Jacob Wickliffe
Research Proposal
WRTN 1320
April 2, 2013
Misogynic: Hating on Women
Disgust, animosity, loathing, abhor, detest and the list is endless of the synonymous
words for hate. Hate can be used in many different contexts, but the hate for women is summed
up in one word, misogynic. Women face many different types of discrimination in everyday life
and have for many years. This misogynic attitude has a persona that has over run many forms of
media and everyday life, possibly numbing our culture with misogynic attitudes. The
discrimination and overall hate of women is expressed in many different forms of society;
movies, books, magazines and most prominent music. Music, and in particular rap music, has
been said to express this misogynic mindset but has been debated over the last decade. The
problem many argue is not the freedom of expressing the misogynic music but is the possibility
of influence others to take the hate lyrics to heart. The overall debated question is can misogynic
rap lyrics negatively influence listeners view of women?
The hate of women is expressed in many forms of media but even greater in different
forms of music. The thought that is it possible for rap lyrics to negatively influence listeners’
view of women is very prominent and possible, but to understand the question fully a person has
to understand the full extent of what characterizes misogynic lyrics. The concept of misogynic
lyrics many have trouble grasping but are any form of lyrics that pose hate or degrading factors
towards women. This can be raised as any factors posing aggression towards women in the sense
of rape, sexual assault or even as simple as a sexiest joke (Barongan 7). In my paper I will
research the overall aspect of what is defined as misogynic but more intensively, misogynic rap
lyrics.
After, detailing the exact definition of what is defined as misogynic rap lyric; a person
has to understand the lyrics of rap music. Rap music lyrics have been debated as representing a
person’s emotions, feelings or even are an autobiography or bibliography of a person (Margena
12). However, many literal definitions of the lyrics can possibly and do pertain to women, but
deciphering the lyrics meaning as having a positive or negative persona will aid me in furthering
my research. The negative persona of the lyric represents the hidden misogynic characteristics of
rap music, but the possibility of other forms relating to rap lyrics does build the overall
misogynic rap music. This understanding will bring to life the other key parts in misogynic rap
music and essentially that brought about through other forms of medias pertaining to rap music
(Conrad, Dixon, et.al. 9).
The understanding of the word misogynic and the meaning of the lyrics hidden behind
rap lyrics will allow me to conclude my research in discussing the overall facts of does the
misogynic lyrics influences the listeners. The research can be done with researching other
studies, statistics, or even hard proof that the listeners are moved by the misogynic lyrics and it
affects their view or actions towards women.
The topic of misogynic rap lyrics holds truth in many youths today and is almost
impossible to not come across with friends, in stores or everyday life events. I have been raised
in a family that has an overpowering misogynic attitude toward women and I still have a serious
respect of women and believe in the idea of a “southern gentlemen.” The reason I am writing
about this topic is because I’ve seen firsthand the effects of people being exposed to misogynic
attribute, like rap lyrics, and the hardships it has on a male-to-female relationship. The reason I
want to further my knowledge is to have proof of my own to show people that a person can
overcome statistics or proof by others. I want to be show and be an advocate that a person does
not have to be influenced by misogynic aspects, rather it be rap lyrics, medias or family.
Youths and many young adults are the future and are going to be the role models for the
next generations. My generation has a love for music and the lyrics, especially rap music, which
can possibly influence the future of people. This topic is relevant to many and many should be
interested in the idea of misogynic rap lyrics negatively influence listeners, because the listeners
are the future. If the listeners obtain a misogynic attitude and essentially a hate for women, this
attitude can and possibly will pass in onto other generations, effecting male-to-females
relationships negatively. The question of misogynic rap lyrics influencing listeners is essential to
the future.
Works Cited
Barongan, Christy, and Gordon C. Nagay Hall. "The Influence of Misogynous Rap Music On
Sexual Aggression Against Women." Psychology of Women Quarterly 19.2 (1995):
195. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 Apr. 2013.
Conrad, Kate. Travis L. Dixon, and Yuanyuan Zhang. “Controversial Rap Themes, Gender
Portrayals and Skin Distortion: A Content Analysis of Rap Music Videos.” Journal of
Broadcasting and Electronic Media 53.1 (2009): 134-156. Academic Search Premier.
Web Apr. 2013
Margena, Chrisitan A. “Parental Advisory: The History of N.W.A.” Ebony 66.8 (2011): 94-99.
Academic Search Premier. Web, 27 Apr. 2013