Hip Hop

The genre of hip hop has long stirred controversy because of its often negative depiction of women. Scores of hip hop videos include scantily-clad women who gyrate violently, pole dance, or make other sexually suggestive actions. Though this depiction continues, the male-dominated hip hop industry has witnessed a rising number of successful female artists. Some of these artists, like their male counterparts, continue to objectify themselves and other women; conversely, a growing number of female hip hop artists work to change the perception of women in the [Page 695]genre, and send positive, uplifting messages to their listeners-females in particular.

The portrayal of women in hip hop videos serves as a major point of contention. Almost all videos in the genre by male artists show a ...