AFRAM #3

As a fan of feminist punk music, I have found this unit incredibly insightful and interesting. I am inspired by bands like Bikini Kill and the riot grrrl movement which created a space for womxn in punk and grunge music which in many ways was tailored to men. “Girls are generally discouraged from playing rock music instruments when they are young, and those who do perform are more likely to be judged for their sex appeal,”(Moore, p. 129). Girls were discouraged from entering this genre from a young age, and those who did were sexualized or not taken seriously as artists. The performances themselves were inconsiderate of women’s safety, with mosh pits and frequent fights. The riot grrrl movement and the bands that came along with it forged a space for female punk artists while bringing attention to womxn’s issues through their lyrics, performances, and zines.

Though this period of female empowerment was (and continues to be) extremely necessary, it did not go without flaws. While challenging the masculine elitism of the punk scene, the riot grrrl movement’s disdain for “selling out” greatly limited their reach and accessibility. As Emily White articulates, “Dividing the world into sellouts and true grrrls, they formed an elite, and only those who knew the language could find access,” (p. 476). This subcultural capital form of elitism fails to recognize the economic barriers present for some who may be unable to turn down the monetary benefits that come with fame, nor does it account for other approaches to the feminist movement which may want to increase visibility through mass media to gain traction in wider society. While the riot grrrl movement was important, it cut itself short, and much more work needs to be done for gender equality in music.

Reading through this weeks readings, I was reminded of "Tummy Ache" , a song I listened to a lot my sophomore year of college which says, "My stomach hurts because it's hard to be a punk while wearing a skirt!"

A Seattle band that uses satire and irony to challenge misogyny quite similar to the riot grrrl movement in the '90s is Childbirth. It's hard to choose just one of their songs since they have many great ones, but I think my favorite is "I Only Fucked You as a Joke,". 

I will also give a shoutout to another Seattle band, Chastity Belt, and their song "Cool Slut," because given the relevance to the topic I can't resist!