Degrading Women: Where Does it Come From and How to Demand Respect!

We've all noticed that male artists, and even female, have made a habit of portraying women in a negative light in their music. Lyrics are becoming more offensive, and value is placed on how big a woman's butt is, how well she can perform oral sex, or how good she is in bed. For example, in Miguel's song "How many drinks?" he talks about getting enough liquor in the woman for her to give it up; in other words, how many drinks is your kitty kat worth? Women are also constantly refered to as hoes, b**ches, rachet... basically anything but a child of God. Like in 2 Chainz's "Birthday song" where he says, "all I want for my birthday is a big booty hoe", as if a girl is an object he can receive as a gift to use at his discretion. For some of us, it's outrageous. But unfortunately I've been noticing that some girls just accept it. What's even sadder is that some girls even welcome it. They may enjoy the attention or think it's "sexy" when a guy just wants to sleep with her.


But where did this all come from? How did it get like this? It is partially because females like Nicki Minaj give the okay for the degrading of women with songs like "Stupid Hoe" or "The Biggest Freak". But a large part comes from the women who present themselves the way the songs describe them. We cannot expect men to respect us when we do not respect ourselves. So how can we begin to fight it?

1. Dress properly. No that does not mean you have to look like a nun. It means leave something to the imagination. If your behind is hanging out of your dress, guys have nothing to wonder about because it's right there!! In other words, let your underwear, private tattoos, and lady parts be a mystery.

2. Make a good impression. Your first impression  is very important. For example when you're dating, don't discuss sex on the first date. Your date does not need to know how flexible you are when he's just met you! If you give away too much, the guy's impression of you is that you'll be an easy win. Another thing to remember is to be careful of the kind of message your piercings and tattoos send. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys look at a girl's eye brow piercing or tongue piercing, look to his friend, and say "Man, I bet you I can hit!". Not that every girl they talk about is easy, but that is the light they see her in.

3. There is a time and a place for every behavior. We have to remember to be a lady in the streets with how we talk, behave, and carry ourselves. The whole neighborhood does not need to know your business because you are outside being loud and carrying on. Keep your personal, personal.

4. Dont't stand for it! For all the women out there who are thinking, "I have it together", "I respect myself", you must remember that sitting back and letting it happen makes you just as guilty. Don't listen to and sing the negative songs just because you don't feel personally targeted. Or better yet, if you know a young girl who is obviously misguided, take her under your wing. Show her that positive attention is better than negative.

We as women have the power and the strength to put a stop to this nonsense. Remember that you are beauitful, strong, intelligent creatures that God made so perfectly. I will leave you with this: be the precious jewel that you are... valuable, rare, and irreplaceable! Know your worth ladies!

Is this a big issue to you or are we making it more than what it is? What other factors do you think contribute to the acceptance of degrading women in the entertainment business and in everyday life? Do you agree with our guidelines or would you add/change something? Talk to me!