Research

Throughout history, women have had to fight for equality with men in the world. Today sexism continues to be a problem and women are still not completely treated the same way men are. Sexism is defined as discrimination or devaluation based on a person's sex (“Sexism-Dictionary.com”). Recently, the music industry shows sexism towards female artists. This not only allows male artists to have a more likely chance of being respected, but also affects the views audiences have on female artists. Sexism is shown in the music industry towards female artists.

Sexism towards women occurs when men feel as if they are superior to women. Men have not always looked at women as equals, but more as objects to please themselves. Traditional values teach that men should provide and work for their family while women should just be mothers and take care of their homes for their husbands. While traditional values are fading away and women are becoming independent and powerful in today’s society, some people continue to follow the same archaic beliefs. According to Rick Nauert, “Sexism also has the potential to shape how women think, feel and behave towards men in general” (Nauert). It is necessary for men to view women as capable leaders and not just caregivers so that women can feel respected. If a woman’s opinion of men changes simply from a sexist remark, it must be very difficult for an artist to constantly feel discriminated against simply because of her gender.

It is common in the music industry for females to be sexualized not only by male artists, but also by someone as irrelevant as a music video director. Male music artists frequently use women as props in their music videos. This may not be the choice of th...

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... with their music can help to decrease sexism in the music industry and decrease the need for sexualizing women as well.

Sexism, throughout the world, causes men to feel superior over women. Sexism in the music industry continues today. Many female artists’ careers are affected by this prejudice. Female artists have not only begun to stand up for themselves, but have also started to speak out against this problem. By acknowledging that this problem exists in the music industry, females hope to eliminate this challenge for all girls hoping to be famous artists in the future. Realistically though, does the music industry have the ability to overcome sexism or is making money because “sex sells” more important to society today? As of right now, it seems as if money is more important to most, but one can never know what the future holds.