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Does listening to rap make you a misogynist?
- Thread starter ethanny2
- Start date
There's a weird inverted snobbery with rap/hip-hop, where people often look down their noses at people who aren't experts in the genre and thus don't "get it", which is just ridiculous. There's also (in my experience) the presupposition that you have to come from the same background as the artist to really be able to considered a proper fan. "Priviledged" white guys in their 30s can't possibly appreciate the songs properly as they didn't have to grow up on welfare or in the hood etc, which again is ridiculous. It's just words and music, nothing more.
She was lying.
Either that or she is an extremely conservative professional music critic.
I wonder if people would take this logic and apply it to video games in the same fashion.
I 100% agree with you by the way.
Personally, I love how racists out themselves on Instagram by pointing how how white an audience is at rap concerts.
I like all types of rap music, in fact I didn't like music period (any genre) until I started listening to MF Doom. But now I like the newer rap and the sexist remarks seem to get worse and worse every song. I love this beats and the flow, but I don't want to support the artist if I am perpetuating sexism.
And recently Calvin Harris release 3 singles from his upcoming album (forgot the name)
One single "Slide" -has a Migos feature. I love Migos (yes even before Culture) but they are well known for their lyrics degrading women. The thing is since they were on Calvin Harris' album they couldn't really rap about all the things they usually do (maybe by request of Calvin or because they felt it would fit better), as result the song is great. It has great beat, and flow and the Migos' verses are filled with minimal references to drugs, selling drugs, disrespecting women etc...
The same for the Young Thug feature on the other song "Heatstoke" it is way turned down in terms of misogynistic messages, but it is still enjoyable and it shows that these rappers CAN make successful songs on these beats without demeaning women. So why is it still present in modern rap songs?
If you guys heard any of the new Calvin Harris what do you think?
And recently Calvin Harris release 3 singles from his upcoming album (forgot the name)
One single "Slide" -has a Migos feature. I love Migos (yes even before Culture) but they are well known for their lyrics degrading women. The thing is since they were on Calvin Harris' album they couldn't really rap about all the things they usually do (maybe by request of Calvin or because they felt it would fit better), as result the song is great. It has great beat, and flow and the Migos' verses are filled with minimal references to drugs, selling drugs, disrespecting women etc...
The same for the Young Thug feature on the other song "Heatstoke" it is way turned down in terms of misogynistic messages, but it is still enjoyable and it shows that these rappers CAN make successful songs on these beats without demeaning women. So why is it still present in modern rap songs?
If you guys heard any of the new Calvin Harris what do you think?
NESpowerhouse
Perhaps he's wondering why someone would shoot a man before throwing him out of a plane.
No. Even if I didn't post on GAF, I would still be one.
Gotdatmoney
Member
This exists with all types of music in terms of snobbery. The other stuff you are mentioning, I dunno, talk to less shitty people?
More on topic: listening to a certain kind of music doesn't make you anything yet, it all depends on whether you agree with the message or like the people doing the music. If you agree with lyrics that are misogynist, there's a high chance you're a misogynist. Most music is not meant to be taken literally, there are styles, tropes and slang that is used in all genres. By listening carefully or doing research, you will know what kind of message lies behind the songs you like.
hydrophilic attack
Member
Some people like misogynistic music, because of its misogyny.
Some people tolerate misogyny in music they like.
Some people avoid music they would otherwise have enjoyed, because of its misogyny, but seek out similar music without misogyny
Some people avoid certain music because they are racist
Some people support Chick Fil-A to stick it to the SJWs
Some people tolerate Chick Fil-A's homophobia because they like the food
Some people avoid Chick Fil-A because of their homophobia, even though they enjoy the food, and seek out similar options instead
Some people are too snobby to ever have fast food
Some people play Persona specifically because they enjoy romancing high-school girls
Some people tolerate the fact that you can romance high-school girls in Persona because they enjoy the gameplay
Some people avoid Persona because of problematic content, but seek out other options instead
Some people only buy 'murican games and consoles
Some people tolerate misogyny in music they like.
