“Cancel Culture.” This phrase means different things to different people. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, Americans defined cancel culture in various ways.
Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/05/19/americans-and-cancel-culture-where-some-see-calls-for-accountability-others-see-censorship-punishment/
Forty-nine percent believe cancel culture describes people’s actions to hold others accountable.
Accountability is good. But, how do we decide what and who should be canceled – held accountable?
Recently, the ‘cancel culture’ movement caught up with rapper ‘DaBaby’ after he doubled down on his original comments made during a homophobic rant at a Miami-based concert last month. The message that DaBaby chose to disseminate that ill-fated night in Miami was inaccurate at the least and hurtful to many. Damaging, not only to Da Baby’s career but also to those just trying to be who they are and live their lives in peace.
This incident involving DaBaby brought to my attention the conspicuous absence of accountability in addressing the misogyny and devaluing of Black and Brown women in hip-hop culture. Rappers who say they would fight or kill someone for disrespecting their mother, daughter, sister, cousin, or wife; continue to release projects filled with derogatory and demeaning ideas about women. At times, even in the same song. For example, Lul Ke’s “Bounce Out With That” frequently says he loves his sisters but refers to women in a derogatory manner.
This chart showcasing data compiled by Genius.com tracks the use of various terms used within hip-hop lyrics.
Source:https://rapstats.herokuapp.com/?q=woman%20%2B%20women%2C%20bitch%2C%20whore%20%2B%20hoes%20%2B%20ho%2C%20girl%2C%20
Although freedom of speech is protected under the First Amendment, since 1990, there has been an increase in the use of derogatory words to refer to or describe women.” We may never have the data to measure the full effects of language aimed at Black and Brown women in hip-hop lyrics.
As we celebrate the birth of Hip Hop today, August 11, 2021, let us remember to celebrate it for the voice that it has given to our communities.
Perhaps you’d like to donate $55 to our WISER Women Campaign in honor of a female lyricist.
My grandmother, the lyricist, used to say,
“Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy, and wise.
