Can I have some R E S P E C T?? : Women in Hip Hop

This is a blog dedicated to all women. Vefore you read I understan it mainly discusses Black and Hispanic women but all women have been disrespected in the world of hip hop. I hope this will give male and female readers a deeper appreciation to women. Also not all hip hop is degrading but the majority is. Enjoy!!

The social construction of Black and Hispanic throughout history and rap music is not the most appealing. Women in general have not been given the recognition or opportunities we deserve, especially women of color. Black women have been fighting for equality since they stepped into this country in the 17th century. Not only have we been belittled and disrespected by white men but by our fellow black and Hispanic men especially through the new generation of hip hop artists.The mistreatment of black women stems from slavery, in which they were worked harder then the men and endured sexual abuse. Black women were forced to bear children with other slaves and masters to keep the slave population growing. Not only were they forced to have unwanted pregnancies but had to care for the slave owners children. Although during this time period women did not have a voice, there were women who chose to fight for the rights of women and Blacks. Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth are two of the most famous abolitionist/ women activists of the Slavery Era. They fought against slavery and the oppression of women. As Harriet freed the slaves Sojourner was speaking out against the inequality between Black women and Black men. “There is a great stir about colored men getting their rights, but not a word about the colored women; and if colored men get their rights, and not colored women theirs, you see the colored men will be masters over the women, and it will be just as bad as it was before.” As time progressed, women became more independent and more liberal. They were not only fighting for the rights of women but the rights of Black people. Women were taking on more roles then men but were still under paid and unrecognized by society and the Black men they were fighting for. “Black women face greater discrimination than any other group in this society –in income, in job opportunities, in education, in holding political office, and in other areas of social life.” Ayanna , author of “The Exploitation of Women in Hip-Hop Culture” discusses the inappropriate and vile portrayal of black women by black men. Unlike slavery times when women were forced into sexual exploitation, black women are allowing black men to degrade them all for the love of money. It has been planted deep into the mind of black women that we are only good for sexual favors and the bearing of children which is why they believe it is okay to use our bodies for wealth and success. Black men also share the responsibility because they are emulating the “pimp” image that the slave owners had during slavery. As slave owners pimped the female slaves, black men are pimping their own sisters in the Hip Hop community by promoting the “promiscuity of black women” stereotype to benefit them.
In conclusion, the social construction of black women has worsened all though women of color have become more successful. Each day the stereotypes of Black women become more and more true. In order for the social construction of women of color to improve we must unite as a race and stop tearing each other down. Men must support our women and women must support our men.