Project proposal
I. Introduction
Sexism. Misogyny. Objectification. Violence. Rape. If you listen closely to today’s most popular songs, it is likely that you will hear these themes embedded or blatantly written in the lyrics. Today, pop culture is sending the wrong message to society that women are nothing but sexual objects. There are lyrics calling women hoes, sluts, and bitches, which are all words that objectify and dehumanize women. Another message being sent is that women should not be seen as an equal to a man. Women are not paid or respected the way men are. “In 2015, female full-time workers made only 79 cents for every dollar earned by men” (IWP.org). One of the most common messages being sent to women and young girls is that they are not beautiful or wanted unless they have a certain body type. Some pop culture stars like Nicki Minaj have had many plastic surgeries to get the body she has today. She is an idol to many people of varying ages, which should identify as a problem, but people look right past it. In all her music videos, she is half naked and dancing promiscuously. In particular, her song “Anaconda” objectifies women. In the song and video, a man does not want to have sexual intercourse with a woman unless she has a big butt. We need to bring attention to how society supports artists, music, and music videos just because they are supposedly catchy. Hopefully, if we convince people to listen closely and understand the meaning behind pop culture lyrics, they will stop listening to and supporting them. If we achieve that the pop culture industry will adapt to society's new interests, and change. Then hopefully the problem of objectifying women in lyrics will stop all together.In this proposal, we will present what our motivation is to create this project, provide a summary of our overall project, specify details on filming and our experiment, discuss our implementation issues and challenges we predict, pitch our deliverables and provide a clear and concise timeline of important dates.
II. Motivation
Pop culture contributes to and begins the problem of sexualizing and dehumanizing women. This problem was institutionalized before the 1920’s when women were treated as an object. Women were perceived as nothing more than physically and mentally weak. They were only used as baby makers and housekeepers. Beginning in the 1920’s, women were trying to emerge from the stereotype that they were meant to be stay-home wives, and they began demanding equal rights by attempting to contribute to society outside of their homes by controlling their own finances and bodies. In addition, Women started to drive and look for job opportunities to support themselves. Regardless of this, men in pop culture continued to objectify women through music (Labbe). For example, in 1986, the song “Girls” by The Beastie Boys was a very catchy and popular tune, yet objectified women by implying that they are nothing but cooking, cleaning sexual objects. The lyrics say, “Girls - to do the dishes, Girls - to clean up my room, Girls - to do the laundry, Girls - and in the bathroom, Girls, that's all I really want is girls.” Today’s pop culture has barely evolved from previous generation’s pop culture, which consists of songs about drugs, money, and sex. This influence has become a huge component of why sexism and misogynism happens today, especially within young people. Youth are more inclined to listen to the kind of music genres that objectify women. The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that violent or sexist lyrics in music can negatively impact young minds. They have found possible correlations between a teenager’s preference to certain musical genres and risky behaviors (AAP News). Some examples of artists that abusing their fame by praising these unjust stereotypes about women are Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Nicki Minaj. Most of the popular artists today talk about how women are not equals to men and must have a certain body type to be wanted or loved. This problem is interesting to us because it is unbelievable how people automatically sexualize women in not just music, but in everyday life as well. We believe pop culture is largely responsible for this. Women are not treated fairly among men and sexism still exists today. We believe sexism and sexualising women happens constantly and for many reasons. One of these reasons is that pop culture makes it seem like it is okay to do so. The problem is nowhere near being solved. Videos and music are constantly being made sexualising women. Everyone in the world is impacted by the misconception of female inferiority. Women are being oppressed, children are being brainwashed, and men are thinking it is okay to treat a human the way pop culture talks about women. Women are being victimized, paid less, sexually assaulted, and oppressed in their everyday lives.
III. Project Summary
Our video aim is to create awareness about what song lyrics are actually conveying. Understanding the lyrics of certain songs is really crucial in the #Breakfree movement because most of the time, people are just spitting back words without thinking twice about the meaning. In many songs, women are portrayed as if their only purpose is to make a man happy. The general belief is that women do not need to be smart, as long as they have nice tits and a big butt. Every day, women perform surgery, work on projects for NASA, serve our country, and so much more, but it seems that artists only care about what girls do between the sheets. They judge a girl based on what her body looks like as opposed to what her mind looks like. Our group wants to see if people change their opinion of a song when the words are not rapped or sung by someone famous. We also want to inform people of the stereotypes of the messages that these famous people are subconsciously imprinting on us. The video will reflect this by knocking down the first metaphoric domino by getting people to hear what they and their children are listening to and not just listen. Even though teenagers are the ones who are most vulnerable, they are not the only ones receiving these messages. For our experiment, we are going to have a room full of people and play a video mash up of misogynistic music. We will see how they react and then have them one by one read the lyrics slowly to the rest of the group. This will hopefully allow them to realize what kind of message song lyrics nowadays are portraying.
