AFRAM post #2

Shayla Chandler

        The first reading that I wanted to explore was written by Jack Hamilton and it is about "How Rock and Roll became White". I have heard of the Rolling Stones before and I always assumed that they were in fact a "rock" group and was surprised I was not the only one to make that mistake. The comment I found most compelling in the reading was a quote from Mick Jagger himself in 1963 who said that their inspirations were in fact black artists but their groups is "helping to give the fans of these artists what they really want". I found this extremely upsetting because he is implying that black artists arent good enough for the public because they are black and having white people would be better. 
        The second article we read this week that I found interesting was  "Oh the Unbelievable Shit you Get Writing about Music as a Woman" written by Tracy Moore.  I found it utterly disgusting some of the things that she had to put up with from these male band members. I think she made an interesting point in that when women listen to rock its considered cute, but if a woman criticizes it then she is a whore. To quote one of the comments to her, a band member said "You want the entire rock scene pointed at your face like a trembling bukkake". Not only is this sexist and extremely offensive, it is even more layered with misogyny as it implies ever rock artist has a penis. I do not think I could be as resilient as she is in these situations.


The songs that I have chose are "I shot the Sheriff" written by Bob Marley. The reason that I chose it is because this song was redone later by Eric Clapton and put into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This reminds me of the Jack Hamilton reading and how white music versions are easier for society to digest and support. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XiYUYcpsT4

The other song I am picking is S.L.U.T by Bea Miller because it addresses sexism towards woman just being themselves and expressing themselves how they see fit. I think this song is empowering and ties into the "Oh the Unbelievable Shit you Get Writing about Music as a Woman". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGjCUY59B_0