Thursday, February 25, 2016
Riot Grrrl Movement Response
The Riot Grrrl Movement started in the spring of 1991 when members of the all, girl punk band, Bratsmobile, and Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill started organizing weekly meetings that they called Riot Grrrl. "In their attempt to realize a feminist politics of everyday life, the members of Riot Grrrl sought to construct an organic, non-hierarchical community that was responsive to the subjective needs of its participants" (319). They left the definition of Riot Grrrl opened, members of the movement stated, "We want the definition of Riot Grrrl to be whatever anyone who wants to use the term wants it to be. We feel that over-organization would cost us the individuality we spend too much of the time fighting the rest of the world for" (319). They brought important issues to the surface including, "sexual identity, self-preservation, racism awareness, surviving, and sexual abuse" (319). One of the things that stood out to me the most was when they wrong "bitch" and "slut" over their bodies at a concert. It was so powerful. I think their mindset was intended to draw attention to publicize issues like sexual abuse and rape that were largely ignored by the media. I think what they did was very moving, and overlooked. But at times I think they went a little over the top. We discussed in class, and watched a video of the protests that they did in front of a church in Russia. I found it incredibly disrespectful. I completely understand they wanted to raise awareness of the on-going issue, and good for them for being so bold about it, but if anything, I feel like it made them look childish. It gives people the wrong impression.
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I really enjoyed reading your post, Emily. I like you you discussed what members of the Riot Grrrl movement stood for. I think that all of those topics needed and still need to be supported by not only the media but the government as well! So many issues today, especially surrounding women, are swept under the rug. When they would paint such words on their bodies I think it was to break the mold of rape culture. So many people today are ignorant enough to as a woman who as been raped, "what were you wearing?" Why does that even matter?!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you about the protest in the cathedral in Russia. That is what I based my post on. It was very offensive, and I believe that there were many other ways to get their point across. Great job Emily!
I liked how Riot Grrrl left their definition of their group to whatever people thought it would be. They really wanted everyone to know how strongly they felt about what was going on around them. I also thought it was a risky but powerful move when they had vulgar words written on bodies at a concert. It definitely made a statement.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said when you discussed how it was interesting that girls would write words such as "slut" and "bitch" to spread there message across. They were not afraid to bring attention to the issue and show the harshness of reality. I also, found it very disrespectful that the chose to sing in front of a chapel. I understand there purpose of doing this but I feel it would be more beneficial to have done it at another place.
ReplyDeletei can relate to your post 100%! i think it was awesome that they let their followers determine the meaning of "riot grrrl" for themselves. I also agree with the church part. I thought it was disgusting how they sang that song in a church where people go to worship. Places like that should be off limits.
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