Possibly triggering language!: Lyrics in today’s pop music have misogynistic tones, and some are out right promoting rape. Usually misogynist lyrics are linked to rap and hip hop but they transcend all genres of music. Just to clarify, Misogyny – dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women. Although we do tend to focus on hip hop and rap, these country artists pushing “good American values” are just as misogynistic. They may just seem more subtle because they are framing it in the idea of dominant culture, which unfortunately is patriarchal. Tyler Flarr’s song Redneck Crazy is downright horrifying.
I’m gonna aim my headlights into your bedroom windows
Throw empty beer cans at both of your shadows
I didn’t come here to start a fight, but I’m up for anything tonight
Did you think I’d wish you both the best, endless love and happiness
You know that’s just not the kind of man I am
I’m the kind that shows up at your house at 3am
He is blaming a girl for his behavior, being driven “redneck crazy.” This is misogynistic in the train of thought that women are the root of all his problems. SHE drove him to this, SHE did this to him, its not any of HIS behaviors that made her leave him. He then proceeds to talk about stalking her to her new lovers house and threatens violence against both of them possibly. These lyrics are all signs of an abusive personality.
http://www.hiddenhurt.co.uk/warning_signs.html
If you read through these signs you will see how they relate not just to this song but to a larger social problem at large that we see in many many pop songs.
Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines is riddled with abusive language and words that have been uttered by so many rapists to their victims.
http://www.psmag.com/culture/mouths-rapists-lyrics-robin-thickes-blurred-lines-66569/
Even in genres of that you wouldn’t think to look at as having these ideals can surprise you. The band This Time Next Year’s song Alex in Wonderland is a good example.
If you’re walking home tonight, say your prayers keep to the streetlights
I won’t be the only one that lets you down. You’ve shown your true colors
You’ve lied to yourself, now there’s no boy at your door
The last line especially, “now there’s no boy at your door,” is especially misogynistic, as though a girls only value is a boy showing up for her.
There are so many examples of misogyny in all genres of music, and through the media as a whole. These thoughts and ideals also lead to a much much larger social issue of Rape Culture. Media sways the way we think and the way we view the world, if these attitudes continue to prevail nothing will change, and we will continue to live in a society that treats women as inferior and as non humans who are objects for men.
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2013/12/the_top_10_misogynistic_songs.php?page=3
http://www.marshall.edu/wcenter/sexual-assault/rape-culture/
cosmarxpolitan 