njuw2020
AFRAM 337
Discussion Post #3
5/10/20
It seems like there was a high level of exclusivity in the riot grrrl movement, which is interesting to me because it is founded on feminist principles but does not seem to represent the inclusiveness and equality of feminism. In “The Great Indie Debate” by Emily White, she stated, “Dividing the world into sellouts and true grrrls, they (riot grrrls) formed an elite, and only because those who knew the language could find access.” Even though the riot grrrls were fighting for the same issues, less involved members or members with slightly different views were “sellouts” and viewed as less than “true grrrls.” This division appears hypocritical because the riot grrrl movement is intended to fight for equality between genders, but there is not even equality between members of the movement.
Mimi Nguyen also discusses pitfalls of the riot grrrl movement in her paper titled, “IT’S (NOT) A WHITE WORLD: LOOKING FOR RACE IN PUNK.” Nguyen stated, “To get our official membership card, we’re supposed to give up our put certain parts of ourselves aside — or at least assign them to a secondary rung. Differences are seen as potentially divisive.” Based on this quote, it seems that the riot grrrl movement was very static. To be a member, you would have to adopt the fixed mindset of the other members of the group and set aside some of your interests. The riot grrrl movement was started in good faith, and it seems that its members had good intent. Still, the movement oppressed the opinions of the members, which I believe could have inhibited members from becoming leaders on promoting issues that were important to them because they were too busy following the specific issues of the riot grrrl movement.
Both the riot grrrl movement and other people of their time who exhibited the “indie-world ethic,” could have inadvertently hindered the success of their favorite bands. Emily White discussed how Nirvana’s original fans were upset when the band signed to a record deal and seemingly left the indie scene. Groups such as Bratmobile and Bikini Kill likely did not submit to corporate labels because of the distaste they would have received from their primary fanbase. However, by marketing to the world, these bands would likely have been able to reach a larger audience and inspire new riot grrrls. The Bratmobile song “Cool Schmool” discusses some of the issues women in the punk rock scene likely often faced, appealing to riot grrrls. Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill tells the story of a “rebel girl” and paints a picture that idolizes the idea of a rebel girl, again inspiring riot grrrls. However, fear of resentment from the fans these bands were appealing to may have prevented these bands from signing to major record labels. Thus, in a way, the riot grrrl movement limited its own growth because of the fixed mindset members fostered.
Bikini Kill - Rebel Girl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOCWma5vOiQ
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