The myriad of examples makes one wonder if anyone else has tried to spread awareness of this issue. Although we did not find any social experiments similar to the one we are proposing, there are two existing videos that have a similar message. “How Women Are Portrayed in Hip Hop Videos” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2q5zlgkKas) is about women’s role in the music industry, while “Beyond the Lyrics - Misogyny in Hip Hop and Rap Culture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTce5O8UXHI) has disturbing facts about misogynistic lyrics. Both videos are very informative, but they lack the personal aspect that we intend to have. Regurgitating facts does not show the full emotional impact of the situation. Although slightly different, the backbone is similar to each other’s video and our video.
Our test subjects will likely be an older man (30s-40s), an older woman (30s-40s), a younger man (20s-30s), a younger woman (20s-30s), a teenage boy, and a teenage girl.
The following are possible breakdowns of what songs will be delivered to whom. (Anaconda by Nicki Minaj, Superman by Eminem, Bitches ain’t shit by Dr Dre, etc).
1: Different songs for everyone.
2: Net three or four songs that are tested on every participant.
3: One song for everyone.
IV. Project Details
Setting up the Environment
We plan on shooting everything in one day at the Fashion Valley Mall. The mall is ideal because it will have a range of ages, races, and backgrounds. This will allow us to get the most diverse perspectives possible. We’ll have songs that appeal to teenagers and songs that target an older audience; however, this video is also directed to people in general who are ignorant to the fact that women are more than their bodies. The damage that these people are inflicting on society is concerning to us and that is why we need to change the minds of these individuals. Our expert will be Dr. Kristin Moran, a professor from University of San Diego who is an expert on communications and popular culture will help us do just that by providing evidence using her experiences and knowledge. Pop culture lyrics are nonchalantly encouraging the stereotype that all women are good for is sex. After each person reads the lyrics of the songs that we played for them, they will hopefully have a #Breakfree moment and realize that the songs people are listening to nowadays are not actually being heard. Currently, songs are sung because they are catchy or cool. We will then ask them questions along the lines of: “What does this say about our society?” and “How will this influence our youth?” These questions will hopefully open minds for more #Breakfree moments. The equipment we use will play a large role in the professionalism and quality of our video. We plan to use a Nikon camera, attachable microphone and an audio zoom which records and monitors the audio as we are filming, so there are no distracting background noises. Lastly, we will use Final Cut Pro to edit the final cut.
Implementation Issues and Challenges
The most challenging aspect of this implementation will be creating a video that is professional and inspirational rather than comedic. Sure, it may make the audience giggle to hear curse words being used so casually. I think the solution to this will be to create a professional tone to the video by incorporating music that fits the mood at parts where the viewer should take it more seriously. We searched on YouTube to see if anyone else had already done this social experiment, but we only found videos that provide background information that can help us build on what is already out there. This is a very unique experiment that we believe will open the eyes of society by making them realize that these songs may be catchy, but they preach values that are unworthy of all the attention they receive. I think what will make this go viral is the quality of the video and how real it is.
Deliverables
This project will produce a professional, high quality video that informs people, raises awareness, and influences change. It will start off with some background information, historical facts, and statistics to prove that this is not a new problem and it still remains unsolved. Then, we will play misogynistic songs to a variety of students from different grades at High Tech High International. We are hoping that they will dance to them or nod their head to the beat. We will then have each student read excerpts of the lyrics on slips of paper that they will draw out of a basket. Afterwards, we will ask the students questions about the experiment we just conducted on them. We will also explain to them what the message of each song is (sexism, misogynism, violence, rape, etc). After doing so, the viewers will be able to see the contrast between the students initial reaction of appreciation toward the songs and what we hope will be their #Breakfree end moment of disgust. That moment will be a very important component in our video, so we have to make sure that we capture it. We will conduct the same experiment with adults to capture a different kind of perspective.
