(This was an article I wrote for my school newspaper a few months back)
In 2005, Essence Magazine began a “Taking Back the Music” campaign in an effort to change a specific strategy used in the Hip-Hop industry. Too many times, women are portrayed as mere sex objects at the beck and call of today’s most prominent hip hop icons. The aforementioned sounds like a broken record, doesn’t it? Well, that’s just it. So many people have become so immune to the concept that it’s essentially exasperating to hear nowadays and downright annoying. Yes, among educated college students, there is an understanding that the scantily-clad women in the videos are an inaccurate representation of the black woman. Today’s black woman includes the stay-at home mom dedicated to nurturing her future global impact makers and creating a place of solace from the world for her hard working man. Today’s black woman also includes the New Age cosmopolitan black woman with sharp credentials and crocodile pumps to match. Whether the personality is sassy, calm, aggressive, women are stepping out and becoming full fledged forces to be reckoned with in today’s society. However, there are so many black men that for some reason, decide that it is acceptable to treat women of reality as if their actions were synonymous with those who choose to usurp control of their bodies for the mere pleasure of chauvinists with dollar signs replacing the irises of eyeballs.
But I suppose it’s only fair that we empathize and be sensitive to the fact that the mental capacities of some of these artists are so congested with illegal substances that it is physically impossible to conjure up a money making hit without pictures of thighs vibrating and cleavage strategically stuffed into skin-tight bras to the point where veins start creating their own cleavage. So in this day and age, half-naked women on television aren’t going anywhere. So what’s next? Is Essence Magazine’s campaign in vain? No. Half-naked women on television aren’t going anywhere because the majority actually chooses to be there. That within itself is another story. (*Note- Learn to love yourself! If not for you, for the betterment of society!). But, there is a demand for respect of women that needs to be understood by society. First of all, our names are not Thick hips, Baby, Caramel, Chocolate or any delectable treat found on the dessert menu at Applebee’s. If the name is known, it’s not cute to conjure up some sort of nickname with the underlying tone of sex to it. Second, it’s unfair to make a woman feel like any less than who she is. How does this happen?
It’s time for church. A young lady walks into the sanctuary and is ready to feel the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Upon searching for a seat, an intruding arm lead by an even more intrusive hand makes its way around her waist in her personal space. How is it even remotely okay to try and “cop a feel” in the church? This has happened on many occasions to many women. Now granted there are some women who invite the affection shown in a Happy Sabbath hug that is a little more focused on the Happy than the Sabbath, however, there are some things to take into consideration. Show respect by respecting the young woman’s space. Women, please do not feel apprehensive to say something if you feel disrespected by a man with creepy hands. Don’t be afraid to call him out on it. It’s inappropriate to invade someone’s personal space. But, it can be done in a way that is respectful and leaves his dignity somewhat intact. After all, a woman has to stand her ground. A woman is not a toy or a child who needs to speak only when spoken to. If you don’t like something, speak on it. Let them know that you’re not their Mrs. Jones.
Word to the wise guys: Unless she’s your significant other, girls may not want a hug in their personal space like Common is to Kerry Washington (but it has been reported that they are dating!). Photo courtesy of singlesista.wordpress.com
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