Our exam will be next Monday, December 13th. Since we have a night class, the exam will take place during normal class hours.
The exam is designed to take about 90 minutes, but you can have up to two hours to complete it. The format will be part short answer, part short essay.
This is an "open book" exam, and by that I mean, you may use any of your class notes or handouts. No computers or other electronic devices will be permitted, and you may not leave the room once the exam has begun.
The exam will cover material from every unit of study we've completed, and you'll be expected to be familiar with all of the assigned readings. But the main purpose of the exam is to evaluate your understanding of the ideas, viewpoints and concepts introduced and their relation to the texts we viewed in class.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Music
While I was completing my Critical essay I ventured through YouTube as a I often do to break up the tension of an essay. I looked up the song "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkitt-Smith. If one observes her style in fashion and hair you can view a more "mature" appearance. Keep in mind Willow is age 10. Watching the music video I found myself surprised. It's almost devoid of sexuality minus 5-8 seconds of one female dancer in red pants. Also for the most part all depicted int he video, minus again the female dancer in red pants, were rather conservatively dressed. I know, she's 10, but that's still not the norm for the rap/Hip-Hop music video scene from my observations.
Here's a link to the video if anyone is interested. "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith
I heard "Statistics" by Lyfe Jennings song a while back and liked it. To be honest I have yet to view the video. I'm curious of everyone's reactions to the video and lyrics. "Statistics" by Lyfe Jennings
Here's a link to the video if anyone is interested. "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith
I heard "Statistics" by Lyfe Jennings song a while back and liked it. To be honest I have yet to view the video. I'm curious of everyone's reactions to the video and lyrics. "Statistics" by Lyfe Jennings
No Need to Yell Fire?
The big controversy is is it rape or rough sex. The writers of the show claimed it wasn't meant to be portrayed as so and this would incline me to think that it was intended as just a rough sex scene. In being true to playing Devil's Advocate one could question did they only say that to cover their butts? The truth to that could surely only be found in the original script and notations. Good luck with that one.
Janet's comments and actions:
"What are you doing?" - Surprise or anger?
"Get off me." - Annoyance or disbelief?
Phyical retaliation - play or defence?
Pleasure in and of itself is not an indicator of acceptance of sexual intercourse. Evebn durign forces intercourse one can experience pleasurable sensation; this in turn may often be a major part fo the shame victims often feel. (No one should feel shame for the viloent actions of another)
I tried looking for the clip to observe body movement on janets parts after the physical retalion ended. I was unsuccesful in finding a clip but I think if viewable, movements of the lower body would be key to identifying the true nature of the scene.
One could see the after actions either way - Shock and shame or shoack and acceptance.
I'd like to believe for the sake of the reason and sanity that the scene was not a depiction of the acceptance and/or justification of rape. That would be truely disgusting.
Janet's comments and actions:
"What are you doing?" - Surprise or anger?
"Get off me." - Annoyance or disbelief?
Phyical retaliation - play or defence?
Pleasure in and of itself is not an indicator of acceptance of sexual intercourse. Evebn durign forces intercourse one can experience pleasurable sensation; this in turn may often be a major part fo the shame victims often feel. (No one should feel shame for the viloent actions of another)
I tried looking for the clip to observe body movement on janets parts after the physical retalion ended. I was unsuccesful in finding a clip but I think if viewable, movements of the lower body would be key to identifying the true nature of the scene.
One could see the after actions either way - Shock and shame or shoack and acceptance.
I'd like to believe for the sake of the reason and sanity that the scene was not a depiction of the acceptance and/or justification of rape. That would be truely disgusting.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Rescue Me Rape Scene
I'm not really sure if the Rescue Me episode from Monday showed rape or not, but if I find myself leaning towards, yes, that it is rape. After all, Janet did say no to Tommy and she punched him in the face at the start. Yet, it wasn't until it was over that I really began to think it was rape. The way she acted, with all the awkwardness and stiff manners makes me inclined to say rape. Something about the aftermath made it seem really wrong, not necessarily because she was cheating on Tommy's brother, but more that it shouldn't have happened that way in the first place. He shouldn't have continued once she said no and especially not after she punched him in the face.
Rescue Me, rape me
I think it is very hard to pin this scene down (*pun*) to rape or violent sex. As stated in class on Monday, I feel that the scene shown in Rescue Me was a rape scene.
Why do I feel this way?:
Why do I feel this way?:
- Janet said "what are you doing?" and "get off me!"
