Positive Women in Hip Hop: Feminism in a Patriarchal Society
Ciji Fox
Dr. Burns-Ardolino
Research Methods
April 22, 2007
Positive Women in Hip Hop: Feminism in a Patriarchal Society
I. Summary Despite the negative images that we are over exposed to, can society identify positive women in hip hop? As hip hop promises to become main stream, it is gradually morphing into a component that will eventually be accepted as popular culture. However, the degradation of women continues to be a staple of the hip hop culture. In rap music women are commonly referred to as “bitches,” “hoes,” and “gold diggers”. In the videos that serve as visual aids to these songs, women are usually portrayed in a negative light. Usually these women are dressed in short, tight, skimpy clothing, and perform in “sexually” charged manner. The behavior of these women often reflect the artist’s lyrics but too often their behavior serves no other purpose, but to please a male dominated culture. A culture that is rich in misogyny and sexism. A culture that typically views women as sexual objects or in this case props. These negative representations encourage a society that is geared toward the destruction of women rather than the uplifting of women. It is critical for women in hip hop to counter these practices, deeply rooted in history. A feminist movement in hip hop is already underway including: Actors, authors, artist, dancers, designers, models, producers, rappers, scholars, singer’s and many more who are challenging tradition. My research will provide insight from a contemporary perspective. It will include examples of women in hip hop that wear short, tight, skimpy clothing, and who also behave sexually. Contrary to the “beliefs” these women have proved to be positive through their contributions to the hip hop culture. This information will illustrate that the feminist movement in hip hop will potentially revolutionize hip hop through acceptance of patriarchy as the dominant culture; and by accepting this truth women in hip hop can
Dr. Burns-Ardolino
Research Methods
April 22, 2007
Positive Women in Hip Hop: Feminism in a Patriarchal Society
I. Summary Despite the negative images that we are over exposed to, can society identify positive women in hip hop? As hip hop promises to become main stream, it is gradually morphing into a component that will eventually be accepted as popular culture. However, the degradation of women continues to be a staple of the hip hop culture. In rap music women are commonly referred to as “bitches,” “hoes,” and “gold diggers”. In the videos that serve as visual aids to these songs, women are usually portrayed in a negative light. Usually these women are dressed in short, tight, skimpy clothing, and perform in “sexually” charged manner. The behavior of these women often reflect the artist’s lyrics but too often their behavior serves no other purpose, but to please a male dominated culture. A culture that is rich in misogyny and sexism. A culture that typically views women as sexual objects or in this case props. These negative representations encourage a society that is geared toward the destruction of women rather than the uplifting of women. It is critical for women in hip hop to counter these practices, deeply rooted in history. A feminist movement in hip hop is already underway including: Actors, authors, artist, dancers, designers, models, producers, rappers, scholars, singer’s and many more who are challenging tradition. My research will provide insight from a contemporary perspective. It will include examples of women in hip hop that wear short, tight, skimpy clothing, and who also behave sexually. Contrary to the “beliefs” these women have proved to be positive through their contributions to the hip hop culture. This information will illustrate that the feminist movement in hip hop will potentially revolutionize hip hop through acceptance of patriarchy as the dominant culture; and by accepting this truth women in hip hop can
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