Some people avoid music they would otherwise have enjoyed, because of its misogyny, but seek out similar music without misogyny
Some people avoid certain music because they are racist
Some people support Chick Fil-A to stick it to the SJWs
Some people tolerate Chick Fil-A's homophobia because they like the food
Some people avoid Chick Fil-A because of their homophobia, even though they enjoy the food, and seek out similar options instead
Some people are too snobby to ever have fast food
Some people play Persona specifically because they enjoy romancing high-school girls
Some people tolerate the fact that you can romance high-school girls in Persona because they enjoy the gameplay
Some people avoid Persona because of problematic content, but seek out other options instead
Some people only buy 'murican games and consoles
Nah, it's fine if there are flaws in otherwise enjoyable media. They don't necessarily have to ruin the entire work, but I do think it's important to acknowledge and talk about them still.
Also singling out rap is dumb. The Beatles have songs that talk about beating women and burning a woman's house down because she wouldn't sleep with the singer. Why do people single out rap for misogynist content? I'll give you one guess ...
Also singling out rap is dumb. The Beatles have songs that talk about beating women and burning a woman's house down because she wouldn't sleep with the singer. Why do people single out rap for misogynist content? I'll give you one guess ...
pretty done
Member
Most people avoid Persona because anime is haram
I'm familiar with everything/everyone you mentioned, and the thing is, if you're sensitive to lyrics portraying some of the bad shit that happens in the world in exchange for complex wordplay and instrumentals, then maybe that type of rap just isn't what you're into? It's okay to not like it for whatever reason.
Regarding the question about making successful songs without demeaning women: People love it, so they make it. The songs are carried by Calvin Harris' name not the other way around. If it was a Migos song for their album, with a beat by CH, then damn right it's gonna be about money bitches smoke gas dab MOMMAA
I like Migos, but I can't deny the use of the N-word, misogynistic and gun terms aren't heavily present in their songs. I guess it's cool to degrade woman and shout out the N-word if its a proven money maker. A shame but it's the current way a decent portion of Hip-Hop/sub genres are gearing towards to.
What is Chick Fil-A? UK poster here, not clued up on this apparent issue...
This was my reaction as well
You can find misogynistic lyrics in pretty much any music genre
Might as well say listening to music with lyrics makes you misogynistic lol
Take me back to the renaissance ~~
Pretty much, all genres of music has had at least one artist make a song that is no doubt sexist in nature.
Kinda depends on your criteria for misogyny. Im pretty sure some Gaffers believe that using gender related slurs is grounds for that label. Using "gay" is grounds for being a homophobe etc. Everyone is free to choose their own rabbit hole on social issues, there is no consensus. Even in the unique cases where it could argued to be so right now, they will always change with time and the culture you are in.
Pinko Marx
Banned
A fast food restaurant with a very Christian founder who used to donate to anti-LGBTQ+ foundations.
Problem is that their food is fricken delicious so many arguments have been made on eating there vs. not.
Poor GRIMES
Banned
It pretty much does.
If you financially support anything that's so openly against something then you're quite literally perpetuating that, no matter how you try to spin things.
"But what about.... child labor...." is the typical argument that is used here. Which is, firstly, incredibly offensive, because it uses literal slavery and poor working conditions to defend a fucking chicken patty. And, secondly, there's no direct corporation or business that manufactures technology or clothing at an affordable price without the use of suspect labor practices. On the other hand, there are plenty of other restaurants that aren't as blatantly open about funding groups that go against the fundamental rights of another group of people.
Also, to tie it back to the thread: someone choosing not to listsn to a certain rap, country, etc. artist because of their trash, discriminatory views falls under the same logic. There are thousands of other musicians that don't perpetuate trash ass views in their music that can easily be given monetary support.
Listening to it? Naw.
Taking the ideas expressed in them and taking them as your creed? Yes.
And this applies to any music genre.
You wouldn't believe the misogynist bullshit that passes for music in the region i live (tho in genre it would be closer to country), and it pains me to know that some people actually think and believe life is like the shit they hear in their stupid rancher music.
Taking the ideas expressed in them and taking them as your creed? Yes.
And this applies to any music genre.
You wouldn't believe the misogynist bullshit that passes for music in the region i live (tho in genre it would be closer to country), and it pains me to know that some people actually think and believe life is like the shit they hear in their stupid rancher music.
GrizzleBoy
Banned
If you listen to deathcore metal, does it make you a demon spawn?
Angelus Errare
Banned
Most rap threads that deal with commentary on the genre always ends up having too many people with thinly veiled dog whistles.
Yea thank god this mentality is NEVER found in rock music lol.
Yea thank god this mentality is NEVER found in rock music lol.
