Hey all,
Here's an article I bumped into that explores the modern dilemma of black women and the politics of respectability. The issues are (sadly?) eerily similar to those facing black folks (and in this particular case, black women) throughout the 19th century, particularly in the North where free men and women were trying to navigate the waters of American life and culture. Go here to see the article on the Ms. blog, and be sure to check out the article on the Crunk Feminist Collective site. It may be a bit spicy for some of you (there's bad language in it) but it makes some interesting points about the politics of respectability and their continued influence within black culture in general and hip hop culture in particular.
Let me know what you think!
The article on the 'Ms. blog' was rather interesting and I found myself agreeing with what the author said for the most part. I would definitely have to agree that Michelle Obama is seen as the exception instead of the standard. I don't feel that there should be any confinements on how or what a black woman should be like, or any other woman for that matter. I know that often times, pretty much all of the time, we see people as representatives of whatever group they are a part of and tend to hold others to that standard or assume the same about others who also belong to that group and I feel that that's an issue. As a society, we need to at least begin to embrace the notion that although people's 'race,' socioeconomic background, religion, etc. influence who they are it doesn't necessarily define them. Tying that back to the politics of respectability, I feel that in attempting to hold everyone to one standard will make any deviations from that seem...not respectable. Granted Nicki Minaj does many things , arguably, that truly aren't respectable, but I'm speaking generally here.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the article on the Crunk Feminist Collective site goes, I like the points she raised and agreed; however, I feel that more could have been said on the way that black women (some) embrace the word 'bitch' and the disrespectful, misogynistic lyrics. We as a whole cannot expect to be respected until we as a whole stop embracing the foolishness. Yes, hip hop artists are wrong for portraying women in such a negative light, but in an industry where profit is the ultimate goal, unless people's support of those artists ceases, it's not going to matter.
I agree with most of the author's arguments, particularly with regard to Michelle Obama, and I think it ultimately says more about our society that we view an intelligent, beautiful, and articulate black woman as exceptional. The same can be said about many women, yet because of Michelle Obama's race, she is continuously praised (or disrespected, as the author points out), far more so than if she were a white woman.
ReplyDeleteI think the author tends to oversimplify Nicki Minaj and not give her enough credit. In many ways, I see Nicki as a Lady Gaga-esque artist who does completely ridiculous things to gain attention. However, as the author points out, why aren't these things interpreted as parodies? In addition, although her talent has been called into question (despite the fact she studied music and actually write all of her own things), you cannot ignore the fact that she broke into the boys club of rap, in particular YMCMB and is respected by Lil Wayne, Drake, and many other rappers whose talent is not as often called into question. I think Nicki Minaj's importance is more in her role as a woman, not necessarily as a black woman, although that certainly comes into play.
Along with this, I found some interesting articles about Nicki Minaj and her appeal and influence.
http://msmagazine.com/blog/blog/2012/03/27/how-does-nicki-minaj-influence-black-girls-ask-them/
http://thestir.cafemom.com/entertainment/144499/mariah_carey_nicki_minajs_ridiculous
I certainly agree with most of what the author stated in regard to Michelle Obama. As Johanna stated, it does say a great deal about our society that we view an articulate, well educated black woman as exceptional. It does seem that Michelle Obama is seen more in the press than other first ladies of the past. However, it could be that she tends to make more stances in political issues than prior first ladies. I guess I tend to think of figures like Jackie Kennedy or Nancy Reagan wearing their designer outfits and appropriately clapping after their husbands' inaugural address. It's not to say that other first ladies have not made a political/philanthropic stance on certain issues pertaining to the country; however, it seems Michelle Obama's speeches and appearances are publicized a great deal. For example, her healthy eating campaign.
ReplyDeleteOverall a very interesting article!
Michelle also has a blog dedicated to her style. Just for fun, I'll post it. :) http://mrs-o.com/