I decided to organize my quote collection around the idea of what Hip Hop feminism means to me, and what I have come to learn about it as a result of this class. There were a few overarching themes that became apparent to me as I proceeded with the project. Mainly the idea of Hip Hop feminism being a feminism not concerned with appealing to the good side of those in power, but rather opting for a more confrontational approach. The other theme that I recognized was the theme of intersectionality, dealing with the intersection of race and gender that arises when one attempts to combine Hip Hop and feminism.
The quote that I think most succinctly sums up the attitude of Hip Hop feminism is the one from Joan Morgan, saying she needs a feminism that fucks with the grays. This idea of welcoming complexity and contradiction is really enlightening at a time where people are so quick to dig their heels in on any one opinion they may hold, rather than examine the contradictions inherent in everything. The quote titled “Hip Hop Feminism Is…” is another helpful quote when it comes to illuminating what exactly is meant by Hip Hop feminism. This is more of an academic sounding definition, but it is still able to precisely and accurately apply a definition to Hip Hop feminism. My own personal favorite quote is the one from McFarland. This quote is the one that is, on the surface, the least direct in its relation to Hip Hop feminism. But, I think it does a good job of articulating the general sense of upheaval and loss that a lot of people feel in the wake of neoliberalism, perhaps POC feel this most acutely. This feeling ties into the intersectional nature of Hip Hop feminism that I find so appealing, the ability to provide a framework from which to examine such a vast variety of issues.
The quote about respectability politics was included because I think it represents an important question for revolutionary movements to address. When respectability presents itself to be an obstacle toward liberation, is it then justified to waive respectability altogether in order to achieve one’s goal? When respectability is used to further abuse the subaltern, it would seem that it is the duty of the revolutionary movement to rebel against respectability in favor of humanity. This ties in nicely with the rebellious nature of Hip Hop, and by extension, Hip Hop feminism. This rebellious nature positions Hip Hop feminism to be uniquely qualified to confront this specific brand of oppression. Because Hip Hop is, and has never been, concerned with being “respectable”, it is able to co opt power from systems which would seek to use respectability against the oppressed classes.
Altogether, I think that Hip Hop feminism is an ideology best viewed through the lens of inclusion. It stands to create a feminism which is more inclusive and open to much more complexity than any other wave of feminism before it.