- Janet kicked and tried to fight Tommy off her
- Janet did not say "okay let's do this!"
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Rescue Me was it rape? scene
I was excited to finally watch this episode of the show and see this scene. It wasn't quite what I had expected thinking back to my previous thoughts. The violence really caught my attention. There's a lot of "buts..." and "what if's" but I think my overall conclusion and opinion is that it was not rape. It draws a lot of fine lines about rape. What exactly is defined as rape and is it the same in all circumstances? There are different kinds of rape. There is violent rape and then there is also rape that is conscentual sex and only defined as rape because of the age of the participants.
Did Janet want it? I don't think it was on her mind as soon as it was on Tommy's, but I think once she realized that that is what he wanted she liked the fact that he wanted her bad enough to do that. It's part of their relationship, a factor I don't think many people who talked in some of the articles realized who viewed this scene as rape.
From the first shove and the first hand Tommy laid on Janet I think anyone in her position would be caught off guard, confused, and defensive. However, once she realized he meant it in a more playful, vicious sort of sexual manner, she played along too. She definitely got pleasure out of the experience, but I don't think that alone is a fair argument to why it wasn't really rape. Not all situations like that are the same. Even if someone doesn't want the sex and loudly vocalizes that fact, they could still feel pleasure but this could still be rape. Janet didn't ever say "no stop" she just asked what he was doing. I think the fact that she stopped pushing him off and acting like she was rejecting him (which was only when he was being violent) is a sign that she wanted it as well.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
My opinions on Rescue Me
Before I get into the question of whether or not the scene we saw was rape, I just wanted to mention a few of the online articles linked to the blog post. First, I find it highly amusing and also disturbing that the firefighters were weighing in so enthusiastically on Shiela or Janet (or as many said, both). However, a lot of the blog posts and other forums seemed to put a lot more thought into the complexities and motivations behind each character, as well as the creator's reactions to the huge fan blowup in regards to the rape scene. It all made me wonder just who the creators were writing the show for, if they seem so offended and upset that the internet got so passionate about that one scene.
Speaking of which, after a lot of thought, I do not think that the Tommy/Janet scene was rape. I think that it was more along the lines of angry and spontaneous sex, like as Madalyn suggested. Also, I think that Tommy initiated the sex as an assertion of power (much like a rapist would), because just prior to that scene they were splitting up their assets and possessions. Tommy noted to Janet that after running into burning buildings and working really hard, all he got out of the marriage was a used and unwanted dining table set. HOWEVER, what he also got out of the marriage was her, so in light of the fact that she was also seeing his brother, I think Tommy did what he did because he wanted to feel like he got something out of the marriage, and that he 'had' Janet first, and always would. Most are probably thinking 'doesn't this then mean that Tommy raped Janet?' Perhaps. But I think that maybe this was meant as a final 'I'm still angry with you but goodbye' sex moment between the two, and also a demonstration that Tommy was still worth something to make his ex-wife feel pleasure.
I guess my thoughts still aren't finalized clearly, but I do not think that it was rape, but rather Tommy's own weaknesses and need to prove his self-worth--to show that however many years they were married was not for nothing. He still wanted to see if he "had it," even though Janet initially showed a lot of displeasure at the sudden sex.
Speaking of which, after a lot of thought, I do not think that the Tommy/Janet scene was rape. I think that it was more along the lines of angry and spontaneous sex, like as Madalyn suggested. Also, I think that Tommy initiated the sex as an assertion of power (much like a rapist would), because just prior to that scene they were splitting up their assets and possessions. Tommy noted to Janet that after running into burning buildings and working really hard, all he got out of the marriage was a used and unwanted dining table set. HOWEVER, what he also got out of the marriage was her, so in light of the fact that she was also seeing his brother, I think Tommy did what he did because he wanted to feel like he got something out of the marriage, and that he 'had' Janet first, and always would. Most are probably thinking 'doesn't this then mean that Tommy raped Janet?' Perhaps. But I think that maybe this was meant as a final 'I'm still angry with you but goodbye' sex moment between the two, and also a demonstration that Tommy was still worth something to make his ex-wife feel pleasure.
I guess my thoughts still aren't finalized clearly, but I do not think that it was rape, but rather Tommy's own weaknesses and need to prove his self-worth--to show that however many years they were married was not for nothing. He still wanted to see if he "had it," even though Janet initially showed a lot of displeasure at the sudden sex.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Rescue Me, Redux
Today in class we'll be revisiting RESCUE ME, the FX series about NYC firefighters and their relationships.
