Here’s an article from the “Family” “Research” Council’s newsletter:
Essence magazine is a lifestyle magazine for African-American woman with a monthly circulation of more than one million. The editor in chief of the magazine, Diane Weathers, released a statement this week denouncing the degrading images and verbal abuse directed toward black women in rap lyrics and videos. This music portrays all women as sexual objects without consideration of their spirituality and intellect. FRC applauds the courage of Ms. Weathers to challenge the morally void rap industry. In the past, rap music has been brought into question, but Essence’s objections may be more than a slap for rap. The editorial staff of Essence did research and held focus groups and town hall meetings looking at the impact of rap music on the African-American woman. We can only hope that others will follow her lead in standing against the cultural thuggery of many rap stars.
The points they miss are many…
1) The rap that is offensive to black women is being made primarily by companies owned by white men.
2) The rap that is offensive to black women is being consumed primarily by white, suburban boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18.
3) Not all rap music degrades women. For examples see, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Beastie Boys, Common, Jurrasic 5, Jazzyfatnasties, etc. etc. etc.
4) Plenty of “rock” music is degrading to women. See Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit, Disturbed, and so on (you can probably name more, but I don’t listen to that crap. Furthermore, did you know that Kid Rock will be playing at one of the many inauguration events? I can’t wait to hear the FRC complain about that. But I won’t hold my breath. I also won’t hold my breath to see when the FRC goes after the Bible because of all the woman stoning, and wife beating in it. Do you really want your precious children reading about all that violence?).
5) When has the FRC ever been concerned with women’s rights? As long as those women love Jesus, keep making babies, and know their place the FRC has no problem with women. Otherwise they’re lesbians, feminists, or both (and to the FRC, lesbian and feminist are dirty words, not things to be proud of).
6) And what the hell gives you the idea that you’re some sort of champion for Black people?
7) Speaking of “cultural thuggery”- as soon as the FRC stops lobbying against my 1st amendment rights, then we can have a conversation on the “cultural thuggery” that is being marketed by, proliferated by, sold to, and purchased by white people.
I’m sure Tony Perkins and all of the FRC’s members long for the good all days when a man could beat a woman without reproach, women made dinner and babies, and you could lynch a slave on the weekend for fun. Weren’t the 40’s grand?
