Reflection 1: I'm Just a Girl—On Gen X's Feminist Music Awakening

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 1990s was a decade defined by relative peace, economic prosperity, and the rapid proliferation of consumer technology. It was also the era in which Third-Wave feminists came of age. this time, young Gen Xers embraced a more socially, racially, and sexually diverse movement than previous generations—and the music industry took notice. From pop and hip-hop to country and alternative rock, female artists achieved unprecedented commercial and critical success. Bold tracks tackling sexuality, misogyny, bodily autonomy, and self-worth became standard radio staples. By the end of the decade, women accounted for four of the top five best-selling albums released in the '90s. And cultural milestones, like VH1’s annual Divas Live showcase and Sarah McLachlan's all-female Lilith Fair tour, further cemented women as the decade's primary cultural drivers.

Below is a list of '90s feminist anthems. For this reflection, examine five of the following songs. In your analysis, consider the stories these artists are telling. For instance, who or what are they challenging? What messages do they have for the world or for other women? 

Notes:

• You are responsible for sourcing the lyrics for your songs. It is recommended you find more than one source per song as online lyrics are notoriously inaccurate. Additionally, you should credit the lyricist—which may or may not be the singer—for the words. Cite the songwriter as follows:

           Parton, Dolly. Lyrics to "I Will Always Love You." Jolene, RCA Records, 1974.

• When quoting lyrics, use this form: "So I'll go, but I know / I'll think of you each step of the way / And I will always love you" 
• You are highly encouraged to explore artists and songs you're not familiar with—you never know what you might discover.
• Note that some songs are from 1989 and 2000. These are meant to illustrate the buildup to the 90s, and also the carry over of this music into the new century.
• be aware that some songs may contain profanity and/or adult themes, including sexual assault.
  

Choose four of the following to explore:

1. 10,000 Maniacs, "Trouble Me" (released 1989)
2. Madonna, "Express Yourself" (released 1989) 
3. Queen Latifah, "Ladies First" (released 1989)  
4. Wilson Phillips, "Hold On" (1990)
5. Lisa Stansfield, "All Woman" (1991)
   
6. Tori Amos, "Silent All These Years" (1992)
7. 7 Year Bitch, "Dead Men Don't Rape" (1992)
8. Tori Amos, "Crucify" (1992) 
   
9. Lorrie Morgan, "What Part of No" (1992)
   
10. PJ Harvey, "Sheela-Na-Gig" (1992)
11. Rupaul, "Supermodel" (1992)*
12. En Vogue, "Free Your Mind" (1992)
    
13. Whitney Houston, I'm Every Woman" (1992; Chaka Khan cover)
    
14. Mary Chapin Carpenter, "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" (1993)
15. 4 Non Blondes, “What’s Up?” (1993)
    
16. Bikini Kill, "Rebel Girl" (1993)
    
17. Queen Latifah, "U.N.I.T.Y." (1993) 
18. Cyndi Lauper, "Sally's Pigeons" (1993)
19. Kate Bush, "Rubberband Girl" (1993)
    
20. Janet Jackson, "You Want This" (1993)
21. Sheryl Crow, "Strong Enough" (1993)
    
22. Liz Phair, "Fuck and Run" (1993)
    
23. Salt-N-Pepa, "Ain't Nuthin' But a She Thing" (1994)
24. Martina McBride, "Independence Day" (1994)
    
25. 7 Year Bitch, "The Scratch" (1994)
    
26. Des'ree, "You Gotta Be" (1994)
    
27. Madonna, "Human Nature" (1994) 
28. Hole, "Doll Parts" (1994)
    
29. Jody Watley, "When a Man Loves a Woman" (1994) 
30. Salt-N-Pepa, "None of Your Business" (1994)
    
31. Veruca Salt, "Seether"  (1994) 
32. Selena, "Si Una Vez" (1994; Spanish)
    
33. Hole, "Violet" (1994)
34. Alanis Morissette, "You Oughta Know" (1995)
35. Monica, "Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)" (1995)
36. Jill Sobule, "I Kissed a Girl" (1995)
37. Annie DeiFranco, "Not a Pretty Girl" (1995) 
38. No Doubt, "Just a Girl" (1995)
39. Spice Girls, "Wannabe" (1996)
40. Garbage, “Stupid Girl” (1996) 
41. Lush, "Ladykiller" (1996)
    
42. Natalie Imbruglia, "Torn" (1997) 
    
43. Fiona Apple, "Criminal" (1997) 
44. Meredith Brooks, "Bitch" (1997)
45. Shania Twain, "Man, I Feel Like a Woman" (1997)
    
46. Erykah Badu, "Tyrone" (1997) 
47. Lauryn Hill, "Doo-Wop (That Thing)" (1998)
48. Cher, 'Strong Enough" (1998)
49. Rachel Sage, "Sistersong" (1998)
50. TLC, "No Scrubs" (1999)
51. The Chicks (née Dixie Chicks), "Goodbye Earl" (1999)
52. Destiny's Child, "Bills, Bills, Bills" (1999)
53. Le Tigre, "Hot Topic" (1999)
54. Missy Elliott, "She's a Bitch" (1999)
55. Jennifer Lopez, "If You Had My Love" (1999)
56. Tina Turner, "When the Heartache is Over" (1999)
57. Whitney Houston, "It's Not Right, But It's Okay" (1999) 
58. TLC, "Unpretty" (1999) 
59. Destiny's Child, "Independent Women, Part I" (released 2000)
60. Paulina Rubio, "Yo no soy esa mujer" (released 2000; Spanish)

*Technically, performed by a drag queen

Requirements:

• MLA Style (including works cited)
• Approx. 500 words
• AI Disclosure Statement (place at end of document; see syllabus for details)

Due: Fri 9.11 (via Canvas)