Grunge, Riot Grrrl and the Forgetting of Women in Popular Culture, by Catherine Strong is addressing the disappearance of the woman’s role in popular culture; more importantly the disappearance of the woman’s role in “grunge” music. The article focuses on what riot grrrl was exactly, 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 methods; taking every possibility into consideration. She suggests that female musicians mainly produce “pop” music rather than “serious” music that some male bands create. She proposes that male reporters during the grunge era and current times may find more interest in male performers. She also puts forward 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).
Catherine Strong does not blame the disappearance of woman’s role in popular culture on one group of individuals, and does not settle on one explanation for the problem. I do agree with the fact, that the situation is taking place. The women’s role in the “grunge era” as “riot grrrl” was huge, important, and influential; however the legacy has been erased. I feel that women’s role could have been forgotten because of the difference in popularity, or women’s lack of interest as time progressed. Even though “riot grrrl” was popular during this era, I feel that the popularity diminished at a faster pace than 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.
I feel that this article addresses a very important issue in popular culture. After reading this article, I have found that women are being forgotten in popular culture. The female bands of the grunge era were very big and influential for their time, but the legacy has been forgotten. This unfortunate situation is creating a flaw in the history of music. There is not for certain anything or anyone that can be held responsibility for this mistake; but archivists, publicists, and sexism could be to blame. If women’s’ contributions are not going to be accounted for in popular culture, a piece of important history will be lost. The records of popular culture, and education on the topic will be inaccurate; possibly leaving woman with less pride, and little knowledge of their contributions. This is an interesting topic that should grab authors, musicians, publicists, and the public’s attention. If our culture becomes more aware of this situation, the disappearance of woman’s roles should be relocated and never forgotten.
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.
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