Happy New Year!

Here’s an interesting question that I think may have a range of opinions – should we boycott music/artisits that we deem to have sexist music videos and sexist language?

So many songs include sexist lyrics and videos (mostly sexually objectifying women).  However… they are usually very catchy tunes.  Is it possible to ignore the sexism and just appreciate the music?  I can’t.  I try, but I think it’s impossible – I’ve noticed it too many times that now I check for it in every song.  I stop listening to songs that I deem derogatory because it upsets me.  It upsets me that little boys and girls listen to those songs and that however much they may not notice the lyrics or however much they know that women should not be treated like objects, I feel like the lyrics must enter some part of their brain, and it must be processed somewhere, unconsciously.

It might seem like overreacting, but I can’t stand hearing that he “fucked two bitches before [he] saw you”, or that she doesn’t let herself have a choice: ” When you need that I’mma let you have it”.  I can’t stand hearing that women are passive characters in sexual interaction – men fuck, nail, and screw; women get fucked, get nailed, get screwed.  I’m sick of women being disrespected by being called sluts, whores, bitches etc – it’s highly dehumanising.  As a matter of fact, psychological literature suggests that when people dehumanise others, they are more likely to be violent towards them.

So, I asked my boyfriend to stop listening to this music too.  Or at least to put his headphones in, so I don’t have to suffer it.  He says he doesn’t listen to lyrics, only to the song.  I think they’re both one and the same.

Lois.

PS. On a brighter note – Rizzle Kicks is safe from all derogatory language (I think) so continue to listen to them all you like!  I’m sure there are others too 🙂 I like Alessia Cara at the moment.