Additionally, I found an article on The Daily Beast about her transformation from a starlet to a rock star in which she is quoted saying, “Sexuality and rock ‘n’ roll go hand-in-hand and have since the beginning of time, and if anyone thinks I’m doing anything more controversial than fuckin’ Led Zeppelin, you’re insane, because I can see Robert Plant’s fuckin’ dick… you know?”
Lastly, I also found a mashup of interviews in which Taylor talks frankly about her views on female masturbation. She stresses the importance of young women being able to explore their bodies in a way that doesn't cause them to feel ashamed about it, which I find to be very important.
Ta for now!
-Morgan Palen
I have a lot of mixed feelings about things like female singers acting out sexually at shows. I understand why some may be offended by this, but at the same time I understand why some may see it as a step in the right direction for female performers. I lie in the middle of these feelings.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think it is important that females be allowed to act and dress how they want without being labeled as sluts, I also believe that women should not form the way they dress and act around what would be appealing to men. In this way, I think it is important to detach sexuality from self worth, but at the same time I accept that sexuality is an important part of our identities.
The reason I have mixed feelings about this story is part of me wants to say that she should be able to dress and act how she wants without it being equated with her self respect or self worth but, on the other hand, I don't think she is portraying a positive message by doing so. I don't think what she is doing is necessarily empowering so much as it is making herself into a sex object and, whether or not we want to believe this, this does have an impact on the young people watching this performance. Having a society where sexually objectifying images are more frequent creates a society where sexual objectification is more accepted. On the other hand, you could argue that this way of looking at her performance is just an excuse for stifling her sexuality because it makes us uncomfortable.
One thing I AM sure about though, is I am so glad that she did mention how important it is for young girls to be able to explore their bodies. I do think that masturbation is something that should not be a taboo topic.
I would love to hear other people's opinions on my observations or adding their own. I was just trying to untangle my thoughts here.
- Sarah Reasoner
When it comes to this topic, I also have mixed feelings. I feel that it is important to express yourself in a way that you see fit including this way in acting out sexually as Taylor Momsen is doing, but like how Sarah put, its not the most positive way of expression. It depends on how you view this and what aspect you choose to focus on.
ReplyDeleteFor example, when she performed onstage with Marilyn Manson and let him touch her in a sexual way. Her behavior although she believes it is her expression and appropriate for the genre of music, it still is demonstrating a common stereotype for women that they are there for sexual pleasure. This behavior also gives the impression that she is just a sexual object and is believed to be degrading towards herself.
The other way you could look at it is that she's expressing herself. I agree that everyone has a right to express themselves in a way they see fit. Although I wouldn't personally express myself in the way Momsen does, I agree that if she decides that this is the best way to express herself then its fine.
Also I'd like to point out that maybe the reason why her actions are viewed this way is because we have a hard time separating the value of being able to express her individuality and the way she expresses. Stereotypes would have you believe she's a "slut" for being overly sexual, but what if that it just the way she chooses to best express herself.
I do completely agree that it is important for young girls to be able to explore their bodies without feeling shame.
- Justina Farfan
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ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought up Taylor Momsen. My own topic is masculinity in the rock music scene, and it seems like she is being is overly criticized for her expression of sexuality. She makes a good point when talking about Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin in her example. Robert Plant was very sexual on stage, and people never criticized him for it. Also, there is a band called Blood on the Dance Floor that loves to degrade women on stage, and talk as if women are objects, and I see no criticism towards that group. Taylor Momsen is just being called out because she is a women. She is just expressing herself in a way that she wants to, and the press needs to not make such a big deal out of it. The press should be focusing on those rock groups who are degrading of women, instead.
ReplyDelete- Anthony Bellore
I think that it doesn't make sense for people to be labeling this girl as "promiscuous" when she's only dressing up and acting sexually, and not actually been shown to be sleeping with more than one person(which is the actual definition of promiscuous). I personally wouldn't choose to dress and act the way she is simply because I would feel as though getting people to pay attention to my body and objectify me isn't a real talent. But, even though I feel that way, I still think she seems very mature and sound in her reasoning behind the way she acts and dresses.
ReplyDeleteI agree with her, that girls should be able to explore their bodies. Female masturbation should never be a taboo. It oppresses women when they are told they shouldn't touch themselves as young girls, that it's not lady-like. Every person should have the freedom to explore their body and sexuality. Which, seems to me, what Momsen is doing.
This post definitely got me to think. Thanks for sharing!
-- Josephine Hicks