The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #168338 Message #4067328
Posted By: hsempl
04-Aug-20 - 09:06 PM
Thread Name: Sexual exploitation in folk
Subject: RE: Sexual exploitation in folk
I hesitated to respond on this (or any) thread, as my recent experience on the "Are racist, but traditional songs OK" thread was so upsetting. But this is important. There is in fact sexism in the folk community, as there is everywhere - but that does not mean it shouldn't be talked about, but that it should be.
Re Mrrzy's question, I don't have data, but the "and next the lovely (female singer)" vs. "and next the talented (male singer)" sounds very familiar. I can't speak to how often it happens though, but (once open mics are a thing again), I will certainly be listening for it. It is a fact that the reverse "And next the lovely (male singer)" does not sound like something that would be said, and that is telling.
And Joe, it is important to be concerned about sexism, as it does affect perception and comfort, and has had a very real affect on folk musicians' careers. And the fact that my stomach is in knots interacting here after observing the misogynistic language on that other thread (where you stated you had difficulty restraining yourself from choking women who had, in your opinion, humiliated you; and yes, I know that's just a manner of speaking, but words have impact and are also revealing), is a testament to the fact that sexism led to my discomfort in interacting in a forum that before that I had enjoyed; and that avoidance on my part because of my resultant discomfort leads to missed opportunities to connect.
Yes, we are all human, we all are quicker to see fault in others than in ourselves, and we all get hurt and hurt others, often unintentionally. We all have sore spots that get stepped on accidentally. But that humanness is again more reason to talk about the sexism and it's effects. This feels very rough to talk about.