Pimps Up, Ho's Down: Hip Hop's Hold on Young Black Women
What is it about hip hop that is so attractive to young black women? Is it the opportunity to star in a video and be surrounded by adoring fans? Even so, is it really worth your dignity? I don't think so; and neither does the author of this article, T. Denean Sharpley-Whiting.
She feels very strongly that hip hop finds its roots deep in the philosophy of male doninance. Women are considered a common commodity and disposal. Hip hop grows out of the fears men have concerning their masculinity. Women are used as instruments for the enjoyment of men and boosters for their egos. In hip hop men conttol the strings and call the shots. They control and women are controlled.
Somewhere along the way men have become unsure of themselves as breadwinners and heads of households. Sharpley-Whiting stated in an interview "I believe men and boys feel adrift, displaced, as they compete with the "alpha" women and are conflicted over American ideals regrading men, manhood, and a patriarchal society." In essence they are threatened by strong, secure women. Hip hop is their way of regaining control.
The article points out that the success of hip hop is very much dependent upon the young black woman. Hip hop is interdependent on the sex industry and women are used to exploit this aspect. Women are made to believe that there is nothing wrong with hip hop anad its exploitation of women as sex objects.
The article also points out that ideas surrounding dating, love anad sexual abuse for young blaack women have been altered. Sexually charged lyrics anad visuals are dominant in hip hop videos. Hip hop seemingly created the false image that this is normal behavior. Young black women are led to believe that they have the right to and are enjoying sexual freedom and are not being sexually exploited.
I believe one of the attractions to young black women is the expectation of the money that can be made. With single women raising children alone, many of them young women with limited education, they see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many are convinced that the only thing they have going for them is their beauty and sex. Once that fades, there's no hope for them and so they grab for the lifeline. Hip hop has brainwashed the young black woman.
Through hip hop , men appear to be trying to regain their status as the patriarch, the ruler of the house. It appears that women have taken over in an effort to fend for themselves and their families and this is man's way of taking it back. At one point in history, women had no rights, could not own property, and were subject to their husband's beck and call or their father's and brothers' if she was a single woman. Through hip hop men are attempting to take this control back and degrade women in the process.
The article brings out some very valid and insightful points dealing with hip hop and young black women. It is up to the young black women to decide what is right for them. Are they comfortable being in a situation where they are seen strictly as sex objects? Don't you want more out of life for yourself and your children? The choice is yours to make. Young black women need to be more conscious of the choices they make and the resulting consequences of their actions.
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4 comments:
This article sounds very interesting. The statement " It appears that women have taken over in an effort to fend for themselves and their families and this is man's way of taking it back" is very powerful. I never really thought about Hip Hop as a vehicle to validate a man's feelings.
Great Essay. I feel that women are controlled in some ways with hiphop. I feel that it is not right how it is turning out. The situation could hurt them or in the family in different ways.
Hip Hop has always caused a lot of controversy regarding their videos and lyrics. Black women are often thought of as strong people and strict mothers, but the girls portrayed in videos are not good role models for young girls. Black women are most likely to be single mothers and also the most likely to be the victim of sexual abuse/harassment. Rap songs state how girls should act, what they should wear, how they should look, and what they should do for their men. Chauvinistic lyrics oppress women. Songs should try to empower the whole community and not exhibit stereotypes.
Good post Ms. Dee. I do find it interesting when people say rap videos degrade women. In my opinion the women in the videos choose to be there so they degrade themselves and women choose to listen to this music. For those women who don't agree with the videos and/or what is being said in the songs, they shouldn't buy into it and shouldn't feel degraded. No one is forced to listen/watch rap music.
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