OPINION-EDITORIAL A bad rap for rap music KELSEY SPIGELMIRE of mine.” These female country artists address real sexist issues in our grandpa is sitting on his front porch swing with his a roundabout way, but they should still be taken seriously. In 9-year-old basset hound next to him. He’s talking about fact, they wouldn’t have even written about this in the first place From start to finish Yhow great the United States used to be when his favorite and advocated for it if it wasn’t already a problem in the male- country song comes on: “Back That Thing Up” by Justin Moore. dominated country music industry. You’re sitting there with this perfect image of your granddad Most artists, regardless of genre, use their songs and here you are. In bed. In the moment. Things seem to be until you begin to notice what is actually being said platform to touch on certain important social issues. At the going well, and you think you’re both off to a great start. in Moore’s song. Lines such as, “Let daddy load it same time, many songs are created just for fun and enjoyment, That’s just it. What you thought was the beginning T up,” begin to make you uncomfortable, and you and there is nothing wrong with that. Yes, I understand of a long night is actually quite the opposite. find yourself offering to go inside to help grandma rappers often sing in more explicit ways than most, but the Before you realize it, you hear a loud sigh, and with the dishes. general point is no different than what country singers sing he rolls over. Within seconds, he is asleep, and Hip-hop and rap music hold a bad reputation about. The only variable is the cultural support you still haven’t gotten your fix. for explicit content such as drugs, alcohol, sex and surrounding their work. If you’ve ever had heterosexual sex, this the degradation of women. What many people Just because something isn’t situation probably sounds very familiar. This is don’t see is that country music exploits many of blatantly said doesn’t mean it’s not because most heterosexual sex revolves around these same vices. controversial. Country music the man. When he gets an erection, sex begins. There definitely is a double standard fans are typically gung-ho U.S. When he finishes, it ends. PEGGY PACKER in the music industry, and the mainstream citizens who bleed red, white But what about the woman? ASSISTANT media that somehow makes it OK, or and blue with patriotism at the OP-ED EDITOR According to ABC News, “About 75 even turns a blind eye, to what some forefront of their personalities. percent of all women never reach orgasm from country artists are saying in their songs. So, it’s easy to see why their intercourse alone — that is without the extra help of sex toys, Yet, rappers who talk about the artists aren’t just coming out hands or tongue. And 10 to 15 percent never climax under any same topics get a bad rap for it just and saying stuff about strippers circumstances.” because the terminology may be a and dollar bills like rappers Now, this isn’t completely the fault of The Penetrator. Some little different. sometimes do. They like to hide women have more trouble experiencing orgasms than others, In fact, the Houston Press even their dirtiness in songs about which is totally normal. If sex was geared toward women in the said there is a subgenre of country their tractors by saying they want same way it’s geared toward men, perhaps the entire experience named “Dirty Country,” which to take the back road home. They would be more fulfilling for both parties. uses innuendo to avoid censorship. celebrate their more traditional If more men focused on the enjoyment of the woman as well, If that doesn’t raise a red flag, then values while simultaneously singing I can’t help but think more women would experience that “oh, I’m not sure what will. about strippers and dollar bills in yeah” moment. Even female country singers cleverly disguised phrases. In the end, it comes down to equality. Both partners should have noticed the double standard. Country and rap have much more find out what the other does and doesn’t like to ensure that They have clapped back with in common than what meets the eye. intercourse is pleasant and fun for both of them. It comes down to their own songs, calling out According to Sean Daly in an article for foreplay, diversity and knowing what your woman likes. She may male country singers for the Tampa Bay Times, “Country singers never become one of the 25 percent of women who can climax using such double entendres. and hip-hoppers know where they’re from from penetration alone, but at least she might actually get there. An example of this is Maddie and won’t let you forget it.” Often times, women won’t tell their partner when they and Tae’s hit single, “Girl I’m not saying that one genre is aren’t pleased with sex. This could be for a multitude of reasons, in a Country Song.” They better than the other, but showing including shyness and fear of vulnerability and not wanting to sing about not wanting to they’re not so different at all. Those who hurt the man’s feelings. The truth is: Bringing up what you do and be the girl that’s only paid see hip-hop and rap music as vulgar don’t like during sex is beneficial to everyone involved. It is the attention to if they’re in and intrusive should take a step back only way to make sure you are on the same page and that you’ll daisy dukes and bikini and decode the lyrics of what they’re both be ending the night on a good note. tops. listening to as well. There is sure to be So men, we know you may be tired, but sometimes all it The lyrics of “Girl in some hidden messages or maybe even takes is a little extra work. Don’t just quit when you get to the a Country Song” vary from, not-so-hidden messages they didn’t finish line. “Like all we’re good for notice before. Bring your teammate with you. is looking good for you and your friends on the weekend, nothing more,” to “Shaking my moneymaker ain’t ever made me a dime, and there ain’t no sugar for you in this shaker Illustration By Brady Wheeler 10 THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG