Wednesday, August 31, 2016

On #FreeKesha and a look at the state of women in music.


Happy New Year! Sorry, I’ve been MIA. But here’s a post because something big is happening for the state of women in music. 

If you don’t know, Kesha has been battling her record label Sony to end her contract so that she doesn’t have to work with her alleged rapist, producer Dr. Luke. The recent ruling was in favor of Sony, forcing Kesha to remain and work within the confines of her recording contract. This has resulted in the use of the hashtag #FreeKesha for fans and others to show their solidarity. Celebs, and especially other women in music, have come out publicly sharing their sentiments of support. 

Many are reflecting how this is bigger than Kesha, this involves the state of women in music. I wholeheartedly agree on this. This will not only affect Kesha, but other women, as well as other marginalized groups in music and other forms of art. The result may have not been ideal, but it’s been an opportunity to talk about injustices against women in music on the public stage, which is a step in the right direction. 

Here’s the thing: Kesha even as a privileged and beloved pop star faces naysayers who deny and negate her experiences as a woman in music that she has shared with the public, can we imagine how much harder it would be for other women? 

Unfortunately rape culture tells us to question Kesha and her motives for coming forward. Rape culture removes the credibility of women’s experiences, tells us that she did something to deserve the violence done to her, and protects the abuser in question. Understand that, and begin to undo the work of rape culture. Listen to Kesha and other women’s experiences when they come forward because undoubtedly it’s no easy thing to do. 

originally published on 25 feb 16 at 1am

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