LordKasual
Banned
If eating at Chik fil a means you support bigotry
then listening to rap music makes you a misogynist
but both of those are dumb ass concepts so no
then listening to rap music makes you a misogynist
but both of those are dumb ass concepts so no
Gotdatmoney
Member
I enjoy Migos and Gucci and all this other trap music that goes down the path of power fantasies and glorifying material wealth. It's fun music with good beats, catchy lyrics and it's fun to just turn up to and indulge in the escapism. I don't run a cocaine empire but hearing Rick Ross belt about it over fire beats will never not be amusing.
If that makes me a bad person yolo. I'll keep on keeping on lol. I don't even need to use the "it's not all rap" line because I really don't give a fuck either way. This subset is fun as fuck to drink and turn up to.
If that makes me a bad person yolo. I'll keep on keeping on lol. I don't even need to use the "it's not all rap" line because I really don't give a fuck either way. This subset is fun as fuck to drink and turn up to.
Omnistalgic
Member
yeah, I'm gonna eat some chicken from them when I want to mate...lol Don't really care about the views of the owner, I think it's kinda weird to single them out like that, lots of bad people behind corporations. Not saying he's bad or not, just saying, I'm sure there's someone you wouldn't be cool with running some type of operation you're involved with.
On topic of Hip Hop, a lot of it is negative and disrespectful to woman, but it speaks more to the culture than anything else. I love hip hop, but listening to it all the time does rub off on you. I get tired of the constant insulting words to women, but ratchet and non ratchet women use it all the time in the culture (Bad Bitches Online hashtags etc...). So, If it wasn't acceptable, rappers wouldn't use it. As Pac said, "we went from brothers to sisters, to niggaz and bitches" and he himself is a product of culture as well (just look at old Pac interviews lol, two different people).
I vibe with it, but the vulgarity is off putting to me as I get older and generally don't express myself that way anymore. At the same time, I get the anger in songs like "Neighbors" by Jcole and appreciate songs like that all the same. So the obvious answer to the OP is "NO", but I do wish there were more artist who articulated themselves without being vulgar all the time. I just feel this more a culture issue than hip-hop one, and I do my part to teach my daughter how she should be addressed and don't use that language to any female in my life.
Omnistalgic
Member
Well said...I like this posts (Even though i think Trap music is garbage) because I think it speaks to the universal issues across so many different avenues of entertainment, "does engaging in this thing affect you?" It's in music, video games, movies, violent sports, etc...
I'm of the opinion that it does affect you, but not in any spectacular way, and certainly doesn't will you to become anything you weren't going to be. You are naturally drawn to your desires after all. I think having a ton of money is infinitely more dangerous than anything you listen to or watch. Money actually gives you the platform and opportunity to be much more of yourself. One of my favorite quotes "if you want to test a man's character, give him power".
So even though I think listening constantly to certain types of music does have some bad side effects, I think at worse it just equates to normalcy in life, and so many other factors could influence you the same way, it's hardly worth paying attention to. Like you insulting someone of a different race or sex because you're more desensitized to vulgarity, I think things like that happened to me (especially when I was younger) from always listening to rap music. But hearing that in the streets, in movies, culture in general might have just as easily affected me in the same way. I think I just try to listen to upbuilding stuff more, speak it and be generally positive. There's no doubt that there's something cathartic about cursing when your emotional though, just try to stay balanced with it.
Octavianus
Banned
No but metal makes you a satanist though
Master Of Illusion
Member
Eminem's "Kim" is still one of the hypest hip-hop tracks ever created to me; that doesn't necessarily mean it's gonna inspire me to slit my future ex-wife's throat.
Same way listening to Emperor isn't gonna necessarily mean I'm gonna go out and kill a Christian. It's all a form of entertainment and the few who just happen to succumb to said ideals from being fans of said music are mentally weak.
Same way listening to Emperor isn't gonna necessarily mean I'm gonna go out and kill a Christian. It's all a form of entertainment and the few who just happen to succumb to said ideals from being fans of said music are mentally weak.
pretty done
Member
Wait, people like Kim?
I honestly thought everyone skipped it instantly.
I honestly thought everyone skipped it instantly.
Master Of Illusion
Member
Whelp, this would be news to me then...
Omnistalgic
Member
I listened to it a few times just from the sheer audacity of it at the time, but yeah, it's not like it has a good vibe or anything. "Who Knew" "Stan" "The way I am" "Criminal" so many other better tracks on that one for me...lol
Mammoth Jones
Member
Yes. Yes it does.
It's also a convenient way to look down on mostly Black people and hi hop culture without being racist!