This video will not just bring attention to the problem, but it will also hopefully be the beginning of a movement. How will we do that? We know that just this video alone will not solve the problem, but we are hoping it will be the first step. Our call to action will be to have each student draw the “Pause” symbol on their wrists to remind themselves to pause and listen closely to the lyrics that they are hearing on the daily. This could become a trend that will bring attention to this issue.We hope that this video will be viewed and shared over and over again, and influence people who will then influence others, ultimately creating a domino effect that will bring an end to sexist lyrics in pop culture.
Timeline
The timeline of our video project is very straight forward. We should have our script written by Monday, May 2nd. That week, it will be critiqued by Joanne and at least two students. We will be shooting on Friday, May 6th so the script should be polished by then. The first cut should be edited by Monday, May 23rd which is when our video critiques will be held as a class. Finishing touches should be made and the video should be uploaded to youtube by Wednesday, May 25th, considering our exhibition will be on Thursday, May 26th at Queen Bee’s.
V. Conclusion
Misogynistic, demeaning songs have been dehumanizing, sexualizing, and demoralizing women since before we were born which is really scary to think about. This is why our group is determined to open people’s mind to the harsh realities of today’s music. This project is supposed to help educate people on everything that is said but not heard in pop culture, songs and raps in particular. We will read a part of one of said songs to a person and ask what they think about the message the song is sending to the people supporting the music, and why this could negatively impact mindsets. Ideally, this PSA will convince everyone of the urgency to speak out about this problem so that our children can grow up in a world where women are more than walking sex toys. Realistically, if we change only one mind, we will have succeeded.
VI. References/Cited Research: MLA Format
"Pay Equity & Discrimination." — IWPR. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
Labbe, Izzy. "Sexualized Music through the Ages: The 1960's." Spark Movement. 5 Sept. 2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Bad rap: Can music lyrics with negative references affect kids’ behavior? Ma AAP News 2009
Outbrain. “23 Shocking Ways We're Still Oppressing Women In the 21st Century” 14 Jan. 2014
Nicki Minaj. “Anaconda” 19 Aug. 2014
Sexism. Misogyny. Objectification. Violence. Rape. If you listen closely to today’s most popular songs, it is likely that you will hear these themes embedded or blatantly written in the lyrics. Today, pop culture is sending the wrong message to society that women are nothing but sexual objects. There are lyrics calling women hoes, sluts, and bitches, which are all words that objectify and dehumanize women. Another message being sent is that women should not be seen as an equal to a man. Women are not paid or respected the way men are. “In 2015, female full-time workers made only 79 cents for every dollar earned by men” (IWP.org). One of the most common messages being sent to women and young girls is that they are not beautiful or wanted unless they have a certain body type. Some pop culture stars like Nicki Minaj have had many plastic surgeries to get the body she has today. She is an idol to many people of varying ages, which should identify as a problem, but people look right past it. In all her music videos, she is half naked and dancing promiscuously. In particular, her song “Anaconda” objectifies women. In the song and video, a man does not want to have sexual intercourse with a woman unless she has a big butt. We need to bring attention to how society supports artists, music, and music videos just because they are supposedly catchy. Hopefully, if we convince people to listen closely and understand the meaning behind pop culture lyrics, they will stop listening to and supporting them. If we achieve that the pop culture industry will adapt to society's new interests, and change. Then hopefully the problem of objectifying women in lyrics will stop all together.In this proposal, we will present what our motivation is to create this project, provide a summary of our overall project, specify details on filming and our experiment, discuss our implementation issues and challenges we predict, pitch our deliverables and provide a clear and concise timeline of important dates.
