It is a fact upon many that music today is very diverse. Popular music, hip hop, and rap, are the most listened to these days. All types of people from different age groups are listening to music, especially pop. Although pop is widely listened to, many people have many different things to say about it. Singers like Chris Brown, The Weeknd, and even women singers themselves, for example Rihanna, all of which disrespect women in their music. Many think this type of discrimination is “hip” or “cool” while some of society thinks otherwise. For example, Mr.Crace, a teacher at Unis Middle School states, “It’s not fair for women to be portrayed in the media in a disrespectful manner. Women should be equal to men in every way.”
Statistics show that the average American listens to 4 hours of music each day. For a fact, the most listened to genres of music upon American teens is pop and rap. Teens listen to pop and rap to fit into society. Unfortunately, it seems like today’s society is influencing teens to be gangsters or thugs, by discriminating or shaming women . Many think that pop culture should stop aiming to affect today’s teens. Niel, a custodian at Unis Middle School, says “If I could, I would stop the women shaming in today’s music, it’s unfair to women.”
Many argue that pop music is too graphic. The music videos are getting worse every year. Most music artist find it okay for their music to be disrespectful towards women. Back in the 80’s, rappers like the Fresh Prince and Kurtis Blow, did use some curse words in their music and music videos, but they did not display women in an inappropriate view. These days music videos are displaying women on the internet and also on t.v. in a very dishonoring way, but who cares. This type of stuff is normal for our society. Most parents are not so pleased of this. Even some teens such as Mohsen Amin agree. Mohsen, an 8th grader at Unis Middle School says, “Their is way too much cursing included in today’s songs.”
Almost as much as men discriminate women, women also discriminate each other. Artists such as Nicki Manaj, Rihanna, and Britney Spears, discriminate women as much as men do. Although they themselves are women, they call each other names that shouldn’t be said by grown, well known women. Many believe they are trying to “toughen up” teenage girls. But most of us think otherwise. Asia Alazawi, a parent of 6 kids says. “I believe that if the music industry doesn’t stop verbally harassing girls, more girls will lose their confidence.”
People from all different backgrounds have different opinions on the fact that the music industry is disrespecting women. Some believe it is okay, most believe that it is wrong. After all, it’s impossible to get everyone on the same page when it comes to a subject like this. Overall the general message the people I interviewed tried to state that if you are going to make music that is going to be widely listened to, at least keep in mind that kids and teens are watching and listening to it. Try to make it a bit more positive and also, try to cancel out discrimination of any kind.
