I often ask myself if music is the true garner of simply pseudo lyrics or if lyrics like “I’m not ready to be a museum piece” stand true to a veteran of the women’s music movement. Today, it is known that during the second wave of feminism in the United States, women’s music found a reason to seek validation in their identity as women and as lesbians. Historian Olivia Records states that “I’m intimately aware that artist and producers were on the forefront of this distinctive cultural turning point however events had no correlation to the change in music”. This point of view is driven by the thought that music is inspired by the actions around us however most music in the 1960s turned anti-war and anti-government and by 1973 there were still no hints and tokens of feminism in mainstream music apart from “I am Women “ by Helen Reddy’s.
The absence of music exploring the facets of feminism drew the opportunity for ‘new’ sounds and lyrics. As evidence showcases that music about feminism was brought out by including songs that did not store or over-paint the position but dwelled on their relationships with people and within themselves as well. From that time period, Ginny Berson belonged to the Furies collective, a radical, separatist household that published journals, taught classes, and advocated communal living apart from men. This helped to invoke a sense of empowerment and freedom in the roles of women in the olden age community. Further, Judy Dlugacz pursued lesbian activism and was interested in finding an economically workable means of serving the women’s community. Performing as a folk musician at area clubs and coffeehouses, Meg Christian was eager to meet other women songwriters like Cris Williamson—who had released her first album in 1964 at age 16. These examples and well-known personalities indicate a sentiment of change that was brought up. Rather, a change in the mindsets of people.
After having a little background story of how women empowerment touched the masses. It would only be relevant to have a look at what the current circumstance is to decipher the impact music and the movement made on our lives at present.
When coming down to women’s empowerment in this era, women’s participation should be the epitome of the sojourn of the 21st century, where the obvious togetherness is deliberated into the agony of the social hierarchy that exists in mankind’s behavior – defining an unwarranted subjugation to the fathoms of brutality. It’s high time we continue with that insinuation and raising our voice to the enfranchisement is surely a shame, a blemish, a scar on the face of mankind. Further, after establishing the multitude of women empowerment in our community, it is still the talk of the town. A town that lives under the spatulated behavior and moral judgment to dignify women with worthless needs and collapsing identities. A shame it surely is to discuss the fate of women and their existence. The 21st century is one era that arises with the dusk of modern mortality while echoing the walls of futuristic thinking opening the horizon to azure freedom and dancing on the tone of unison. However, in the case of women and their capabilities – no matter the time, the people and the place, the unconscious perspective of women in the community always remains the same. It truly is an inky moment wrapped in jeopardy – when world leaders enjoy a laugh while appealing for women in politics to bosses that see no shame in workplace harassment.
The world is becoming this ball of clumped thoughts that ignore the repository of legacy and the cultivation of thousands of years of growth. Moreover, throughout this blog, I would like to address the absolute eye of shadowing women under the covered faces. That goes to say that the importance of government intervention is key and establishing a change in the mindsets of people is what will bring the essence of a peaceful cacophony in a community working together, with acceptance of each identity.
Without a question empowering women is one seamless idea and motto that all members of the communities need to start embracing. The mentality of men and both women needs to change. The brassy glare drains of education legally should be accessible to all individuals. The right to vote and participate in matters of national interest shouldn’t capitate ignorance in thought. Lastly, the world’s ability to ponder over global issues goes to say that Women’s empowerment should be taken into consideration as a priority and under the cycle of great urgency.
Overall, It can be seen that the rise from music to women was relatively smooth as defined by historians but the development or start of this movement had a negative correlation to how women are treated today. As the matter of fact is that the higher rates of development in all fields of the world including music have been misusing women and their liberation to freedom.
Written by: Shreeya Suri, DP1
Edited by: Aarushi Bansal, DP2
Pathways Schools 