II. Motivation
Pop culture contributes to and begins the problem of sexualizing and dehumanizing women. This problem was institutionalized before the 1920’s when women were treated as an object. Women were perceived as nothing more than physically and mentally weak. They were only used as baby makers and housekeepers. Beginning in the 1920’s, women were trying to emerge from the stereotype that they were meant to be stay-home wives, and they began demanding equal rights by attempting to contribute to society outside of their homes by controlling their own finances and bodies. In addition, Women started to drive and look for job opportunities to support themselves. Regardless of this, men in pop culture continued to objectify women through music (Labbe). For example, in 1986, the song “Girls” by The Beastie Boys was a very catchy and popular tune, yet objectified women by implying that they are nothing but cooking, cleaning sexual objects. The lyrics say, “Girls - to do the dishes, Girls - to clean up my room, Girls - to do the laundry, Girls - and in the bathroom, Girls, that's all I really want is girls.” Today’s pop culture has barely evolved from previous generation’s pop culture, which consists of songs about drugs, money, and sex. This influence has become a huge component of why sexism and misogynism happens today, especially within young people. Youth are more inclined to listen to the kind of music genres that objectify women. The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that violent or sexist lyrics in music can negatively impact young minds. They have found possible correlations between a teenager’s preference to certain musical genres and risky behaviors (AAP News). Some examples of artists that abusing their fame by praising these unjust stereotypes about women are Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Nicki Minaj. Most of the popular artists today talk about how women are not equals to men and must have a certain body type to be wanted or loved. This problem is interesting to us because it is unbelievable how people automatically sexualize women in not just music, but in everyday life as well. We believe pop culture is largely responsible for this. Women are not treated fairly among men and sexism still exists today. We believe sexism and sexualising women happens constantly and for many reasons. One of these reasons is that pop culture makes it seem like it is okay to do so. The problem is nowhere near being solved. Videos and music are constantly being made sexualising women. Everyone in the world is impacted by the misconception of female inferiority. Women are being oppressed, children are being brainwashed, and men are thinking it is okay to treat a human the way pop culture talks about women. Women are being victimized, paid less, sexually assaulted, and oppressed in their everyday lives.
III. Project Summary
Our video aim is to create awareness about what song lyrics are actually conveying. Understanding the lyrics of certain songs is really crucial in the #Breakfree movement because most of the time, people are just spitting back words without thinking twice about the meaning. In many songs, women are portrayed as if their only purpose is to make a man happy. The general belief is that women do not need to be smart, as long as they have nice tits and a big butt. Every day, women perform surgery, work on projects for NASA, serve our country, and so much more, but it seems that artists only care about what girls do between the sheets. They judge a girl based on what her body looks like as opposed to what her mind looks like. Our group wants to see if people change their opinion of a song when the words are not rapped or sung by someone famous. We also want to inform people of the stereotypes of the messages that these famous people are subconsciously imprinting on us. The video will reflect this by knocking down the first metaphoric domino by getting people to hear what they and their children are listening to and not just listen. Even though teenagers are the ones who are most vulnerable, they are not the only ones receiving these messages. For our experiment, we are going to have a room full of people and play a video mash up of misogynistic music. We will see how they react and then have them one by one read the lyrics slowly to the rest of the group. This will hopefully allow them to realize what kind of message song lyrics nowadays are portraying.
The myriad of examples makes one wonder if anyone else has tried to spread awareness of this issue. Although we did not find any social experiments similar to the one we are proposing, there are two existing videos that have a similar message. “How Women Are Portrayed in Hip Hop Videos” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2q5zlgkKas) is about women’s role in the music industry, while “Beyond the Lyrics - Misogyny in Hip Hop and Rap Culture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTce5O8UXHI) has disturbing facts about misogynistic lyrics. Both videos are very informative, but they lack the personal aspect that we intend to have. Regurgitating facts does not show the full emotional impact of the situation. Although slightly different, the backbone is similar to each other’s video and our video.
Our test subjects will likely be an older man (30s-40s), an older woman (30s-40s), a younger man (20s-30s), a younger woman (20s-30s), a teenage boy, and a teenage girl.
The following are possible breakdowns of what songs will be delivered to whom. (Anaconda by Nicki Minaj, Superman by Eminem, Bitches ain’t shit by Dr Dre, etc).
1: Different songs for everyone.
2: Net three or four songs that are tested on every participant.
3: One song for everyone.
