Journal Article Analysis

            Grunge, Riot Grrrl and the Forgetting of Women in Popular Culture

Catherine Strong is addressing the disappearance of the woman’s position in popular culture; more importantly the disappearance of the woman’s role in “grunge” music.  The article focuses on what riot grrrl was exactly and the reasons behind the mysterious disappearance of woman’s contributions, and interviews taken from 43 participants involved with the music scene during the grunge era.  Catherine Strong compares the similarities between the two genres; riot grrrl, and grunge.  She approaches the issue with many ways; taking every possibility into consideration.  She put forward that female musicians mainly produce “pop” music rather than “serious” music that some male bands create.  She recommends that male reporters during the grunge era and current times may find more interest in male performers.  She also suggested that men may be better at leaving a legacy; creating, and maintaining archives/catalogs.  The interviews supported Catherine Strong’s theory of the disappearance of women’s role in grunge music.  The interviews taken were proof that the female bands of the era were not acknowledged, and even forgotten (Strong, 2011).

            During the grunge era starting in the early 90s, “riot grrrl” started out as a group of females joining together within the music scene.  Catherine Strong explains, they joined together to address major issues that were viewed as taboo or embarrassing previously in time.  The movement held protests, and made appearances to address major female related issues.  Rape, sexism, and abortion were important topics that “riot grrrl” addressed.  Eventually the “riot grrrl” movement transformed into a genre of music.  Such bands as “Bikini Kill” and “Bratmobile” are the most notorious bands within in the genre, and some individuals believe they are responsible for its existence.  The article address how today’s culture has forgotten about “riot grrrl’s” impact on society has been forgotten over time.  She provides the reader with 43 interviews confirming her accusation.  The interview proves that most people that were even involved in the “grunge” scene have forgotten the female artists.  This is powerful and alarming evidence.  If the “grunge” enthusiasts do not remember the “riot grrrl” movement, then average music listeners may never hear of its existence at all.  Catherine Strong’s analysis concerning the issue strongly suggests, among other things, that men’s actions and views are to blame.  Male reporters and publicists favor male musicians and activists, leaving little evidence of the women’s role for future generations to remember. She suggests that men’s involvement and interest are stronger than females, outweighing the importance of women’s role.  Lastly, she suggests that men put forth more effort to secure their legacy by properly archiving/cataloging.  She does a very good job at providing many different possibilities for the occurrence.  Most importantly, Catherine Strong addresses the issue.  There may not be an exact reason, and her goal was not to acquire one.  She is simply attempting to grasp the public’s awareness (Strong, 2011).

           I somehow agree with the fact of this article because it seems like Catherine Strong did not blame one group of individuals for the disappearance of woman’s role in popular culture, and does not resolve on one clarification for the problem. The women’s role in the “grunge era” as “riot grrrl” was massive, significant, and powerful; however the legacy has been erased.  In my view, the role of women have been forgotten because of the difference in popularity or women’s lack of interest as time progressed.  Even though “riot grrrl” was successful being popular during this time, the popularity diminished at a faster pace compared to the male musicians.  The reason for this disappearance could be that people do not still enjoy the music at this point in time. If woman maintained their interest in “riot grrrl”, perhaps the legacy would be stronger.  In order for a piece of history to evolve into a popular culture artifact, it needs to be significant and strong enough to demand popular culture’s attention.  “Riot grrrl” may have lost people’s interest over time.  If individuals are still interested in the genre, they are not taking any procedures to expose and preserve the artifact.  I do however; believe that since “riot grrrl” was such an important part of popular culture and the grunge era, something should be done to mark it in history.

           After reading this article, I found that it this talked about a very important issue in popular culture. I found that women are being dominant and forgotten in popular culture.  The female bands of the grunge era were large and influential on their time, but the legacy has been cleared up now. This adverse state of affairs has created and is creating a flaw in music history.  There is no one specific or anything or anybody who is responsible for this fault; but publicists, archivists and sexism could be to blame. If women’s contributions have no importance or value in popular culture, a turning point of history remains lost. Overall, this was a great article for all and an interesting topic to gain attention for all publicists, musicians, authors and public.  If we can focus on this situation and be aware of it, it can help to relocate woman’s roles in the society and give some respect to them. 

                   

References

Strong, Catherine. “Grunge, Riot Grrrl and the Forgetting of Women in Popular Culture.” Journal of Popular Culture, v. 44 issue 2, 2011, p. 398-416.