Julie
Carrow
Rhetorical
Analysis
Joan
Morgan’s approach in the article “From
Fly-Girls to Bitches and Hos,” attempts to solve the problem of sexism in
the black community by bringing the “brothers and sistas” together, allowing
them to openly discuss the difficult topics that are plaguing their community.
The topics center on sexism in hip-hop and the desolation hiding behind the
masculinity and boldness of the verbiage in most hip-hop songs. Morgan believes
that “black on black love” is at risk of disappearing and the sexism in rap
music, which many black males identify with, is actually an expression of
despair at their position in their community. To remedy this, Morgan stresses
that “brothers and sistas” “give[]our community the potential for remedies
based on honest, clear diagnoses” (Morgan 607). This article was written
primarily to a African American audience, observed through the use of jargon
that the article is written in. The article is aimed toward someone who knows
who “Notorious B.I.G., Sir Mix A-Lot, and Jeru the Damaja” are, otherwise the
evidence the author provides might not have the desired impact. In my opinion,
Morgan does a respectable job of luring in her audience with proper logos they
can relate to, such as, “while it’s human to occasionally fall deep into love
thang with people or situations that simply aren’t good for you, feminism
alerted me long ago to the dangers of romancing a misogynist (and ridiculously
fine, brilliant ones with gangsta leans are no exception)” (Morgan 602). Furthermore,
Morgan appeals to the emotions of the audience as she discusses the fatal
animal attack and burn victim as examples of how the black community is having
a hard time loving each other. I found these examples appalling, though well
suited for her case. I also found it thought-provoking that Morgan mentions the
women who participate in degrading hip-hop videos. Typically when I think of
hip-hop videos I scowl because of the portrayal of women it promotes. However,
Morgan has a noteworthy point: “sistas have to confront the ways we’re
complicit in our own oppression. Sad to say it, but many of the ways in which
men exploit our images and sexuality in hip-hop is done with our permission and
cooperation” (Morgan 605). I do not often think about the reality that those
women volunteered for the roles of being depicted as objects. Overall I would
have to agree with Morgan’s article: a decent remedy for the situation of
sexism in hip-hop is to get the different genders together to communicate and
discuss what it is that is causing the apparent grief illustrated in the
lyrics. If the parties can listen to the other and come to an understanding of
each other, the bonds between “brother and sista” will grow stronger,
portrayals of sexism will diminish, and the black community as a whole will be
well on its way to a healthy and connected union.
Morgan, Joan. “From
Fly-Girls to Bitches and Hos.” Rereading American:Cultural Contexts for Critical
Thinking
and Writing 8 (2010): 601-07. Print.
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