I presented a paper on the "Myth of the Independent Woman" this weekend at the AEJMC Midwinter Conference at OU in Norman, Oklahoma. The presentation went well.
One thing that I really want to emphasize is the lyrics in rap songs that discuss "Independent" women are definitely more positive that other gangster rap songs. At least they don't spotlight drugs, violence or degrade women (too much). However, the songs still feature misogynistic messages. They call women names such as "bitch," "broad" and "chick." In addition, they place unrealistic standards on women such as being beautiful, wealthy, domestic and willing to dote on a man. On the other hand, the songs do not place any expectations on men -- even emphasizing that they may be thugs or gangsters.
My question is if "independent" women are so busy paying their bills, looking beautiful, taking care of their children, the house, etc. do they really have time for a relationship? And if they do, at what point is it okay for them to ask a man to help them out? Never, according to these songs that appear to demonize women who desire a 50-50 relationship in which men and women contribute equally to a relationship. They place women in the categories of "gold digger" or "independent" woman.
One thing that I really want to emphasize is the lyrics in rap songs that discuss "Independent" women are definitely more positive that other gangster rap songs. At least they don't spotlight drugs, violence or degrade women (too much). However, the songs still feature misogynistic messages. They call women names such as "bitch," "broad" and "chick." In addition, they place unrealistic standards on women such as being beautiful, wealthy, domestic and willing to dote on a man. On the other hand, the songs do not place any expectations on men -- even emphasizing that they may be thugs or gangsters.
My question is if "independent" women are so busy paying their bills, looking beautiful, taking care of their children, the house, etc. do they really have time for a relationship? And if they do, at what point is it okay for them to ask a man to help them out? Never, according to these songs that appear to demonize women who desire a 50-50 relationship in which men and women contribute equally to a relationship. They place women in the categories of "gold digger" or "independent" woman.
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