A Gendered Journey Through Media

On this page we will discuss the impacts that music has on gender. This includes agenda setting, stereotypes against men and women, music influence, and consumption.

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Live music events are supposed to be for a place where fans and listeners can go hear their favorite artists in person. However, recent reports show the increased frequency in groping and other unwanted sexual attention at these live music events. Music has the ability to influence its listeners, is it time for the artists to take responsibility for the messages they convey to their audience?

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We know Drake is known for delivering quality music with a smooth undertone and melodic beats to narrate. It can also be noted that Drake is no stranger to the luxurious things in life. In the “Laugh now, Cry Later” video we see the artists casually enjoying a private evening with some elite level companions at the Nike Headquarters.

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The comparison above is the reality we face. In the 90s and early 2000s, women desired a fit body with a slim waist, perky breasts, and a small behind. Anything outside of those standards were looked at negatively. In today’s society, the trend is cosmetic surgery to achieve self-fulfillment. The look today is thicker, more toned body with big yet natural looking breasts and rear. Lyrics in music or characters on television conform to these standards and even influence the audience.

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Beauty standards change with the times similar to everything else. Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” attacks some of the standards that society has set in place against women recently. Lyrics like, “I’m so f***in’ sick and tired of Photoshop, show me somethin’ natural like afro on Richard Pryor, show me somethin’ natural like ass with some stretch marks.”

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DJ Khaled’s summer hit with Lil Baby and Lil Durk talks about the fast life of being an artist and what comes with it. Lyrics like “I want the biggest watches they got, ion care if that s*** hurt my wrist” motivate their listeners to desire the same materialistic items that the artists have.

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G Herbo’s “Red Snow” speaks on the violence that is occurring within his community and the emotional trauma as a result of it. He speaks on how the dangers of his environment and lack of resources within the community caused him to grow up with a feeling of independence, PTSD, lack of social skills, and aggressiveness. 

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Artists like Frank Ocean embrace their true character and do not portray traditional masculinity. Frank Ocean’s success has opened the eyes of people and the music industry, allowing them to realize that people can have more than one identity.

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50 Cent’s “Many Men” support the representation of what we perceive to be traditional masculinity. It conforms to the stereotypes of a character being aggressive, independent, and little or no emotional control.

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As music advances with the times, the artists and their messages, views, and images evolve as well. In the Hip-Hop community, artists generally had to conform to the traditional views associated with this genre. Artists like Young Thug have made an impact on expanding these traditional stereotypes in regards to fashion, sound, and character. This has allowed for underrepresented artists to have a voice as well

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Michael wrote this controversial piece as it spoke up on issues of prejudice and pain within the environment. To further convey his message, Spike Lee directed two short films for this song.

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Whoever controls the media, controls the mind

Jim Morrison

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Gambino takes artistic approach to illustrate to his viewers how life as an African-American or other POC is lived in America.

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During the height of racial injustice in the previous summer, Atlanta’s newest hero preaches about the issues of racism and inequality. He specifically focuses on those current events to raise awareness to the situation.