Every time someone picks up their favorite album or taps on a song from their favorite artist, they risk having to feign ignorance when the language connected includes women-hate.

Disguised under rhythm is the continuation of sexism in a form where its ideas and substance can pour into pop-culture and then slowly into society and its vernacular.

The Mentor editorial board agreed about the unacceptability of misogynistic language in pop culture, but also that its existence is necessary.  

Misogyny is as deeply ingrained into our culture as it has ever been. Its subtle existence in music, in genres from hip hop to country, has furthered a blind acceptance of derogatory language against women. It is ignored very practically but listeners are guilty by association. Individual listeners though also hold minimal control to what they are exposed to.

Art will never be free from moral chains, but it has also never stopped because of them. Language of this kind, while fueling hate, is proof that sexism, domestic violence and discrimination against women continues to be a problem. Its presence is embodied on every repetition of derogatory words against women that are featured on the charts. Stopping it is impossible, but realizing its effects and ties are not.

Regardless of genre or sound, people will consume music. That should not mean hate should be spread. Misogynistic tendencies provide awareness of reality. Just like people should know what they’re singing along to, they should be aware that there is perpetuated stereotypes put upon women in our society and they are as real now as they always were.

Hip hop gets much of the blame undeservingly. Many other subcultures and genres were ahead in terms of hate. Artist such as Beyonce and Tupac, who have written songs celebrating women, defy a belief that hip hop is the infected facet or even origin of women-hate in pop culture. Neither of them is a better artist for being “moral” either.    

All people cannot be good, but while it is unrealistic to expect every artist to respect women in their lyrics, it’s not unrealistic to expect more artists to simply respect women. If we can criticize politicians, we can also criticize our idolized artists. We can criticize ourselves for submitting. In that process we recognize that we more aware and closer to change.

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