"That is, we have to look at race not as something as simple as "color” discrimination, but as a system or structure of power that's deployed -in any number of ways-within any given historical moment "(Nguyen, 89)
In Nguyen's article, she reminded us of the importance of power when considering racial and sexual discrimination. I found that quite interesting since I feel like whether or not someone is racist or not, he/she had been attached a certain degree of societal privileges that plays an important role when living in a society with a diversity of races. Historically, white people always possess the most power in interracial interaction, whether they are aware or not. And I feel like people, especially those at the top of the ladder, should be aware of their power, and how the could implicitly abuse their power when dealing with people with a different race.
That being said, I found riot grrrl's effort to fight against white suppression in music and female to be quite inspirational. In the reading about riot grrrl the author wrote:
"The riot grrrl subculture took independent media in a new direction with their innovative use of zines as a forum for community outreach and political communication. For example, many zines tried to expose the links between commercial objectification and girls' body image..."
I really respect the riot grrrl who realize the power that being abused by white males and choose to promote their right by voicing themselves in music. I am happy to see how the riot grrrl being aware of the asymmetric power in race, sex, and music, and choose to put themselves in the public against traditions that disallow female's participation in music, politic, and society. Without them, the music scene would be totally different. Also, riot grrrls help me to understand the context of punk music. I was a big fan of punk music back in High school yet I didn't really understand it's deeper political and racial origin which forms the core of punk music. I believe I can now appreciate more about punk after knowing its history and the story of riot grrrls.
Songs to relate:
All the Small Things by Blink-182
- This is my favourite punk songs. I believe Blink-182's work is highly related to the punk scene where people need a way to vent their emotion as a result of cooperation suppression and having a space to express themselves.
Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne
- This punk song is from my favourite artist Avril Lavigne, who achieve great success in the punk rock scene. As a female, Avril's international success in punk music represents how female secure their space and voice in both political and music scene as well as showing how riot grrrl layed a solid foundation for future female artists to succeed.
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