IV. Project Details
Setting up the Environment
We plan on shooting everything in one day at the Fashion Valley Mall. The mall is ideal because it will have a range of ages, races, and backgrounds. This will allow us to get the most diverse perspectives possible. We’ll have songs that appeal to teenagers and songs that target an older audience; however, this video is also directed to people in general who are ignorant to the fact that women are more than their bodies. The damage that these people are inflicting on society is concerning to us and that is why we need to change the minds of these individuals. Our expert will be Dr. Kristin Moran, a professor from University of San Diego who is an expert on communications and popular culture will help us do just that by providing evidence using her experiences and knowledge. Pop culture lyrics are nonchalantly encouraging the stereotype that all women are good for is sex. After each person reads the lyrics of the songs that we played for them, they will hopefully have a #Breakfree moment and realize that the songs people are listening to nowadays are not actually being heard. Currently, songs are sung because they are catchy or cool. We will then ask them questions along the lines of: “What does this say about our society?” and “How will this influence our youth?” These questions will hopefully open minds for more #Breakfree moments. The equipment we use will play a large role in the professionalism and quality of our video. We plan to use a Nikon camera, attachable microphone and an audio zoom which records and monitors the audio as we are filming, so there are no distracting background noises. Lastly, we will use Final Cut Pro to edit the final cut.
Implementation Issues and Challenges
The most challenging aspect of this implementation will be creating a video that is professional and inspirational rather than comedic. Sure, it may make the audience giggle to hear curse words being used so casually. I think the solution to this will be to create a professional tone to the video by incorporating music that fits the mood at parts where the viewer should take it more seriously. We searched on YouTube to see if anyone else had already done this social experiment, but we only found videos that provide background information that can help us build on what is already out there. This is a very unique experiment that we believe will open the eyes of society by making them realize that these songs may be catchy, but they preach values that are unworthy of all the attention they receive. I think what will make this go viral is the quality of the video and how real it is.
Deliverables
This project will produce a professional, high quality video that informs people, raises awareness, and influences change. It will start off with some background information, historical facts, and statistics to prove that this is not a new problem and it still remains unsolved. Then, we will play misogynistic songs to a variety of students from different grades at High Tech High International. We are hoping that they will dance to them or nod their head to the beat. We will then have each student read excerpts of the lyrics on slips of paper that they will draw out of a basket. Afterwards, we will ask the students questions about the experiment we just conducted on them. We will also explain to them what the message of each song is (sexism, misogynism, violence, rape, etc). After doing so, the viewers will be able to see the contrast between the students initial reaction of appreciation toward the songs and what we hope will be their #Breakfree end moment of disgust. That moment will be a very important component in our video, so we have to make sure that we capture it. We will conduct the same experiment with adults to capture a different kind of perspective.
This video will not just bring attention to the problem, but it will also hopefully be the beginning of a movement. How will we do that? We know that just this video alone will not solve the problem, but we are hoping it will be the first step. Our call to action will be to have each student draw the “Pause” symbol on their wrists to remind themselves to pause and listen closely to the lyrics that they are hearing on the daily. This could become a trend that will bring attention to this issue.We hope that this video will be viewed and shared over and over again, and influence people who will then influence others, ultimately creating a domino effect that will bring an end to sexist lyrics in pop culture.
Timeline
The timeline of our video project is very straight forward. We should have our script written by Monday, May 2nd. That week, it will be critiqued by Joanne and at least two students. We will be shooting on Friday, May 6th so the script should be polished by then. The first cut should be edited by Monday, May 23rd which is when our video critiques will be held as a class. Finishing touches should be made and the video should be uploaded to youtube by Wednesday, May 25th, considering our exhibition will be on Thursday, May 26th at Queen Bee’s.
V. Conclusion
Misogynistic, demeaning songs have been dehumanizing, sexualizing, and demoralizing women since before we were born which is really scary to think about. This is why our group is determined to open people’s mind to the harsh realities of today’s music. This project is supposed to help educate people on everything that is said but not heard in pop culture, songs and raps in particular. We will read a part of one of said songs to a person and ask what they think about the message the song is sending to the people supporting the music, and why this could negatively impact mindsets. Ideally, this PSA will convince everyone of the urgency to speak out about this problem so that our children can grow up in a world where women are more than walking sex toys. Realistically, if we change only one mind, we will have succeeded.
VI. References/Cited Research: MLA Format
"Pay Equity & Discrimination." — IWPR. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
Labbe, Izzy. "Sexualized Music through the Ages: The 1960's." Spark Movement. 5 Sept. 2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Bad rap: Can music lyrics with negative references affect kids’ behavior? Ma AAP News 2009
Outbrain. “23 Shocking Ways We're Still Oppressing Women In the 21st Century” 14 Jan. 2014
Nicki Minaj. “Anaconda” 19 Aug. 2014
PROPOSAL PRESENTATION
ORIGINAL SCRIPT
(1) One music video with Misogynistic lyrics starting with a song from the 80’s and then it fades into a song from today.
