Essay about Radical Feminism and Hip Hop - 1550 Words

Since its emergence in the South Bronx in the 1970’s, hip hop has spread to both urban and suburban communities throughout the world. Once an underground genre of music, it is seen in commercials, movies, television shows, etc. It has transformed from music and expanded into a full culture. It has even made its way into fashion and art. Men have always been on the front line of Hip Hop. However, the lyrics and images have changed tremendously. Lyrics and images that once spoke upon the injustices and empowerment for the African American people is now filled with money, cars, jewelry, and of course women. Today’s hip hop generation is criticized for its negative portrayal of women. Every music video that is produced features scantily†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Radical feminism is said to derive from several notions of Marxism. The main idea being used from Marxist theory is the concept of the oppressors and the oppressed. Therefore, radical feminists want to de stroy the whole concept of the sex/gender as a class system, and wish to end the idea of differences between men and women† (Zieber). When discussing hip hop it is important to note the connection between patriarchy and Marxism because of the similarities of dismantling oppression. Hip Hop began as an outlet of speaking against oppression. Unfortunately Hip hop was created by men and continues to be dominated by men. Although its style has changed over time; it continues to contain traces of patriarchal ideology. Its early lyrical content expressed many afro-centric and militant political undertones. Songs such as â€Å"Fight the Power† by Public Enemy sent these messages to the American public. Patriarchy is one of the roots of militarism. Patriarchy is referred to as the domination of women by men. Militarism is a deep rooted general idea of â€Å"control over another†. This term is related to aggression. Such aggression is generally characterized as a male trait. â€Å"Military values contribute to the construction of narrow definitions of masculine and feminine characteristics† (Burke). There were not many images of a woman in hip hop speaking about such subjects. These military ideas Women in society’s standards lack such antagonistic nature. Hip hop became lyricalShow MoreRelatedFeminism Is Characte rized As Being An Advocate For The1708 Words   |  7 PagesFeminism is characterized as being an advocate for the equality of women’s rights. Radical feminism is the viewing of equal treatment in society, giving women the right of autonomy because that s a basic human right. The accomplishment of radical feminism is to change people’s mind and how people think of women. Using music as new form of feminism and incorporating the historical events to help express the same ideas through the lyrics. 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