit away
From the soul that I got
Dat da da dat da [4x]
If I wanna where it braided
All down my back
I don't see what wrong with that
Dat da da dat da [4x]
[Talking:]
Is that India.Arie?
Ooh look she cut her hair!
I like that, its kinda PHAT
I don't know if I could do it.
But it looks sharp, it looks nice on her
She got a nice shaped head
She got an apple head
I know right?
It's perfect.
In closing, I particularly appreciated how the artist and song writers didn’t use their platform to denigrate others, but inspired individuals of all colors and hairstyles to dig deeper inside and redefine themselves by who they are not by how they look! They gently and joyously give all women permission to remove any outer “masks” (or hairstyles) that are inauthentic and cumbersome and be set free!
India Arie sets the stage and paves the way for all women to sing--I Am Not My Hair!
Free download: You may need download RHAPSODY.com, which is a free player that allows you to hear this selection for free or listen to a free sample of I am not my hair on/at Itunes Store.)
Monday, December 3, 2007
Blog #3 Gender Ads Jenny Walton
WS 200 Blog#3 Ad Jenny Walton
This is the link you will need to check out the advertisement I selected for this blog:
http://www.ltcconline.net/lukas/gender/onlythebody/pics/onlythebody30.jpg
First of all, I didn’t know what to attack first, the picture or the caption! The old cliche’ “Sex sells” is certainly at work in this advertisement.
First of all, the woman depicted here has no face, only a very curvy, scantily clad body. She is in a state of undress with the pants coming down, hips, sexily swayed and wearing a bra. The lack of a face or identity portrays the thought that women and their bodies are good for only one thing:sex. It does not necessarily say that all women are good for sex, just those who go to the gym . So this depiction is harmful in that it divides women further from each other, in that those who have good bodies are wanted for sex and those whose bodies aren’t represented in the ad are only good or wanted for their mind. For women who consider sex with love and being “wanted”, this could and would be a very depressing ad.
As far as “tired of guys who want you for your mind?”, this is a slam at a pick-up line used by some guys to get sex. And what woman would not want to be liked for who she is, the whole package and not just a warm body?! So, the ad feeds into that by attempting to tell men what they “really” want which is a body to go along with that mind and that it is perfectly acceptable to use women in this manner. This ad furthers the assumption that if you don’t have a mind and a body that is “perfect” that you, as a woman, are not worthy of male attention.
If you already can’t tell, I am really offended by this ad, for myself and women in general. As a mom I have tried to instill in my children that it’s not the outside, but the inside of a person that counts. Everywhere you look there are ads that confuse and distort the image of women that are degrading and downright nasty. It is no wonder that people, young and old alike, are confused by the issue of sex and love and mistake one for the other, making choices that can negatively affect a lifetime! And what about the women who don’t have heredity on their side for a svelte body? This type of ad tells them that they will never be able to be loved for anything except their mind, which in many women’s minds is a lie.
This ad is anti-feminist in that it allows women to be controlled by men and used for their bodies. This allows the patriarchal idea of male domination to continue and encourages women not to use their minds, just their bodies.
A good way to take part in protesting imagery that is harmful to women and girls is to not shop at stores or buy services from industries that advertise in this way. However, if one does that, a letter of explanation as to why you are doing this would be good to put the business on notice. I would also consider educating friends on this issue and get a group organized to boycott buying and do letter writing, phone calls and emails. This campaign could be sent to newspapers as editorials or a door-to door campaign could be done also.
This is the link you will need to check out the advertisement I selected for this blog:
http://www.ltcconline.net/lukas/gender/onlythebody/pics/onlythebody30.jpg
First of all, I didn’t know what to attack first, the picture or the caption! The old cliche’ “Sex sells” is certainly at work in this advertisement.
First of all, the woman depicted here has no face, only a very curvy, scantily clad body. She is in a state of undress with the pants coming down, hips, sexily swayed and wearing a bra. The lack of a face or identity portrays the thought that women and their bodies are good for only one thing:sex. It does not necessarily say that all women are good for sex, just those who go to the gym . So this depiction is harmful in that it divides women further from each other, in that those who have good bodies are wanted for sex and those whose bodies aren’t represented in the ad are only good or wanted for their mind. For women who consider sex with love and being “wanted”, this could and would be a very depressing ad.
As far as “tired of guys who want you for your mind?”, this is a slam at a pick-up line used by some guys to get sex. And what woman would not want to be liked for who she is, the whole package and not just a warm body?! So, the ad feeds into that by attempting to tell men what they “really” want which is a body to go along with that mind and that it is perfectly acceptable to use women in this manner. This ad furthers the assumption that if you don’t have a mind and a body that is “perfect” that you, as a woman, are not worthy of male attention.
If you already can’t tell, I am really offended by this ad, for myself and women in general. As a mom I have tried to instill in my children that it’s not the outside, but the inside of a person that counts. Everywhere you look there are ads that confuse and distort the image of women that are degrading and downright nasty. It is no wonder that people, young and old alike, are confused by the issue of sex and love and mistake one for the other, making choices that can negatively affect a lifetime! And what about the women who don’t have heredity on their side for a svelte body? This type of ad tells them that they will never be able to be loved for anything except their mind, which in many women’s minds is a lie.