This will be the voice over for the music videos from back then: Beginning in the 1920’s, women were just beginning to emerge from the stereotype that they were meant to be stay-at-home wives, and began demanding equal rights by attempting to contribute to society outside of their homes, controlling their own finances and bodies. Regardless of this, men in pop culture at the time continued to objectify women through music.
This will be the voice over the music videos from today’s pop culture: Sexism. Misogyny. Objectification. Violence. Rape. If you listen closely to today’s most popular songs, it is likely that you will hear these themes embedded or blatantly written in the lyrics. It is no mistake to assume that history has had a massive influence on our current generation of music.
5 seconds of Beastie Boys-Girls music video volume high (TBD) and then volume is lowered while video continues to play and voice over fades in.
(2) Interview with Kristen (Professor)
Misogynistic lyrics are obviously apparent in pop culture today. Why do you think this has been an issue and why do you think it still remains an issue?
(Kristen answers)
What effects does listening to misogynistic lyrics have on young people? Do you think listening to such lyrics influences misogynistic acts or opinions? If so, how?
How do you think the younger and future generation perceives the message pop culture is sending? What harm could that message be doing?
(Kristen answers)
Why do you study culture and music? And is there a concern of yours when it comes to music culture and anti woman?
Can you give some examples of what you think is offensive?
Why don't young girls make a big deal about it or complain if it's such a big deal?
What is it you want to point out to both women and men about these lyrics? Why should they care? What's the big deal?
For you as an educator, a mom and a woman, why does it matter to you personally, professionally and being a mom?
Since you are raising a young girl, how do you tell your daughter and educate young woman?
What is going on? Why should it bother us? And what can we do?
What is it you want women and men to know about the music we're listening to?
Are we not aware of what is going on? If you think so why is that a problem?
Audio from (1) fades away
Subtitle in the left corner of the screen introduces Kristen.
Location: USD interior
(3) Play a mashup of music videos with misogynistic lyrics to the class. Capture their reactions (Hopefully, they will dance a little, nod their heads to the beat which will demonstrate their initial reaction of ignorance to the song lyrics) Then we will conduct our experiment:
Now, we are going to play a little game. Anyone who would like to participate: please pick a paper slip out of this basket and read what the slip says to the entire class. Any volunteers?
We will then go through the entire basket of slips until the class feels overwhelmed.
“Bitches ain't shit, but hoes and tricks”
“Take a bitch life, now it's my life”
“Need a bitch that can fuck, cook, clean right”
“I ain't wifing shit. Known to fuck and cut her off”
“Ass so fat to measure it, I need a ruler”
“Straight kill a bitch”
“Say he don't like 'em boney, he want something he can grab”
“My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns, hun”
“Little in the middle but she got much back”
“Fuck you if you skinny”
“Save it bitch, babysit, you make me sick”
“I tell a motherfuckin' slut to her face”
“Bitch if you died, I wouldn't buy you life”
“What you tryin' to be? My new wife?”
“Sit your drunk ass on that fuckin' runway hoe”
“I guess that's just what sluts do”
“Don't get me wrong, I love these hoes”
“Hoe, get down, get low”
“Not many women can refuse this pimping”
“I’m a slave for you”
“I really wanna do what you want me to”
We will then ask a series of questions about the experiment and call on students that raise their hand:
How did you feel when these lyrics were being read out loud? Did they make you feel uncomfortable?
What does this say about our current society’s pop culture?
What message are these lyrics conveying?
Did you know that studies have proven that there is a direct correlation between the music people listen to and their perspective on women, gender roles, violence, drugs, etc? Why do you think that is?
Can anyone give an example of something they have seen in the classroom?
What did you take away from this experiment?
From a teacher's perspective why do you think educating the youth on looking deeper into things, not even just songs, is important?
Do you have a message to send to the youth or teachers?
Location: High Tech High International or USD (classroom)
(4) Getting artists to stop producing misogynistic lyrics is not very realistic; however, creating awareness is. Our impact will be from teaching people of all ages to #listenclosely and use this experience as motivation to break free from oppressive stereotypes that women all over the world are suffering from.
We hear these lyrics everyday, but it is not until we #listenclosely that we realize the real messages that are subconsciously being perpetuated within them.
Follow up interview with teachers
Mariah, why were you so hesitant to read the slip at the beginning?
