Behind the Music

Main Post Due: 3/8
Comments Due: 3/13
Sign up for song by 3/1

Music is an influential media outlet present in our everyday lives. Music is not merely on the radio, but on TV shows, commercials, movies, and even political campaigns. There have been entire generations defined by music and whole individual identities created around music. Considering the power and wide spread use of music in our culture, you are to reflect on how music may or may not perpetuate systems of violence.

Using two of the readings from the section on violence against women (2/24 and 3/1 readings), write a 500-word response on one of the songs provided at the end of this posting. To avoid excessive repetition, you will choose one of the below songs on a “first come first serve” basis. ***There can only be 3 students to a song. Post your song choice as a comment to this blog so other students can see what songs are unavailable. Song choices sent via email will not be accepted.

Use the following questions to guide your response, but do not merely answer these questions. Remember that you are expected to conduct an analysis of this text and not merely describe it. Use of the course texts to inform your analysis is required (minimum two cited sources from the readings).

Please reply to two classmates postings by March 13th.

Questions:

1. How does the musician perpetuate and/or challenge systems of violence?

2. How is violence used/discussed in the song? Do video representations significantly change the depiction of violence?

3. How does gender, race, and class relate to violence in the song. Does class affect the violence? Is the violence directed at women or men?

4. How does the song address physical/sexual abuse? Does it make fun of abuse or does it bring awareness?

5. How are physical bodies portrayed in the song?

6. How do constructions of femininity and/or masculinity fit into the setting of violence?

7. Has this song been used in films or commercials? Is the song part of a longer collection of songs or does it stand on its own?

8. Is this song popular? If so, according to online music forums why is this song popular?

9. How are power systems negotiated in the lyrics?

10. What does this song do for a feminist discussion of violence against women?

Song Choices and Possible Video Considerations:

1. Date Rape by Sublime
a. Lyrics link: http://www.lyrics007.com/Sublime%20Lyrics/Date%20Rape%20Lyrics.html
b. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeMeDihwyrg

2. Bonnie and Clyde by Eminem
a. Lyrics link: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/e/eminem/97_bonnie_and_clyde.html
b. Video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b_JvaFlJGU&feature=related

3. Rape Me by Nirvana
a. Lyrics link: http://www.metrolyrics.com/rape-me-lyrics-nirvana.html
b. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJE3eSdvWYo

4. Goodbye Earl by Dixie Chicks
a. Lyrics link: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/d/dixie+chicks/goodbye+earl_20040999.html
b. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw7gNf_9njs

5. The Rake’s Song by The Decemberists
a. Lyrics link: http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-rakes-song-lyrics-decemberists.html
b. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSShUtevqDY

6. Die Die My Darling by Metalica
a. Lyrics link: http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Die-Die-My-Darling-lyrics-Metallica/7091B3B7814013BE4825688D00358978
b. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXEITyvRAIs&feature=related

7. Smack My Bitch Up by Prodigy
a. Lyrics link: http://www.metrolyrics.com/smack-my-bitch-up-lyrics-prodigy.html
b. Video link: http://vodpod.com/watch/200321-video-smack-my-bitch-up-uncensored-prodigy-prodigy-smack-my-bitch-the-dailymotion-share-your-videos

8. Gonna Beat My Wife, Dead Milkmen
a. Lyrics link: http://www.metrolyrics.com/rcs-mom-lyrics-dead-milkmen.html

9. Before He Cheats, Carrie Underwood
a. Lyrics Link: http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/underwood-carrie/before-he-cheats-16593.html
b.Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaSy8yy-mr8