It’s pretty typical when first getting to know someone to ask what genre of music they’re into. It can tell you a lot about a person. We make assumptions about people who like country, pop, electronic or indie, for example. With each type, an image comes to mind—the partier, the guitarist, the townie. These assumptions aren’t always true, of course, but when we identify with one kind of music or artist and find someone who feels the same way, we’re likely to instantly connect because of these premature assumptions. Another reason we ask this question is because it’s easy—everyone loves music. It can make you feel deeply or it can start up a party.
I, on the other hand, kind of hate this question. For starters, I’m not a huge music buff and that’s almost embarrassing. Don’t get me wrong, I love music just like everyone else, but I don’t typically spend hours on end searching for and listening to new artists. I spend most of my time writing articles and papers, for which I need complete silence. I also find it hard to label the music I enjoy. I like what I like and I know that there’s potential to fall in love with all types.
I also struggle with the way music degrades, objectifies and sexualizes women and people of color. Because I identify so strongly with feminism, it’s hard for me to ignore some of the terrible things I hear in popular music.
So I sought out two UW-La Crosse students who know a thing or two about music and also identify as feminists to see how their beliefs shape the music they enjoy.
First, I wanted to know what music it seems that UW-L students typically enjoy. “I think it’s a weird combination of EDM and country,” said Zach Lunde.
Katie Kula agreed, “I’ve come across students with lots of different tastes in music. It’s pretty hard to escape country music and rap, though.”
While neither Lunde nor Kula mentioned country or rap in their favorite genres, I’d have to agree; country is huge statewide and rap seems to spring up everywhere. The problem with both of these genres—at least within the top 40—is that they’re incredibly sexist and/or violent.
This, without a doubt, is an issue. “I think there are situations where the lyrics go over people’s heads. Like at a bar, no one is really paying that much attention,” said Lunde, “but I think when listening to it enough, some of the messages enter our vernacular and we kind of pick and choose which phrases are acceptable.”
Kula agreed, “As someone who deeply cares about these issues and notices these -isms [sexism, racism, ableism] quite often, I think that it stands out to me more than to a lot of other people. I think sexism is the most common, obvious and damaging in a lot of mainstream music.”
It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one critical of the music I hear. Next time your favorite jam comes on, really listen to the lyrics and make sure you’re being critical, too.