This will be the voice over for the music videos from back then: Beginning in the 1920’s, women were just beginning to emerge from the stereotype that they were meant to be stay-at-home wives, and began demanding equal rights by attempting to contribute to society outside of their homes, controlling their own finances and bodies. Regardless of this, men in pop culture at the time continued to objectify women through music.
This will be the voice over the music videos from today’s pop culture: Sexism. Misogyny. Objectification. Violence. Rape. If you listen closely to today’s most popular songs, it is likely that you will hear these themes embedded or blatantly written in the lyrics. It is no mistake to assume that history has had a massive influence on our current generation of music.
5 seconds of Beastie Boys-Girls music video volume high (TBD) and then volume is lowered while video continues to play and voice over fades in.
(2) Interview with Kristen (Professor)
Misogynistic lyrics are obviously apparent in pop culture today. Why do you think this has been an issue and why do you think it still remains an issue?
(Kristen answers)
What effects does listening to misogynistic lyrics have on young people? Do you think listening to such lyrics influences misogynistic acts or opinions? If so, how?
How do you think the younger and future generation perceives the message pop culture is sending? What harm could that message be doing?
(Kristen answers)
Why do you study culture and music? And is there a concern of yours when it comes to music culture and anti woman?
Can you give some examples of what you think is offensive?
Why don't young girls make a big deal about it or complain if it's such a big deal?
What is it you want to point out to both women and men about these lyrics? Why should they care? What's the big deal?
For you as an educator, a mom and a woman, why does it matter to you personally, professionally and being a mom?
Since you are raising a young girl, how do you tell your daughter and educate young woman?
What is going on? Why should it bother us? And what can we do?
What is it you want women and men to know about the music we're listening to?
Are we not aware of what is going on? If you think so why is that a problem?
Audio from (1) fades away
Subtitle in the left corner of the screen introduces Kristen.
Location: USD interior
(3) Play a mashup of music videos with misogynistic lyrics to the class. Capture their reactions (Hopefully, they will dance a little, nod their heads to the beat which will demonstrate their initial reaction of ignorance to the song lyrics) Then we will conduct our experiment:
Now, we are going to play a little game. Anyone who would like to participate: please pick a paper slip out of this basket and read what the slip says to the entire class. Any volunteers?
We will then go through the entire basket of slips until the class feels overwhelmed.
“Bitches ain't shit, but hoes and tricks”
“Take a bitch life, now it's my life”
“Need a bitch that can fuck, cook, clean right”
“I ain't wifing shit. Known to fuck and cut her off”
“Ass so fat to measure it, I need a ruler”
“Straight kill a bitch”
“Say he don't like 'em boney, he want something he can grab”
“My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns, hun”
“Little in the middle but she got much back”
“Fuck you if you skinny”
“Save it bitch, babysit, you make me sick”
“I tell a motherfuckin' slut to her face”
“Bitch if you died, I wouldn't buy you life”
“What you tryin' to be? My new wife?”
“Sit your drunk ass on that fuckin' runway hoe”
“I guess that's just what sluts do”
“Don't get me wrong, I love these hoes”
“Hoe, get down, get low”
“Not many women can refuse this pimping”
“I’m a slave for you”
“I really wanna do what you want me to”
We will then ask a series of questions about the experiment and call on students that raise their hand:
How did you feel when these lyrics were being read out loud? Did they make you feel uncomfortable?
What does this say about our current society’s pop culture?
What message are these lyrics conveying?
Did you know that studies have proven that there is a direct correlation between the music people listen to and their perspective on women, gender roles, violence, drugs, etc? Why do you think that is?
Can anyone give an example of something they have seen in the classroom?
What did you take away from this experiment?
From a teacher's perspective why do you think educating the youth on looking deeper into things, not even just songs, is important?
Do you have a message to send to the youth or teachers?
Location: High Tech High International or USD (classroom)
(4) Getting artists to stop producing misogynistic lyrics is not very realistic; however, creating awareness is. Our impact will be from teaching people of all ages to #listenclosely and use this experience as motivation to break free from oppressive stereotypes that women all over the world are suffering from.
We hear these lyrics everyday, but it is not until we #listenclosely that we realize the real messages that are subconsciously being perpetuated within them.
Follow up interview with teachers
Mariah, why were you so hesitant to read the slip at the beginning?