We'll be looking at the much-debated "rape scene" in the episode SPARKS. I refer you to the earlier post including readings on the show and on this particular episode for your review.
The female characters in the show have been written about my many television critics, with most writers agreeing the female characters, in particular Janet (Andrea Roth plays Tommy's ex-wife) and Sheila (Callie Thorne plays his cousin's widow and Tommy's on-off girlfriend) are very strongly written and acted.
Some very fine actresses have made cameo and regular appearances on the show, from Tatum O'Neal (who plays Tommy's self-destructive sister Maggie) and Maura Tierney (who plays a volatile love interest), to Gina Gershon, Marisa Tomei and Amy Sedaris. But the central female characters are the two who are seemingly constantly vying for Tommy Gavin's affections. The sexual politics (or "lady troubles" as some have called it) among the female characters certainly make for some of the show's most dramatic and dynamic moments.
When a face-off between Janet and Sheila finally occurred, it was generally agreed that it had been a long time coming. Fan forums discuss, often crudely, the relative merits of each. Interestingly these woman are well aware of Tommy's shortcomings, but can't seem to let go of him. Is this indicative of their weaknesses? Or Tommy's strengths?
To be fair, both Janet and Sheila have their flaws: both are manipulative women who use sex to get what they want. For a meta-cultural take on this, real firefighters weigh in on the all-important question, Sheila or Janet?
I'm interested in hearing your responses to the episode viewed in class in its full context, particularly whether you believe your response to it may have been affected by reading the internet discussions. Do you think the appellation of "rape" is appropriate for the aforementioned scene? Why or why not?
We'll be looking at the much-debated "rape scene" in the episode SPARKS. I refer you to the earlier post including readings on the show and on this particular episode for your review.
The female characters in the show have been written about my many television critics, with most writers agreeing the female characters, in particular Janet (Andrea Roth plays Tommy's ex-wife) and Sheila (Callie Thorne plays his cousin's widow and Tommy's on-off girlfriend) are very strongly written and acted.
Some very fine actresses have made cameo and regular appearances on the show, from Tatum O'Neal (who plays Tommy's self-destructive sister Maggie) and Maura Tierney (who plays a volatile love interest), to Gina Gershon, Marisa Tomei and Amy Sedaris. But the central female characters are the two who are seemingly constantly vying for Tommy Gavin's affections. The sexual politics (or "lady troubles" as some have called it) among the female characters certainly make for some of the show's most dramatic and dynamic moments.
When a face-off between Janet and Sheila finally occurred, it was generally agreed that it had been a long time coming. Fan forums discuss, often crudely, the relative merits of each. Interestingly these woman are well aware of Tommy's shortcomings, but can't seem to let go of him. Is this indicative of their weaknesses? Or Tommy's strengths? 
To be fair, both Janet and Sheila have their flaws: both are manipulative women who use sex to get what they want. For a meta-cultural take on this, real firefighters weigh in on the all-important question, Sheila or Janet?I'm interested in hearing your responses to the episode viewed in class in its full context, particularly whether you believe your response to it may have been affected by reading the internet discussions. Do you think the appellation of "rape" is appropriate for the aforementioned scene? Why or why not?
In the News: US Judge suggests soldiers should "convert" lesbians
Although the original article has since been removed, The Raw Story and other news websites posted this story about a judge whose suggestion that lesbians join the armed forces so they can be "cpnverted" by male soldiers has been drawing ire across the interwebs. The comment section on the Pink News website posting of the story is particularly impassioned.
Thoughts?
(My chosen image for this post, conveying my own "WTF?" response, is of a female veteran of Britain's Women's Land Army during World War II.)
Meetings to Discuss Essays
I'll be on campus at 1 pm today, in the Starbucks, for anyone who cares to stop by to discuss their essay. If you don't see me, I may have stepped away for a moment, so give me time to come back.
I strongly urge you to talk over your essay with me in person. I don't really have time after class to talk with you, and so the best thing is to come to my scheduled office hours (or Starbucks hours, as the case may be) or make an appointment with me to meet you another time. I can also answer questions via email.
Your essays are due one week from today, in class, no exceptions, so make sure you're on the right track with your topic and sources. Your abstracts are due today, either in class or via email.
I strongly urge you to talk over your essay with me in person. I don't really have time after class to talk with you, and so the best thing is to come to my scheduled office hours (or Starbucks hours, as the case may be) or make an appointment with me to meet you another time. I can also answer questions via email.
