12: Misogyny and the Commercialization of Hip Hop
- Page ID
- 395571
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)In this module, we focus on two topics that are separate, but directly connected and major areas of importance to hip hop: culture-misogyny and commercialization. Misogyny is defined as "dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice toward women." Many argue that hip hop culture is misogynistic in much of its music, film, art, and overall cultural norms. Commercialization, defined as "the process of managing or running something principally for financial gain" is viewed by many as a harmful reality to the purity and identity of hip hop. Factually, most of hip hop's "power brokers" are not part of the hip hop community. More specifically, the economic leaders of hip hop in the form of record label owners/executives, lawyers, venue owners, etc...are elderly White men. These two topics, misogyny and commercialization combine under the age old adage that "sex sells." The popular argument is that hip hop's outsider power brokers are selling demeaning, over-sexualized images of Black women to the public for financial gain. Additionally, the argument is that hip hop's primary practitioners of note, men of color, are allowing and even encouraging this approach to "selling the culture" at the expense of cultural uplift and progression. Hip hop scholar, Dr. Jeffrey Ogbar speaks on both of these topics and gives great insight into these issues in a video you'll view this week. Also, you will view the music video "I Used to Love Her" by hip hop legend and Chicago native Common.
This module will:
- Explore the concept of misogyny in hip hop culture
- Examine the commercialization of hip hop culture
Upon Completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Discuss how misogyny presents itself in popular hip hop culture
- Discuss how commercialization has impacted hip hop culture and its reputation
- 12.1: Misogyny and the Commercialization of Hip Hop - Readings and Media
- This page explores the pervasive misogyny in hip hop and the music industry, highlighting its commercialization and the objectification of women, especially in gangsta rap. It discusses personal experiences navigating this male-dominated realm, the challenges faced by female executives, and systemic racism.
- 12.2: Misogyny and the Commercialization of Hip Hop - Classroom Activity
- This page presents a classroom activity focused on Common's song "I Used to Love H.E.R.," highlighting its importance in hip hop and its critique of misogyny. Students will analyze the video, reflecting on its message, personal opinions, and broader societal implications. The activity fosters critical thinking about the connections between hip hop culture and attitudes toward women.
- 12.3: Misogyny and the Commercialization of Hip Hop - Assignment
- This page discusses the intersection of misogyny and commercialization in hip hop, referencing Dr. Jeffrey Ogbar's views and Common's song "I Used to Love Her." It encourages students to explore the societal implications of this dynamic, examine beneficiaries, and support their arguments with text-based evidence from a video. The assignment aims to foster critical thinking and peer engagement.