It's a win-win!!
It's also a convenient way to look down on mostly Black people and hi hop culture without being racist!
It's a win-win!!
Switch Back 9
a lot of my threads involve me fucking up somehow. Perhaps I'm a moron?
In my case, yes, it does.
#666 \m/\m/
Depends on the genre. Not those wussy Power Metal dorks that's for sure. Satan is way cooler than dragons and knights and shit.
Meh, 90's rap and boom bap have always been about that kind of thing, perhaps even more so. My issue with Trap is that it's super boring hip-hop, with boring samey beats and boring samey flow on every song from multiple artists. I get why people like that kind of thing, but the content is certainly nothing knew to the genre and may even be toned down compared to some from the "Classic Era".
edit: The poster that pointed out Dead Wrong, for example. Not to mention almost everything by Big L. That shit is raw and far worse than calling women hoes or bitches. Not much out there these days that's as brutal as Devil's Son.
uncelestial
Member
That clapback against Kendrick is stupid. Someone can say what they like out loud. It's fine. The fact that it's an accepting statement that accepts "flaws" and non-trad beauty standards is only icing. He didn't say "all black women must have stretch marks on their asses."
billy beane
Banned
Girl is a closet racist. Rap is as sexist as rock n roll.
uncelestial
Member
Installing racists into positions of authority vs. passively listening to a song.
Kind of a big difference, no?
Brian_FETO
Banned
Tell that to Antifas who shut down black metal shows
pixelation
Member
No, no it doesn't.
Puck Beaverton
Banned
Even when Miley was talking about her disinterest in hip-hop she mentioned that she loved the Kendrick line. People are crazy.
DeaconKnowledge
Member
God I hate this societal shift where any one act no matter how innocuous can label you for life.
It's similar to that thread we had just a week or so ago. Does eating at chik-fil-a mean yu support bigotry. Yes and no. You're probably not bigoted and just love a good chicken sandwich and that doesn't make you a bad person, but indirectly, you are providing money to this company and letting them know from a business standpoint that bigotry isn't going to stop you from giving them your money. You are in that sense indirectly supporting/encouraging the behavior or at the least, you don't care enough about how they treat a customer to stop supporting them business wise. You probably just love a good beat or some aspect of the music.
It's good to be cognizant of what you consume, but no, listening to rap doesn't make you misogynistic. How you identify with the lyrics might, however, and consuming it might mean you are indirectly perpetuating the acceptance of misogynistic viewpoints. At the end of the day, keep being cognizant and do what feels right. I'd say some Rap artist aren't the biggest obstacle to women but it really depends on how popular they become as social icons and how individuals following that artist internalize the lyrics. You might, for example, decide to stop following some rappers when you see that the lyrics are really bad and youth are internalizing it the wrong way in a very noticeable manner. In that context you might decide that the harm is too great to support the artist any longer. Misogyny, as we've seen, is just as big an issue in society as racism, classism, and any other ism out there. Some responses are trying to make you feel silly but I think it's good for you to ask questions and get a better perspective from different viewpoints.
Who the hell is labeling you for life? This reminds me of when white people say, you used to be able to say something and people had tougher skin. I agree sometimes we go too far in one direction but no need to feel attacked. Attitudes and how we express them and support them change. OP is trying to morally explore decisions to support attitudes that you don't really agree with.
It's good to be cognizant of what you consume, but no, listening to rap doesn't make you misogynistic. How you identify with the lyrics might, however, and consuming it might mean you are indirectly perpetuating the acceptance of misogynistic viewpoints. At the end of the day, keep being cognizant and do what feels right. I'd say some Rap artist aren't the biggest obstacle to women but it really depends on how popular they become as social icons and how individuals following that artist internalize the lyrics. You might, for example, decide to stop following some rappers when you see that the lyrics are really bad and youth are internalizing it the wrong way in a very noticeable manner. In that context you might decide that the harm is too great to support the artist any longer. Misogyny, as we've seen, is just as big an issue in society as racism, classism, and any other ism out there. Some responses are trying to make you feel silly but I think it's good for you to ask questions and get a better perspective from different viewpoints.
Who the hell is labeling you for life? This reminds me of when white people say, you used to be able to say something and people had tougher skin. I agree sometimes we go too far in one direction but no need to feel attacked. Attitudes and how we express them and support them change. OP is trying to morally explore decisions to support attitudes that you don't really agree with.
Skellig Gra
Member
Not at all.