Your essays are due one week from today, in class, no exceptions, so make sure you're on the right track with your topic and sources. Your abstracts are due today, either in class or via email.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Riot Girls, UK Style
From the Guardian comes this story of British schoolgirls who engage in a peaceful protest to protect a police van during a eek of demonstrations. The main difference between these protests and the ones of the late 1960s: those students were mostly wealthy and privileged. These kids are from every walk of life but mostly middle and lower middle class. A very interesting and provocative event.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
King Hu's Kick Ass Women
Yesterday in class I mentioned the Chinese filmmaker King Hu, who made wonderful martial films that often featured women in leading roles as fighters and warriors. I did some looking around on line and found some interesting resources. This interview is with Cheng Pei-pei, an actress who worked with King Hu on a number of films.
Hu's films were obviously a big influence on Quentin Tarentino, who shows a real affinity for Asian cinema featuring martial arts choreography and fight scenes. Oscar winning filmmaker Ang Lee also paid homage to Hu in his blockbuster film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which shared some similar scenes and moves with Hu's well-loved classic Come Drink with Me (1966) which was reissued on DVD two years ago; this review of the DVD release discusses Hu's influence on contemporary cinema.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Critical Essay Guidelines
The essay will be due in class Monday December 6, but you may turn it in anytime before that. No late papers will be accepted!
Everyone is required to submit a 100-150 word abstract of their essay by Monday, November 29th. Students are also urged to make an appointment to discuss their essay drafts, research and other issues. I will be available on Monday the 29th during the day on campus, and by appointment/arrangement that entire week.
Basic guidelines:
1. Length: 1500-1800 words.
2. Spacing: 1.5 or double
3. Endnotes, not footnotes. You may use the endnotes function in MSWord, or create a separate page and number your notes by hand in your essay text.
4. Complete bibliography.
5. You must utilize at least 3 outside sources, and use correct formatting for bibliographic information (MLA format is fine). You may use sources provided on the class blog or the handouts.
6. Your topic must be related to gender and popular culture. Be as focused and specific as possible. Feel free to email me to discuss topics this week. I am happy to help you narrow your focus and suggest source material.
Everyone is required to submit a 100-150 word abstract of their essay by Monday, November 29th. Students are also urged to make an appointment to discuss their essay drafts, research and other issues. I will be available on Monday the 29th during the day on campus, and by appointment/arrangement that entire week.
Basic guidelines:
1. Length: 1500-1800 words.
2. Spacing: 1.5 or double
3. Endnotes, not footnotes. You may use the endnotes function in MSWord, or create a separate page and number your notes by hand in your essay text.
4. Complete bibliography.
5. You must utilize at least 3 outside sources, and use correct formatting for bibliographic information (MLA format is fine). You may use sources provided on the class blog or the handouts.
6. Your topic must be related to gender and popular culture. Be as focused and specific as possible. Feel free to email me to discuss topics this week. I am happy to help you narrow your focus and suggest source material.
Not Too Classy and Nothing Wrong With It
Lady Sovereign is a Female British rapper. Right from the get go we can see two things outside of the norm at least from a popular American music perspective. She's a white, female rapper, and she's a British Rapper. She is also a lesbian, admittedly so, making her one of the first mainstream LGBT rappers. I think Lady Sovereigns songs exemplify two things. One: be who you are and do what you want. Two: she goes back to the basics when rap was more simplistic and just about real life.
Lady Sovereign falls into a small group as she is a female singer. She falls into an even smaller, I'd go so far as to say a minuscule group being a female rapper. Try naming female rappers. Here's what I could get without looking any up.
Female: Foxy Brown, Missy Elliot, Fergie (depending the day of the week), Khia, Lil' Kim, Lil' Mama, M.I.A., Nicki Minaj, and Lumidee ( a Puerto Rican rapper in America).
Male: Eminem, Obie Trice, Akon, T-Pain, Lil' Wayne, Drake, Notorious B.I.G., Redman, 50 Cent, Tupac, Chamillionaire, Nate Dogg, Dr. Dre, Birdman, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Pitbull, Busta Ryhmes, Ray J, Xibit, T.I., Young Jeezy, and the list goes on and on...
It would be easier to add to the male list, not so easy to add to the female list. Note that I avoided groups.
The song below is entitled "Love Me or Hate Me." She makes many "unflattering" comments about her personal appearance including her height, weight, and personal grooming. I feel this song in particular is very non-stereotypical of a female, and especially of a wrapper or celebrity.
