A so-called ‘feminist’ group from a student union attached to my local university ripped their own eyelashes out recently, to the delight of the on-looking public. Not literally, of course… But that’s how it
appeared from where I was standing in my painted trainers. They
frolicked round the city like a bunch of 12-year-old Rainbow
schoolgirls, smacking stickers on random people’s backs. The oh-so-inspirational logo printed on this waste of plastic and glue? “Think you’re fit”.
First off. I believe that ‘the feminist’ is possibly the least-fulfilled stereotype on the planet. To be honest, most of the legit
feminists I’ve come across turned out to be the most stunning,
powerful and honest people I have ever met.
The thing which really pissed me off about the branding of these
stickers smack in the middle of my ‘Not Bad For A Girl’ t-shirt,
was that they were creating an organisation which basically ripped
itself so the rest of the public felt no need to do so. They were
there, under this group name, which would usually suggest politics,
soul, truth and revolution. And they were saying, actually, you’re
right. We lasses aren’t particularly bright or influential. So
we’ve made an organisation to rip ourselves further. Come watch us
giggle and prance about to shitty house music.
I don’t fucking think so.
Feminism and hip hop are in the same sneaker. Misunderstood, blamedand stalled by the ignorant
And to any ignorant fool in the city this is now what they regard as
the feminist representation of my ends. Na-ah.
I come from a background where I have spent my entire life trying to
find a group to ‘fit in’. Yet still wanting to be different. I
have found that community. It’s a worldwide community. About peace,
unity and having fun. It welcomes any race, gender, age, religion,
language… It encourages individuality and expression. Working hard
to utilise talents which become passions which lead to success.
We call it hip hop.
A feminist. Who likes hip hop.
If you’re laughing here, I know you are way outside my box. You haven’t even made the effort to lift the lid. Because like the pathetic government and media, you will easily,
discriminate, stereotype and judge with no research, no proof and no
understanding of your own.
Feminism and hip hop are in the same sneaker. Misunderstood, blamed
and stalled by the ignorant.
Yes, mainstream ‘hip hop’ use girls for nothing but shaking their
arses and throwing cash at some wannabe outlaw. That’s why true
hip hop heads do not believe mainstream ‘hip hop’ is hip hop at
all. It is merely gangster pop.
I’m sick of being judged as a failure as soon as the term ‘hiphop dancer’ is used
A fake brand which sells. And one which the government literally funds
and exposes to the masses so then youth of a similar background can
follow ‘fiddy’s’ example. Buy a gun. Shoot their bredrins. And
the gov have an excuse to put these youth down further. And cut down
their opportunities even more.
Real hip hop defies this. Guns, bitches and bling were never part of
the four elements. And never will be.
Few of my close friends are female. Purely because I’m so fuelled
and focussed on hip hop. It basically runs my life. I’m a bgirl,
krumper, juker, graffer, drummer, youth mentor, writer, promoter and
activist. And there are few positive women in hip hop.
But those that are. Are fucking incredible. Because they have all had
to work ridiculously hard to get where they’re at. MC Lyte is an obvious high flyer among all of us. Bgirl, emcee,
entrepreneur. She is beautiful and talented. She has accomplished so much. She has
soul, integrity and faith. She does not shake her ass in some twatters vid or sleep with
rappers.
Bgirl Hanifa Hudson… Sofia Boutella… I know a few other women/lasses who work on this similar attitude. Working in this same city, with some colourful results.
All of them successful. All of the talented, respected and strong.
Yet, with the words hip hop attached to their name they are
automatically evaluated as jokes.
Take Channel U. It provides amazing opportunities and outlets for
street souls all over the U.K. Yet 75% of the video content consists
of untamed emcees surrounded by girls in thongs, cars and bling. Don’t flick just yet…
Wait for it… Once in a while. A decent track appears, together with a more than decent video.
And here we are. Not only have the emcees retained some dignity. But
so have these so-called ‘video girls’. We see bgirls, krumpers,
flatlanders, graffers, singers, skaters. All who actually have a
talent and are not afraid to express it.
I’m sick of being judged as a failure as soon as the term ‘hip
hop dancer’ is used.
Don’t wait for someone to slap a sticker on yousaying you’re fit to make you feel you’ve reached your
potential.
Many rappers who I have worked with or interviewed give me the same
answer.
In fact. It’s an answer most men would give. If a girl acts like a hoe. She’ll be treated like one. But if she demands respect. She will receive it. If you still wona be the hottest girl in the club. Shaking your ass
will hardly make you stand out and get a fair reception. 6stepping,
windmilling and hopping about on one arm however produce some truly
brilliant results.
Don’t expect everything to come to you on a plate. Don’t take the
easy option, because the rewards are not half as mint as when you work
hard. Be yourself. Discover your talents and passions and nurture
them. Set yourself no limits. Always aim for that spot on the wall a
bit higher. That punch a bit stronger. That headspin a bit faster.
That vocal a bit smoother. Whatever you do.
Don’t wait for someone to slap a sticker on you
saying you’re fit to make you feel you’ve reached your
potential. Wait till that sticker says “you’re talented”, “you’re
different”, “you’re you…”
The world is yours. Only the rhythm will show you the way…
Just let your soul do the talking.
