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Women Who DJ and the Men Terrified of Them
An article at 5 Magazine - House Music from Chicago by Terry Matthew.Over the years I would hear this story over and over again, applied to each and every female DJ and producer from Chicago that achieved significant renown or credibility. Can you believe it? Every single female in this industry met a guy, sucked his talent through a straw and threw him over her shoulder like an empty beer can when she was through.
No, I really couldn’t believe it anymore. This isn’t some cosmic coincidence. This is what institutionalized misogyny actually looks like. The story kept being repeated – I heard it over and over again through the years, applied to people who weren’t even on the scene back when I first heard it applied to “Emily”.
I really need to emphasize that I’m not taking artistic license here. The same story has been fitted over nearly female Chicago House Music DJ like a straightjacket custom cut for dangerous women.
Not very long, and worth reading if you are interested in dance or electronic music. I like a fair number of female DJs - but I have to admit my collection skews 4-1 male. I don't think that's because men are more talented; I think it's because woman don't get the same opportunities that men do. They don't have the same protections - they don't get the same promotions. Hopefully its getting better (there are more well known female DJs than there were in the 90s it seems like, but that's just my impression).
Bryant
4 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Not a huge fan of electronic music, but I read the occasional article--it is dance music to me, and it's worldwide. I'm currently working with a doctor doing his fellowship-- he's from Pakistan-- who is very into it, mostly in Punjabi.
It's not surprising, this article, and follows a very familiar pattern. What's encouraging is someone is paying attention and as I mentioned fans are everywhere, another opportunity for empowerment and respect for women if this awareness grows.
Thanks!
Thank you as well