I'm not much for censor ship so none of the wording has been altered in anyway. IF you're offended by "vulgar" language now is your chance to stop reading.
"Love Me Or Hate Me"
Yeah,
It's officially the biggest midget in the game.
I dunno.
Make way for the S.O.V.
[Chorus (x2):]
Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession.
Love me or hate me, that is the question.
If you love me then thank you!
If you hate me then fuck you!
I'm fat, I need a diet.
No, in fact I'm just here lying
And I ain't got the biggest breast-s-s, but I write all the best disses.
I got hairy armpits, but I don't walk around like this.
I wear a big baggy t-shirt that hides that nasty shit.
Ugh!
Never had my nails done.
Bite them down until they're numb.
I'm the one with the non-existent bum,
Now I don't really give a....Ugh!
I'm missing my shepherd's pie
Like a high maintenance chick missin' her diamonds.
I'm missin' my clippers lighters.
Now bow down to your royal highness.
No! I don't own a corgi.
Had the hamster - it died 'cause I ignored it.
Go on then, go on report me,
I'm English, try and deport me!
[Chorus (x2):]
Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession.
Love me or hate me, that is the question.
If you love me then thank you!
If you hate me then fuck you!
I'm that funky little monkey with the tiniest ears.
I don't like drinking fancy champy,
I'll stick wit Heineken beers.
Whoops, might burp in ya face,
A little unlady-like,
What can I say?
Well oh gosh I'm not posh, me, I wear odd socks.
I do what I'm doing, yeah!
So everybody's entitled to opinions,
I open my mouth and shit I got millions.
I'm the middle kid, the riddle kid,
I'll make you giggle till your sick
Cause my nose jiggles while I spit.
Yeah I do have some stories
And its true I want all the glory.
Go on then, come on support me,
I'm English, try and deport me!
[Chorus (x2):]
Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession.
Love me or hate me, that is the question.
If you love me then thank you!
If you hate me then fuck you!
Love me or hate me
Love me or hate me
So I can't dance and I really can't sing.
I can only do one thing,
And that's be Lady Sovereign!
So I can't dance and I really can't sing.
I can only do one thing,
And that's be Lady Sovereign!
[Chorus (x4):]
Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession.
Love me or hate me, that is the question.
If you love me then thank you!
If you hate me then fuck you!
[x2:]
Love me or hate me
Love me or hate me
Love me or hate me
I can only do one thing,
And that's be Lady Sovereign!
Lady Sovereign falls into a small group as she is a female singer. She falls into an even smaller, I'd go so far as to say a minuscule group being a female rapper. Try naming female rappers. Here's what I could get without looking any up.
Female: Foxy Brown, Missy Elliot, Fergie (depending the day of the week), Khia, Lil' Kim, Lil' Mama, M.I.A., Nicki Minaj, and Lumidee ( a Puerto Rican rapper in America).
Male: Eminem, Obie Trice, Akon, T-Pain, Lil' Wayne, Drake, Notorious B.I.G., Redman, 50 Cent, Tupac, Chamillionaire, Nate Dogg, Dr. Dre, Birdman, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Pitbull, Busta Ryhmes, Ray J, Xibit, T.I., Young Jeezy, and the list goes on and on...
It would be easier to add to the male list, not so easy to add to the female list. Note that I avoided groups.
The song below is entitled "Love Me or Hate Me." She makes many "unflattering" comments about her personal appearance including her height, weight, and personal grooming. I feel this song in particular is very non-stereotypical of a female, and especially of a wrapper or celebrity.
I'm not much for censor ship so none of the wording has been altered in anyway. IF you're offended by "vulgar" language now is your chance to stop reading.
"Love Me Or Hate Me"
Yeah,
It's officially the biggest midget in the game.
I dunno.
Make way for the S.O.V.
[Chorus (x2):]
Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession.
Love me or hate me, that is the question.
If you love me then thank you!
If you hate me then fuck you!
I'm fat, I need a diet.
No, in fact I'm just here lying
And I ain't got the biggest breast-s-s, but I write all the best disses.
I got hairy armpits, but I don't walk around like this.
I wear a big baggy t-shirt that hides that nasty shit.
Ugh!
Never had my nails done.
Bite them down until they're numb.
I'm the one with the non-existent bum,
Now I don't really give a....Ugh!
I'm missing my shepherd's pie
Like a high maintenance chick missin' her diamonds.
