tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302245627574027504.post8986458992422936614..comments2019-05-15T23:59:20.159-07:00Comments on Feminist Legal Theory: "Hotline Bling" and the "Soft" PatriarchyLisa R. Pruitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16469550950363542801noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302245627574027504.post-33510275817515083312016-04-06T19:05:54.877-07:002016-04-06T19:05:54.877-07:00Last year, the White House Council’s Women & G...Last year, the White House Council’s Women & Girls summit held a panel called Hip-Hop: Women’s Vulnerability and Voices. The moderator asked MC Lyte whether it’s possible to be a “hip-hop feminist.” He responded yes, and cited the incredibly popular Fetty Wap as a current example of a hip-hop feminist” because of the way he supports his women in songs. Lyte asserted ““He may have a very unique way of presenting his ideas, but he does love women. For what he’s up against in this climate with all of the other emcees, he’s taking a stand. He’s being pretty courageous right now with what it is that he presents in his music, because it’s really not the norm...You win the challenge when you’re able to get your message across without degrading your sister, or your woman or your mother.”<br /><br />For reference, the hit Fetty Wap song at the time was Trap Queen. The lyrics are as follows: “I hit the strip with my trap queen 'cause all we know is bands, I just might snatch up a 'Rari and buy my boo a 'Lamb, I might just snatch her necklace, drop a couple on a ring, She ain't want it for nothin' because I got her everything.”<br /><br />It’s interesting to see this summit let this comment fly. Apparently loving a woman or treating her to riches is enough to be a feminist? I’m disappointed that there didn’t seem to be more of a focus on women’s voice, women rappers, and the women who use their voice to advocate for respect and equality in a very male-dominated arena. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05684029984995654159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7302245627574027504.post-1087632987971275162016-03-01T14:14:14.199-08:002016-03-01T14:14:14.199-08:00The topic of hip hop, misogyny, and art is somethi...The topic of hip hop, misogyny, and art is something that I think about, and grapple with, constantly. It's a big part of the reason why I identified so strongly with Roxane Gay's "Bad Feminist" rhetoric. The fact of the matter is, I love rap music. Even the most offensive and, at times, questionably immoral rap music. But I'm ashamed of it. It's one thing to listen to hip hop from the early 90's and dismiss many of the sexist, homophobic themes as being from 20 years ago, a different time, before this new wave of pop culture feminism truly reared its head. But it's getting harder and harder to explain it away. And it's not just Drake. Think about Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" and Justin Bieber's "What Do You Mean?" Think about pretty much all of Kanye's music. These are WILDLY popular songs. Arguably some of the most popular songs in recent years. And yet, when you really listen to them, past the catchy beats and contagious rhythms, they're horrifying. I kick myself for supporting male artists that carry on a legacy of blatant, and at times violent, patriarchy. And it kills me a little bit that these are the faces of our generation. These are the people that will be remembered. But then here I am...humming the newest Jay Z beat. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08484385770904728216noreply@blogger.com