The relationship between music and misogyny is deep and long lasting. As we address the harms of sexism as a society, music still seems to lag behind. The same lyrics that we scream on a Saturday night would not be normalized without the misogynist culture that perpetuates it.
“Put Molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it. I took her home and enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.” - “U.O.E.N.O” by Rocko.
“She sips the Coca-Cola, she can’t tell the difference yet.” - “Cola” by Camelphat & Elderbrook.
“Lil’ bitch on my dick, I’ma hit the hoe” - “Asshole” by Mike Sherm.
”I need me a new bitch to fix up my image.” - “Riled Up” by Jack Murin.
These are are all songs I have heard playing or have played this week alone. Music is a unique language that traverses cultures and reflects upon society, politics, and history. So what does that say about the listener?
Music has the unique position of being a self fulfilling prophecy. It is not only shaped by its creators.t shapes listeners, too. Music that sings the praises of violence against women by calling them “hoes” and “bitches” glamorizes sexual harassment and leads boys and men to normalize misogyny. Furthermore, girls and women will rationalize this treatment, unwillingly tolerate it, and even expect it due to the deep rooted, internalized misogyny.
This is not a unique take. When misogynistic music is on the table, rap is often under the most scrutiny. While rap is often a huge proponent of misogyny, it is also often used as a scapegoat. Pop, rock and roll, blues, classic rock, indie pop, country, and literally every other genre has a variety of misogynistic songs to choose from. Misogyny in music can be explicit, implicit, between the lines, and openly violent. And all forms cause damage.
How poetic is it that music—something so inherently human that has historically captured the emotional, political, and cultural realities of societies across time—still tattles on our shortcomings.
Even as I write this, I have “Blurred Lines,” by Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, on my liked playlist. Nobody is perfect, and it’s really hard to disavow a bop. But that doesn’t dissipate the shock wave of repercussions these songs create. The uncomfortable truth is that nothing changes if nothing changes; if there is no pushback against these lyrics, then nothing happens.
That’s the stalemate. You can take a stand against these lyrics, these artists, and these fans, but now the heat is on you. You’re a “bummer,” you take things too seriously, and you just can’t have any fun. Music is a powerful thing, for better or for worse. In an attempt to adhere to the norm, people’s affinity to these songs defends society’s reliance on misogynistic culture.
About the author: Siena Beckett is a 3rd year student at the University of Oregon, majoring in advertising and minoring in sociology. She enjoys getting overly emotional about strange topics, beating a dead horse, and the intricacies of the human condition. In her free time she sails for the U of O Club Sailing team and tries to come up with new and fun activities to host.
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Cover Photo: Pinterest
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the feminism leaving my body when these songs start playing - playlist by karla ⛧ | Spotify
Beyond the Beat: Exploring Objectification in Rap and Country Lyrics – Languaged Life
https://impact.wharton.upenn.edu/climate-center/quantifying-50-years-of-misogyny-in-music/