Big Think

Stephen Harris on April 5, 2008, 2:58 AM

Very unimpressive.

In response to the question "Is pop music culture disrespectful to women?" he claims that there is no disrespect to women because there are in fact women who want to be portrayed that way. Huh?

Then he starts to preach about wanting to be respectful because he has a momma, so he's going to not drop champagne on a woman's head but instead show her to be a fiiiiine lady. Yeesh.

Stephen Harris on April 5, 2008, 6:58 AM

Very unimpressive.

In response to the question “Is pop music culture disrespectful to women?” he claims that there is no disrespect to women because there are in fact women who want to be portrayed that way. Huh?

Then he starts to preach about wanting to be respectful because he has a momma, so he’s going to not drop champagne on a woman’s head but instead show her to be a fiiiiine lady. Yeesh.

Simon-Pierre Lauzon on April 6, 2008, 9:46 PM

Heres the thing, we know for a fact that women everywhere, in their young age get influenced by these videoclips. Not because they are sending a message, or trying to be influential but because the nature of pop music is massive reach, and a whole lot of consumption. Are there groups of women that do not feel disrespected when being treated like the women in the video? Maybe there are. However, as a society, there comes a point where we need to send a message to the teens out there about how to treat women. I doubt what they learn in the videoclips is what we want them to be modelling their behavior on.

Simon-Pierre Lauzon on April 7, 2008, 1:46 AM

Heres the thing, we know for a fact that women everywhere, in their young age get influenced by these videoclips. Not because they are sending a message, or trying to be influential but because the nature of pop music is massive reach, and a whole lot of consumption. Are there groups of women that do not feel disrespected when being treated like the women in the video? Maybe there are. However, as a society, there comes a point where we need to send a message to the teens out there about how to treat women. I doubt what they learn in the videoclips is what we want them to be modelling their behavior on.

Logics Child on June 22, 2008, 6:42 AM

It is not necessarily pop culture that is disrespectful to women, but gangster rap. First, there are many forms of hip-hop that actually encompass fruitful topics like politics, love, etc. But these artists are not widely known, and that is a problem. People perceive hip-hop as one particular genre oblivious to the sub-cultures within hip-hop. Just like there are many variations to the latin genre: flamenco, classical, etc. There are other forms of hip-hop besides the obvious gangster rap, for example conscience hip-hop. A route very few people take, unfortunately. The artists are out there; it's just that people are too attracted to that sub-culture within hip-hop of negativity and violence. I don't condone degrading women in any manner, but them the opportunity to do it is a lucrative one. I wish it would change to.

Logics Child on June 22, 2008, 10:42 AM

It is not necessarily pop culture that is disrespectful to women, but gangster rap. First, there are many forms of hip-hop that actually encompass fruitful topics like politics, love, etc. But these artists are not widely known, and that is a problem. People perceive hip-hop as one particular genre oblivious to the sub-cultures within hip-hop. Just like there are many variations to the latin genre: flamenco, classical, etc. There are other forms of hip-hop besides the obvious gangster rap, for example conscience hip-hop. A route very few people take, unfortunately. The artists are out there; it’s just that people are too attracted to that sub-culture within hip-hop of negativity and violence. I don’t condone degrading women in any manner, but them the opportunity to do it is a lucrative one. I wish it would change to.

Mike Moran on August 23, 2008, 6:14 AM

Although, I can see how futsal1958 might have reached such a conclusion, I think his response reflects an unfair judgment.

The questions raised are:
- Is it the women's responsibility to not show up for that casting call?
- Is it the artists and businesspeople involved in the making of the video being responsible for opting to go with unoriginal—but easy-to-sell—images?
- Or is it the responsibility of parents and teachers (who may be businesspeople and current artists) to teach children (who will grow up to decide the vision of the world) to aim higher in their endeavors.

Jean, though, is simply saying: here's the current reality. And here's what I've got to combat it.

And the music video for "Sweetest Girl" is a very responsible, socially aware piece of work.

Mike Moran on August 23, 2008, 10:14 AM

Although, I can see how futsal1958 might have reached such a conclusion, I think his response reflects an unfair judgment.

The questions raised are:
- Is it the women’s responsibility to not show up for that casting call?
- Is it the artists and businesspeople involved in the making of the video being responsible for opting to go with unoriginal—but easy-to-sell—images?
- Or is it the responsibility of parents and teachers (who may be businesspeople and current artists) to teach children (who will grow up to decide the vision of the world) to aim higher in their endeavors.

Jean, though, is simply saying: here’s the current reality. And here’s what I’ve got to combat it.

And the music video for “Sweetest Girl” is a very responsible, socially aware piece of work.

jayme fritz on October 20, 2008, 6:34 PM

nly the dumbest people in the world treat the opposite sex the way a music video told them too. I dont think Rap music is affecting the majority of any population the world. It’s just music and really no one takes it seriously except for dumbass teenagers who grow out of it anyway. I am teen so dont take that to mean ALL teens are like that.