Women's Roles as Objects in Music
This past week's readings were very interesting to me, largely because I pride myself on being somewhat of a popular culture aficionado, and the role of women in music is an intriguing idea to think about and reflect upon. The article "Greatest Hits: Domestic Violence in Country Music" was an interesting reflection upon women's transition in American country music. When I read it though, it struck me how the reading perceived as though domestic violence is not an extremely important issue still in the United States. The statistics do not lie when we analyze the problem of domestic violence in American society. "Estimates range from 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend per year1 to three million women who are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend per year." (Domestic Violence) Women's transition from victim to assailant in country music is an interesting reflection of the prevalent attitude through this country against abuse, yet the statistics still show that women are attacked at a far too frequent rate. This past weekend the Dixie Chicks dominated the Grammy's and reinforced the fact that you can succeed as females while still speaking your mind and producing controversial music.
With this success we must consider how much women's rights and opportunities have changed throughout the greater part of this past century. "In 1970 there were no shelters to house battered women throughout the entirety of the United States."(Simon) 37 years later the laws have changed to prevent women from being abused and given them shelter when victimized. Throughout high school I did community service at a battered women and children's s...
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...ugate women to on a daily basis with comparisons and expectations surrounding us. Objectification towards women began when sexuality was fully understood and women were revered and worshipped for their femininity and sexual prowess. While we may all strive for a feminine ideal balance of sexuality, beauty, intelligence, and equality with men, we must not forget that the objectification of women occurs every day, and every day women benefit and suffer from it, so ultimately where is the balance, and who is truly objectified?
Domestic Violence is a Serious, Widespread Social Problem in America: The Facts. 2007. Online. 12 Feb 2007.?.
Perry, Imani "It's My Thang and I'll Swing It the Way That I Feel! Sexuality and Black Women Rappers." (): 524-530.
Simon, Sheila Greatest Hits : Domestic Violence in American Country Music. 17 Jun 2004. Online. 12 Feb 2007.?
BREAKING THE SILENCE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Des Moines Register Op-Ed by Bonnie Campbell , Director, Violence Against Women Office, U.S. Department of Justice July 2, 2013
Over time, some rap artists might adapt the stated sexist and racial beliefs, and think that they become something better and consciously place themselves above their audience and pretend to be more superior than women Hip-Hop Culture + Politics). The following lyrics provide examples and show how misogynistic beliefs are represented in rap music. The presented excerpts are highly offensive and controversial, but they show the contemporary type of rap that has been and is still produced by well-known recording studios (Adams and Fuller 949).
Why was domestic violence and abuse chosen as this topic for the media? What is wrong with domestic violence and abuse today? How does the song “Independence Day” by Martina McBride go with this topic? This essay will answer all of those question that might be going through peoples minds right now? The song “Independence Day”, performed by Martina McBride addresses the issue of domestic violence and abuse when analyzed using a cultural lens.
Oswald, Janelle. “Is Rap Turning Girls into Ho’s?” The Black Book: A Custom Publication. 3rd ed. Ed. Sam Pierstorff. Modesto: Quercus Review Press, 2012. 171-175.
Domestic abuse is a significant and threatening issue in the United States. Sadly, the rates of this shameful violence are increasing. This violence is not limited to the privacy of relationships and homes, it occurs everywhere and in all relationships. Football player, Ray Rice portrayed an act of domestic violence when he punched his wife and knocked her unconscious on February 15 of 2014. Women are heavily affected by this abuse and it’s the leading cause of injuries on women. According to crime reports (qtd. in “Domestic Violence”), one woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States. Also, according to a report (qtd. in “Domestic Violence”), domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Domestic abuse is not simple, it has a historical context to it, it creates abusive cycles in relationships, and it links to economic statuses.
Like child abuse, it affects every American by impacting those we love the most. Awareness for domestic violence victims has evolved since the beginning of our country. In earlier times, it was a private matter, and took place “behind closed doors”. They helped them past their sufferings and place them back into mainstream culture. (Karmen, 2015) Claims one movement that assisted with the process is the Feminist Movement. This widespread movement took place during the 1970’s, and represented the “beaten women”. It helped them stand up for themselves during their distraught times. Domestic tranquility ensures women their safety at home under their husbands’ protection. The Feminist’s Movement questioned domestic tranquility and urged women to stand up for themselves (Karmen, 2015). They discovered the “silent crisis” that lived inside so many women at the time. The crisis was that the men they married gave into the times of “behind closed doors” and “look the other way”. Those times would stand no more, due to the feminist’s movement and widespread awareness. Laws and legislation have changed since the rediscovery of the victims of domestic violence. One example is restraining orders. Restraining orders set up a level of protection for the women from the male offenders. Another example of legislation is The Violence Against Women Act. Promulgated in 1994 the act mandates that all states enforce protective orders issued in a
Sommers-Flanagan, R., Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Davis, B. (1993). What’s happening on music television: A gender role content analysis. Women and Health (Vol.18 Is.4, p. 45–53)
Shannon Brennfleck, Joyce. Ed. Domestic Violence Sourcebook: Third Edition. Detroit, Michigan: Omnigraphics Inc. 2009. 276-279. Print.
Domestic violence can often go unnoticed, unreported and undeterred before it’s too late. Unfortunately, recent awareness efforts have gathered traction only when public outcry for high profile cases are magnified through the media. Despite this post-measured reality, a general response to domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) by the majority of the public is in line with what most consider unacceptable and also with what the law considers legally wrong. Consider by many, more than just a social discrepancy, the Center of Diseases Control and Prevention currently classifies IPV and DV as a social health problem (CDC, 2014).
Our society has made great leaps to overcome adversities that it has faced throughout history, but one major issue that still plagues the human race is domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can be dated back as far as the history records can record. While this may come as shock to some, this horrible epidemic seen in relationships is an all too real factor in many homes within the United States. Domestic abuse tears thousands of families apart every year. In the late 1920’s all states within the U.S. outlawed “wifebeating,” yet the domestic abuse cases continue to rise.
Thesis: In my paper, I will be examining the different types, possible causes, and effects of Intimate Partner Violence, and what treatments or programs are available to combat this growing problem in America. Regardless of differing approaches to fight it, statistics show that women all across the world suffer from the effects of domestic violence at a similar rate independent of class, race, or religion.
Domestic violence is not just fighting, hitting or an occasional argument. It’s a chronic abuse of power. The abuser of domestic violence, controls and tortures the victim of threats, intimidation, and physical violence. Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of violence in America. The abusers are not only men, women can be abusers as well. Women make up the vast majority of domestic violence. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), 90-95% of domestic violence victims are females and 70% of intimidating homicides are females. Domestic violence is a serious crime and everyone needs to be aware of its effects. This essay presents and explains the evidence supporting the major risk factors for intimate partner homicides.
“One woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States” (Stewart & Croudep, 1998-2012). Domestic violence can interfere with the husband-wife relationship because one spouse is always in constant fear of the other. This violence could vary from physical abuse to ps...
Domestic violence is skyrocketing in our society. In the U.S., as many as 1.5 million women and 850,000 men were physically assaulted by their intimate partner last year, and numerous children abused by their parents. These sad criminal acts will continue to grow in our society, unless our community takes action to stop these crimes.
The lyrics of music play an important part of interpreting the meaning of the song. The roles which women have been allowed by the society to embody have changed drastically. Women may question their roles because of what they see portrayed by popular culture or media. Change in female’s identity can be seen in how women are viewed or how they portray themselves in popular culture specifically through music. In general, music continues to...