I'm missin' my clippers lighters.
Now bow down to your royal highness.
No! I don't own a corgi.
Had the hamster - it died 'cause I ignored it.
Go on then, go on report me,
I'm English, try and deport me!
[Chorus (x2):]
Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession.
Love me or hate me, that is the question.
If you love me then thank you!
If you hate me then fuck you!
I'm that funky little monkey with the tiniest ears.
I don't like drinking fancy champy,
I'll stick wit Heineken beers.
Whoops, might burp in ya face,
A little unlady-like,
What can I say?
Well oh gosh I'm not posh, me, I wear odd socks.
I do what I'm doing, yeah!
So everybody's entitled to opinions,
I open my mouth and shit I got millions.
I'm the middle kid, the riddle kid,
I'll make you giggle till your sick
Cause my nose jiggles while I spit.
Yeah I do have some stories
And its true I want all the glory.
Go on then, come on support me,
I'm English, try and deport me!
[Chorus (x2):]
Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession.
Love me or hate me, that is the question.
If you love me then thank you!
If you hate me then fuck you!
Love me or hate me
Love me or hate me
So I can't dance and I really can't sing.
I can only do one thing,
And that's be Lady Sovereign!
So I can't dance and I really can't sing.
I can only do one thing,
And that's be Lady Sovereign!
[Chorus (x4):]
Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession.
Love me or hate me, that is the question.
If you love me then thank you!
If you hate me then fuck you!
[x2:]
Love me or hate me
Love me or hate me
Love me or hate me
I can only do one thing,
And that's be Lady Sovereign!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Time's Most 25 Influential Women of the Past Century
Time Magazine just released their list (among others) listing and giving full-page articles to whom they believed were the twenty-five most influential women in the past century. Clearly most of these women are Americans, but there are a few exceptions, such as Jiang Qing (Mao Zedong's wife in Communist China), Mother Theresa and Inirda Gandhi. I was surprised that no American suffragists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton were on the list...what do you think?
Man I Feel Like A Woman
Though I’ve never really been a fan of Shania Twain, I have to admit that the “Man I Feel Like A Woman” is definitely a pro female empowerment kind of song. It follows the trend of most pop songs of having one or two alternating verses and a repeating chorus. It doesn’t really have to many points that its trying to get across besides the central idea of women taking on generally male roles in a relationship.
I always remember the song as one played at block party -like events where as soon as it started to play all the women would get up and dance to it. Not exactly my cup of tea, but it certainly got a response from the women who were present.
As for the video itself, its pretty much a gender switch from Robert Palmer's Addicted To Love music video where he is seen, front and center in a suit and tie, surrounded by supermodel women playing guitars. In Shania's video she switches the dolled up female supermodels for dolled up male models, also bearing guitars. Also she initially is dressed in a long black coat, white shirt, tie and top hat with her hair concealed. It is at once both masculine and feminine. However, as the video continues she sheds the male exterior and shows a much more feminine ensemble while maintaining the initial sense of empowerment. Basically, the video aims to show how a woman can take control of relationships and be proud of her sexuality.
Let's go girls! Come on.
I'm going out tonight-I'm feelin' alright
Gonna let it all hang out
Wanna make some noise-really raise my voice
Yeah, I wanna scream and shout
No inhibitions-make no conditions
Get a little outta line
I ain't gonna act politically correct
I only wanna have a good time
The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun
Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy-forget I'm a lady
Men's shirts-short skirts
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild-yeah, doin' it in style
Oh, oh, oh, get in the action-feel the attraction
Color my hair-do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free-yeah, to feel the way I feel
Man! I feel like a woman!
The girls need a break-tonight we're gonna take
The chance to get out on the town
We don't need romance-we only wanna dance
We're gonna let our hair hang down
The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun
Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy-forget I'm a lady
Men's shirts-short skirts
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild-yeah, doin' it in style
Oh, oh, oh, get in the action-feel the attraction
Color my hair-do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free-yeah, to feel the way I feel
Man! I feel like a woman!
The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun (fun, fun)
Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy-forget I'm a lady
Men's shirts-short skirts
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild-yeah, doin' it in style
Oh, oh, oh, get in the action-feel the attraction
Color my hair-do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free-yeah, to feel the way I feel
Man! I feel like a woman!
