As one of my routes for this brief is to look at the type of language being used in songs I decided to have a search in relation to songs using derogatory language.
Before this brief I had already started to notice myself that amount of derogatory language being used regularly in songs. I don’t know if the artists use this language because they think they are ‘cool’. However, I also understand that most people don’t actually realise what they’re singing as they are focusing more on the tune/beat of the song. As a woman growing up in this culture I feel it’s the wrong message to send out to young impressionable people and also most of the lyrics are aimed towards degrading women. Although we have progressed so far with women’s rights and equality I feel that if we don’t take a step back and talk about what is being vocalised through music we can’t progress any further with this issue. Also as the lyrics are coming from high profile artists, it’s even more of a concern to me as they’re seen as role models to people and if they think that it is alright to act in this way, they will think that they can use this sort of language.
A few example’s of language being used are...
‘B**ches Ain’t S**t’ - Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg
‘B**ches ain’t s**t but hoes and tricks / Lick on these nuts and suck the dick / Get the f**k out after you’re done / And I hope in my ride to make a quick run’
Blurred Lines’ - Robin Thicke ft. T.I and Pharrell Williams
‘So hit me up when you’re passin’ through / I’ll give you something big enough to tear your ass in two / Nothing like your last guy he too square for you / He don’t smack that ass and pull your hair like that’
‘Timber’ - Pitbull
‘I have ‘em like Miley Cyrus clothes off / Twerking in their bras and thongs / Face down booty up /That’s the way we like to what? / I’m slicker than an oil spill / She say she won’t but I bet she will’
I find it quite offensive in the way these men speak in their songs, it’s as if they are suggesting that women are only good for one thing and that is to be seen as a sexual object for men to play with/ control. Not only does these references disturb me but also the use of swearing and inappropriate language is of concern due to the fact young audiences will listen to these songs and think that the words and intentions behind them are acceptable in society.
This is a subject I feel strongly about and have been drawn towards for many years now; as I have grown up being a young female I have experienced the pressure and perceptions of being a female. Therefore this is why I want to create an advertisement campaign in relation to this topic which is often glossed over.
