What it means for women to be rappers in Kashmir
Sayima Ahmad
Rap music attained its hype in block parties in Kashmir and has become a staple part of culture in society today. Rap is literally defined as the recitation of lyrics over instrumental beats, but it has become a form of expression and art. Over the decades, this art has boosted as new artists rise to the top and take over the genre. However, as rap has become popularized in society, the explicit nature of lyrics that sexualize, objectify and romanticize women has become alarmingly normalized as well.
Scholars have proposed various explanations for the presence of misogyny in rap music. Few scholars while talking to Kashmir Despatch z rgued that rap artists use misogynistic lyrics and portrayals of women as a way to assert their masculinity or to demonstrate their authenticity as rappers. Others have suggested that rap music is a product of its atmosphere, reflecting mainstream attitudes toward women, and that rap artists have internalized malicious stereotypes about women. Still other intellectuals have stressed economic considerations, arguing that rappers use misogyny to achieve commercial success
The Male Rappers’ Portrayal of Women in Kashmir.
The question then remains, in a male-dominated arena where the so-called rappers are 97 percent men, why do so many rap songs sexualize women? Rap lyrics offensively and derogatorily call women “bitches,” “chobur,” (Kashmiri derogatory remark for women) Item,” “females” and romanticize a woman’s attraction to a lavish lifestyle, portraying wealth as a universal sex language.
All of these slurs, and more, are highly objectifying. Calling a woman a “chobur” likens her to a sexual piece characterizes her as aggressive and annoying and casually ridicules her. The term “item” criticizes what society views as promiscuous behavior or clothing, often a reason society blames women for being victims of rape. The derogatory term, “item” has similar negative connotations. People commonly use these terms to label women, not men, and portray them negatively. ‘Chobur” and “item” embody society’s double-standards that scrutinize and judge a woman’s sexuality but praise a man’s. The impact of calling a woman a “female” holds similar weight, as the purpose of “female” indicates that a woman can be considered for just her sexual traits while men, seldom referred to as “males,” are worth more.
How Misogynic Rap Music Negatively Impacts the Portrayal of Women ?
When analysing rap music, researchers have found it is far more common for women to be portrayed in derogatory ways rather than as “independent, intelligent, enterprising, or superior to men.” Sexist rap music hinders the societal perception of women and their progress in contemporary society. When so casually neglected, misogynistic lyrics reflect the rooted sexism in society. “I have only come across a handful of articles that explicitly challenge sexism in rap music and the artists that use their wealth as justification for objectification, but this issue needs to be addressed,” an expert in the field to Kashmir Despatch.
According to a poll published by the Pew Research Center in 2008, more than 70 percent of Americans believed that rap had an overall negative impact on society. Some rap and hip-hop songs do indeed glamorize destructive behavior like substance abuse and violence
According to American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, many of the rap lyrics subscribe to the suicide, violence, and inappropriate sexual content in lyrics that also influence and contribute to teens taking part in drugs and alcohol in a younger age.
Kashur Rapper’s cultivating racial segregation ?
Besides the misogynist remarks koshur Rappers are unknowingly hurting the sentiments of marginalized seikh community while calling each other “watul” in diss songs (verbally attack someone else, usually another artist ) ,using name of “watul” as abuse has become main verbal attack in diss songs . villager are also been targetting in diss songs as abuse, firing on another rapper with term “Ghamukha” (typical villager) . These remarks have created division in kashmir society marginalized communities, villagers,women are prime emphasized lyric in diss rap songs , untill these remarks do not get used in diss rap songs it doesnot sound hostile diss .
Listen to the Lyrics – Why Does This Matter to Kashmiris?
It is crucial to recognise that the message of this article does not apply to all rap music and rappers. Rap music is surrounded by culture, history, and vibrancy, especially within the marginalized communities and races that has united individuals through the expression of music. there were a time when Ladi Shah ( koshur folk rap song) were being used for social messages , thoughts and cultural awareness however contemporary few koshur Rappers has renewed ladi-shah concept with Modern rap touch , some koshur Rappers are delivering social messages in their rap songs , promoting koshur culture and tradition which is admired and relished .
The most powerful and influential artists connect with their listeners. Derogatory lyrics negatively impact how society views women and how women view themselves; these perceptions influence younger generations. Research indicates that an overall fascination to be part of a popular group, such as rap music, can override young people’s concerns or questions about the negative messages.
Eventually, the current music industry is failing young girls and women, ostracizing them from the creativity, passion and unity that music brings by endorsing an environment of objectification, sexualization and underrepresentation. Be cautious of the music you listen to, the messages they exemplify and giving the ‘pass’ to your favorite artists. Although lyrics embody an artist’s intended message, many rappers design that message for their listeners, and the larger music-loving community as a whole must hold artists accountable for what they decide to say, misfortunately none any Kashmiri has shown their concern over rising of these derogation for women and other vulnerable communities, this is our duty to distinguish between song and derogation, gender or racial attack before subscribing the rap songs .