I get totally crazy
Can you feel it
Come, come, come on baby
I feel like a woman
TLC- No Scrubs
I chose to analyze TLC's "No Scrubs." The band TLC is an all girl american r&b group. There are three members in the band. The aspect I like best about them is their confidence as females in their songs. I like the band's attitude, one that they couldn't have if they weren't all females. The listener can tell they are independent but still have a sexy image as well. In this song "No Scrubs" they almost seem to be sexy, attractive women who are "playing hard to get."
The lyrics in this song talk about "scrubs" which they define as guy's that think they're "all that" and a guy that "can't get love" from them. A scrub is trash compared to them. I like how for once a female group writes a song about how they aren't going to get with the guys that are trashy and try to hook up with everyone. Instead of the usual songs male artists write about how they're going to have many sexual escapades with multiple random women.
The lyrics in this song talk about "scrubs" which they define as guy's that think they're "all that" and a guy that "can't get love" from them. A scrub is trash compared to them. I like how for once a female group writes a song about how they aren't going to get with the guys that are trashy and try to hook up with everyone. Instead of the usual songs male artists write about how they're going to have many sexual escapades with multiple random women.
In my mind this gives me the image of confident women walking by a man they know wants them, but they don't even give him the time of the day, they are better than that, to just give the man what he wants, for attention like many women do. Instead they're confident enough to know they're classier than that and can walk away from the man with their heads held high, knowing they're better than all of that.
Lyrics:
A scrub is a guy that thinks hes fine and is also known as a buster
Always thinkin' about what he wants
He just sits on his (oh his, on his, on his)
So...(no)
I don't want your number (no)
I don't wanna give you mine and (no)
I don't wanna meet you no where (no)
I don't want none of your time and (no)
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
And a scrubs is checkin' me,
But his game is kinda weak,
And I know he can't approach me,
Cause I"m looking like class and he's looking like trash,
Can't get wit' a deadbeat (deadbeat)
So...(no)
I don't want your number (no)
I don't wanna give you mine and (no)
I don't wanna meet you no where (no)
I don't want none of your time and (no)
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
If you don't have a car and you're walking
Oh yes son, I'm talking to you,
You live at home with your momma (I'm talking to you)
Oh yes son, I'm talking to you,
You have a shorty but you don't show no love,
Oh yes son, I'm talking to you,Wanna get me with no money,
Oh no, I don't want no, oh
No scrub, no scrub, no no,
No scrub, no scrub, no no,
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
Lyrics:
A scrub is a guy that thinks hes fine and is also known as a buster
Always thinkin' about what he wants
He just sits on his (oh his, on his, on his)
So...(no)
I don't want your number (no)
I don't wanna give you mine and (no)
I don't wanna meet you no where (no)
I don't want none of your time and (no)
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
And a scrubs is checkin' me,
But his game is kinda weak,
And I know he can't approach me,
Cause I"m looking like class and he's looking like trash,
Can't get wit' a deadbeat (deadbeat)
So...(no)
I don't want your number (no)
I don't wanna give you mine and (no)
I don't wanna meet you no where (no)
I don't want none of your time and (no)
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
If you don't have a car and you're walking
Oh yes son, I'm talking to you,
You live at home with your momma (I'm talking to you)
Oh yes son, I'm talking to you,
You have a shorty but you don't show no love,
Oh yes son, I'm talking to you,Wanna get me with no money,
Oh no, I don't want no, oh
No scrub, no scrub, no no,
No scrub, no scrub, no no,
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
I don't want no scrub,
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me,
Hanging out the passenger side,
Of his best friends ride,
Trying to hollar at me.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Girls in the Band
It all began when I saw four females holding their own instruments, playing them and putting the negative connotation in the term ‘girl band’ to shame. When I saw The Donnas on Fuse for the first time, I saw female collaboration, energy, passion and essentially everything I had ever wanted to become in tenth grade. They were not only the representation of the semi-badass female musician who I aspired to be, but also the model of female strength and empowerment which I had so longed for.
When I conjured up the idea to form a band, I wanted it to be comprised of only female musicians. After seeing The Donnas on TV and obsessing over their music videos, I knew this idea was not insane, not crazy, but rather possible. Of course I had played with guys in the past, but there was something different in the kind of energy created when I had played with all females. They weren’t looking to make fun of the fact I was holding a bass half my size or comment about how I looked instead of how well I had executed a riff. They took me seriously, as I treated them the same.
