Kathleen Hanna

            On Wednesday, as a class, we shared what female musician had the most influence on us.  I like that we arranged the desk into a circle because it caused us to take a look at everyone.  I think that sitting in the circle created an environment that made it easier for my classmates and I to share our stories. I found it inspiring to listen to the affects that musicians can had on each individual person’s life, even if I did not know some of the musicians mentioned. There was a variety of genres that these female artists fell into. Music can bring people together, put how you’re feeling into words, and make strong connections.  

          I chose Kathleen Hanna as the female musician that has influenced me the most. Kathleen Hanna was the singer of the Riot Grrrl band Bikini Kill. I believe that she is my spirit animal. Kathleen radiates with confidence and is not afraid to be different. I wish that I had the confidence she has and that I could feel as comfortable in my skin as she does in her own.  In my high school years Kathleen helped me realize that it is okay to be different and that I should embrace it. I wanted to be my own person and not follow the trends the media was promoting. I believe that because of Kathleen it is more acceptable for the woman to be part of the punk scene. At Bikini Kill shows she would talk to the crowd and call all the girls to the front of the stage and send all the boys to the back. She wanted woman to be able to enjoy the music without having to worry about getting hurt. At most shows today the same courtesy is displayed.

       I admire that Kathleen’s career was solemnly based on her own efforts. She wrote and recorded her own music. She would schedule her own shows and hand out records and vines at them.  She did not rely on the media to promote her. Her music was not perfect, and it wasn’t supposed to be; it was raw, noisy, and in your face. Kathleen did not make music to become famous but instead to get out her message to girls all around the world. She has inspired me to become more independent and to not give up on my dreams because if I believe in myself and put the effort in I can achieve them.