This ad is anti-feminist in that it allows women to be controlled by men and used for their bodies. This allows the patriarchal idea of male domination to continue and encourages women not to use their minds, just their bodies.
A good way to take part in protesting imagery that is harmful to women and girls is to not shop at stores or buy services from industries that advertise in this way. However, if one does that, a letter of explanation as to why you are doing this would be good to put the business on notice. I would also consider educating friends on this issue and get a group organized to boycott buying and do letter writing, phone calls and emails. This campaign could be sent to newspapers as editorials or a door-to door campaign could be done also.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Tracy Chapman "Why" by Andrea Ensley
WHY WRITEN AND SANG BY TRACY CHAPMAN
Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home
Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free
But somebody's gonna have to answer
The time is coming soon
Admidst all these questions and contradictions
There're some who seek the truth
Tell me Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home
Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free
But somebody's gonna have to answer
The time is coming soon
When the blind remove their blinders
And the speechless speak the truth
Tell me Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home
Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free
"Why" is written and sang by Tracy Chapman and on her Debut Album in 1988. I did not know of this artist prior to this assignment nor ever heard of this song. I chose this song just because of its title. After reading the lyrics, I was glad that I chose it. I was also surprised to find out that Tracy was from Cleveland, Ohio.
"Why" addresses many social issues that affect men, women, and children. However, it is more directed to women's rights. For example, "why is a woman still not safe when she's in her home" addresses the ongoing issue of violence against women. Also, this song begins with "why do babies starve when there's enough food to feed the world" which depicts the numerous children in our country who still today do not have enough food to survive. This song directly addresses women's rights and feminist
activists.
Violence against women is rarely a topic for most artists. In fact, some artists if you want to call them that, actually write and sing about violating and hurting women. Personally, I feel violence in general is seen so much in our society whether it is via the television, radio, video clips, or in our neighborhoods that people just deal with it without feeling it is a social problem. Violence against women is ignored by more than just mainstream popular culture!
I don't feel this song makes me feel empowered as a woman or human. However, I do feel that Tracy Chapman's lyrics in this song show her passion for change needed. She point blankly addresses the fight for change. She also does it in a manner that does not bash individuals or groups.
I feel feminism as a whole would be more positively understood and respected if it was presented in a positive manner just like Tracy presented "Why". The anger of many feminists has been a turn off to many people, despite what they are fighting for. Being passionate about a social problem does not give someone the right to condemn and judge others. Nonetheless, songs such as this one would greatly increase positive feminism feedback.
I really liked this song but was only able to hear it once. I could not get the video clip back in order to upload it which is very dishearting. This song has a great tempo and style. I do not listen to secular music but I loved Tracy's style, presentation, and powerful lyrics. She has a great voice.
Resources:
www.wikipedia.com/tracychapman
www.mp3lyrics.org/tracy-chapman/why
www.realplayer.com
Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home
Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free
But somebody's gonna have to answer
The time is coming soon
Admidst all these questions and contradictions
There're some who seek the truth
Tell me Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home
Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free
But somebody's gonna have to answer
The time is coming soon
When the blind remove their blinders
And the speechless speak the truth
Tell me Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home
Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free
"Why" is written and sang by Tracy Chapman and on her Debut Album in 1988. I did not know of this artist prior to this assignment nor ever heard of this song. I chose this song just because of its title. After reading the lyrics, I was glad that I chose it. I was also surprised to find out that Tracy was from Cleveland, Ohio.
"Why" addresses many social issues that affect men, women, and children. However, it is more directed to women's rights. For example, "why is a woman still not safe when she's in her home" addresses the ongoing issue of violence against women. Also, this song begins with "why do babies starve when there's enough food to feed the world" which depicts the numerous children in our country who still today do not have enough food to survive. This song directly addresses women's rights and feminist
activists.
Violence against women is rarely a topic for most artists. In fact, some artists if you want to call them that, actually write and sing about violating and hurting women. Personally, I feel violence in general is seen so much in our society whether it is via the television, radio, video clips, or in our neighborhoods that people just deal with it without feeling it is a social problem. Violence against women is ignored by more than just mainstream popular culture!
I don't feel this song makes me feel empowered as a woman or human. However, I do feel that Tracy Chapman's lyrics in this song show her passion for change needed. She point blankly addresses the fight for change. She also does it in a manner that does not bash individuals or groups.
I feel feminism as a whole would be more positively understood and respected if it was presented in a positive manner just like Tracy presented "Why". The anger of many feminists has been a turn off to many people, despite what they are fighting for. Being passionate about a social problem does not give someone the right to condemn and judge others. Nonetheless, songs such as this one would greatly increase positive feminism feedback.
I really liked this song but was only able to hear it once. I could not get the video clip back in order to upload it which is very dishearting. This song has a great tempo and style. I do not listen to secular music but I loved Tracy's style, presentation, and powerful lyrics. She has a great voice.
Resources:
www.wikipedia.com/tracychapman
www.mp3lyrics.org/tracy-chapman/why
www.realplayer.com
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