The Donnas hea
vily influenced my vision of our band. They created a fun, energetic and upbeat sound by using more than just power chords. I studied their guitar solos and bass lines for hours on end, focusing on the key chords being used, and the different ways in which the solos accented the overall sound of the song. In their music video, “Take it off,” the girls are performing at a school Battle of the Bands show, after a bunch of guys. This video specifically influenced me in the sense that when our band, Blush played a show, we were always the only all-female performance. I loved seeing The Donnas on that stage because I could relate to them, to what they were doing and to what they represented.The Donnas are still one of my favorite music groups today. Although my taste is generally a little bit more on the punk side, no other punk band could have influenced me the way The Donnas did. When the only thing I wanted was to start an all-girl band, and prove that I could do what all the other boys did, The Donnas showed me I could.
Destiny's Child
"Hey ladies why is it that men can go do us wrong
Why is it that we just decide to keep holdin' on
Why is it that we never seem to just have the strength to leave
But he's got to go, he's got to go" - Hey Ladies, Destiny's Child
"After all of the darkness and sadness,
Still comes happiness,
If I surround myself with positive things,I'll gain prosperity." -Survivor, Destiny's Child
"All the women who are independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who makin' money
Throw your hands up at me
All the mommas who profit dollas
Throw your hands up at meAll the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me" -Independent Woman, Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child an all group R&B group active from 1997-2006 may seem like just an average pop sensation. However, I believe their music was more than that. Destiny's Child to me represented a modern day "Supremes". Their music was unique in the 3 part harmonies, Christian influences and in lyrics. When the band was active, there were not many black female artists that promoted positive messages about female empowerment. Other black artists of their time were, Lil Kim (highly sexualized, profane lyrics), TLC (many events happened outside of their musical life that were highly criticized), and Missy Elliot (also profane and had messages of drug and alcohol abuse). Other artists that were positively viewed such as Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, and Alicia Keyes often failed to gain as large of an audience and did not often promote messages of sisterhood, independence, strength and perseverance as Destiny's Child once did.
Destiny's Child also embraced the curvaceous female form. They wore clothing that was minimally revealing as compared to their musical peers but did present their natural selves in a positive, sexually liberating fashion, see below
Destiny's Child also united women in a sisterhood that many artists of their time did not. They boasted sisterhood and putting female friends before male partners. An example of this is the video below:
This song encouraged women (and men) to live lives outside of their romantic relationship. A very positive message for the adolescent women that listened to this music. Although their music may not be touted as intellectual, enlightening or artsy it marketed a message to young women and girls that they normally do not hear in the music industry.
Destiny's Child also paved the way for Beyonce to continue her legacy as a powerful black female artist. This band helped her break into the music industry and has led to more influential, positive, female empowering music.
Why is it that we just decide to keep holdin' on
Why is it that we never seem to just have the strength to leave
But he's got to go, he's got to go" - Hey Ladies, Destiny's Child
"After all of the darkness and sadness,
Still comes happiness,
If I surround myself with positive things,I'll gain prosperity." -Survivor, Destiny's Child
"All the women who are independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who makin' money
Throw your hands up at me
All the mommas who profit dollas
Throw your hands up at meAll the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me" -Independent Woman, Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child an all group R&B group active from 1997-2006 may seem like just an average pop sensation. However, I believe their music was more than that. Destiny's Child to me represented a modern day "Supremes". Their music was unique in the 3 part harmonies, Christian influences and in lyrics. When the band was active, there were not many black female artists that promoted positive messages about female empowerment. Other black artists of their time were, Lil Kim (highly sexualized, profane lyrics), TLC (many events happened outside of their musical life that were highly criticized), and Missy Elliot (also profane and had messages of drug and alcohol abuse). Other artists that were positively viewed such as Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, and Alicia Keyes often failed to gain as large of an audience and did not often promote messages of sisterhood, independence, strength and perseverance as Destiny's Child once did.
Destiny's Child also embraced the curvaceous female form. They wore clothing that was minimally revealing as compared to their musical peers but did present their natural selves in a positive, sexually liberating fashion, see below
Destiny's Child also united women in a sisterhood that many artists of their time did not. They boasted sisterhood and putting female friends before male partners. An example of this is the video below:
This song encouraged women (and men) to live lives outside of their romantic relationship. A very positive message for the adolescent women that listened to this music. Although their music may not be touted as intellectual, enlightening or artsy it marketed a message to young women and girls that they normally do not hear in the music industry.
Destiny's Child also paved the way for Beyonce to continue her legacy as a powerful black female artist. This band helped her break into the music industry and has led to more influential, positive, female empowering music.
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