Rap Earns a Bad Rap
November 30, 2009 by Dr Jenn · Leave a Comment
A decade ago, when my daughter started listening to rap, I cringed. I didn’t believe in censorship, (forbidden fruit tastes so much sweeter!) but I didn’t like the lyrics she was listening to either. Hmmmm. What to do?
We talked OFTEN about what she was listening to, and the message behind the words. I wanted her to know that just because rappers were badmouthing women, didn’t mean that women were bad. But, not everyone got the memo.
Research now shows that listening to rap music increases sexist attitudes and misogyny. (Cobb, M. & Boettcher, W. (2008). Ambivalent sexism and misogynistic rap music: Does exposure to Eminem increase sexism? Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 37, 3025-3042.)
What to do if you are a parent of a teen? Keep the doors of communication OPEN. Keep talking about the messages in today’s society that puts girls (women) down as mere sexual playthings. Find out what your teen believes about girls, sex and violence against women.
Be brave enough to talk about the tough topics. Not sure how? My newest book, True Listening, The Essential Parenting Skill for Mothers of Teen Girls will be available in a few weeks. Write me if you want me to put aside a copy for you.
Our children are listening to messages that degrade women, ruin relationships, and inhibit optimum brain growth. It’s time we listen to our children and find out how they feel about living in a world that creates such negativity against women. The message against women is a negative statement about men as well. We all flounder on the sinking ship of sexism.
On your mark, get set… LISTEN~! Start a conversation with your teen TODAY! Hear what they have to say about rappers putting down women.
All the best
Dr. Jenn
P.S. My daughter is now 22, and listens to a wider array of music. Whew!
Gagging on GaGa
June 12, 2009 by Dr Jenn · Leave a Comment
Dear Dr. Jenn,
My daughter plays Lady GaGa’s new song and even put some of the lyrics on her Facebook. (We are FB friends, so I wasn’t snooping!) I don’t want her listening to her music. Should I ban her CD from my house? Read more
