Mid-80s. Society was being dragged down into the cesspit of sexual glorification and debauchery. Could anyone save us? Tipper Gore and the PMRC would show us the way...
One issue I have with the music industry and sexuality at present: Album covers featuring scantily clad women that are no better than the exploitation of women in the 70s (Top of the Pops compilations and more, featuring a model in a tiny bikini). These days such covers are presented as ‘empowerment’ but are nothing more than ‘sex sells’. And of course that pressure to use sex to sell impacts the music too.
Yes, this is nothing new but it’s a sign we’re not progressing.
In the 80s it was ‘girl power’ and the Spice Girls. Where’s the power when they were manipulated by male management?
Finally - yes, I was around in the Reagan trigger warning era. It was ridiculous then and seems even more so now.
Love that you’ve given a historical perspective with those historic blues songs. Those were empowering. Capitalism always takes over though.
Thanks Ian. I think this idea of ‘empowerment’ vs ‘exploitation’ comes down to the exercise of agency and whose choice it is to have themselves depicted in a certain manner. It’s undeniable that imagery in the 70s and 80s was exploitative in that it was designed by men to sell sex. Nowadays I think it’s more nuanced. If a female artist has control over her image and how it’s used and if/how/when she can exert her sexuality I think it’s not for me to judge. Not saying that women aren’t still being exploited today in a ‘sex sells’ sort of way but I think it happens a lot less than it used to.
In many cases, much of this puritanical censorship of music is deeply rooted in religion. Saudi Arabia, for example, is known for photoshopping female artists’ album covers as soon as they show a bit of skin below the head:
As a linguist, I loved how you elaborated on the reclaiming of offensive terms by marginalised groups. This is spot on and you’ve summarised it very well in my view.
It makes the whole free/hate speech conundrum even thornier, but agree it’s a discussion for another day.
I just felt it was important to point out that censorship of artists is not exclusive to Christianity / the Christian right. Women and gays are stoned to death as a matter of course in muslim countries while the liberal left more often than not looks sideways in the name of diversity. But well, that’s also a discussion for another day 😅
Thanks as always for reading and commenting Andy! I totally agree with you that people use religion as a justification of music censorship and other far more dangerous purposes. I hadn’t realized that Saudi Arabia had been photoshopping album covers but I’m definitely not surprised.
Thanks for your comments on how I framed the reclaiming of language. I tried to be clear and concise and not too controversial. It’s a topic that can make some uncomfortable.
In terms of religious extremism fueling atrocities, no specific major religion holds the monopoly on that. Just about all of the religions, or at least those that claim to act on behalf of their religion, have committed and continue to commit terrible acts. I’m certainly not one to give a pass to anyone that acts in this manner but I don’t disagree that some people do seem to give a pass when it suits their narrative.
Always a pleasure to read! Yep, I do believe that more often than not it’s all rooted in religion. Sad, though, because despite not being religious myself, I respect the fact people may find comfort or solace in their beliefs. It’s problematic, however, when they try to condition society to their norms, and even more reprehensible when they use force.
Having read my fair share of sociolinguistics volumes at uni, I think your summary is great because it captures the very essence of what many try to explain using convoluted words (and not getting their message across).
I also condemn all forms of religious extremism and I agree with you some people turn a blind eye when convenient (from all sides and colours of the political spectrum).
So sad that something spiritual should end up fuelling extremism but here we are — so many wars throughout history and even now as we write this. Hopefully someday things will improve but sadly I’m not holding my breath.
Thanks again for a great read and interesting exchange!
I remember those days all too well, and have excoriated the PMRC at MotD a couple of times. And I have loads of "filthy" songs I like, but the only two the radio station in my mind is serving up at present are predictable:
Thanks Jackie. Not familiar with either track, enjoyed them both. Music videos were something else in the 80s, that Judas Priest video was a good reminder of the available effects and production values back then
Love this so much!! Huge fan of Cyndi Lauper and I recently unearthed my vinyl copy of Like a Virgin! I had totally forgotten about Sheena Easton!!
Love Missy Elliot’s Work It. Also, was a huge fan of Khia’s My Neck, My Back! I got banned from playing music for playing that one at my younger brother’s wedding after party in the motel room!
I like all of the songs you mention! My favorite is probably "In My House." I have great memories associated with it! In terms of other "filthy" songs the one that comes to mind is also by Vanity: "Pretty Mess." Love it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t3E3nvksO4
Thanks Dan! The Vanity track was the one artist/song on my list that I’d never heard before. “Pretty Mess” was an entertaining video, lots of double entendres and unmistakable imagery (the champagne exploding was great). It was a lot of fun, thanks for sharing!
One issue I have with the music industry and sexuality at present: Album covers featuring scantily clad women that are no better than the exploitation of women in the 70s (Top of the Pops compilations and more, featuring a model in a tiny bikini). These days such covers are presented as ‘empowerment’ but are nothing more than ‘sex sells’. And of course that pressure to use sex to sell impacts the music too.
Yes, this is nothing new but it’s a sign we’re not progressing.
In the 80s it was ‘girl power’ and the Spice Girls. Where’s the power when they were manipulated by male management?
Finally - yes, I was around in the Reagan trigger warning era. It was ridiculous then and seems even more so now.
Love that you’ve given a historical perspective with those historic blues songs. Those were empowering. Capitalism always takes over though.
Thanks Ian. I think this idea of ‘empowerment’ vs ‘exploitation’ comes down to the exercise of agency and whose choice it is to have themselves depicted in a certain manner. It’s undeniable that imagery in the 70s and 80s was exploitative in that it was designed by men to sell sex. Nowadays I think it’s more nuanced. If a female artist has control over her image and how it’s used and if/how/when she can exert her sexuality I think it’s not for me to judge. Not saying that women aren’t still being exploited today in a ‘sex sells’ sort of way but I think it happens a lot less than it used to.
Lots to unpack here.
In many cases, much of this puritanical censorship of music is deeply rooted in religion. Saudi Arabia, for example, is known for photoshopping female artists’ album covers as soon as they show a bit of skin below the head:
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=14f1bb877078fccd&hl=en-gb&q=saudi+album+covers+mariah&udm=2&fbs=ABzOT_CWdhQLP1FcmU5B0fn3xuWpA-dk4wpBWOGsoR7DG5zJBkzPWUS0OtApxR2914vrjk4ZqZZ4I2IkJifuoUeV0iQt1uortC3ar_w-QplxoC-7plla-IjYVHg0K4JVQal3-g-FOSEukDwbDcR4zflR5TsrwTGeQDp_7CztkxXIW1pyn2QUM_20F9GPkkHz1-z_OqkGrMF_oA_NpMcazEB0BJb_bYYBLg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiC5LXqzrSLAxXyUkEAHejuLg0QtKgLegQIEhAB&biw=390&bih=661&dpr=3
As a linguist, I loved how you elaborated on the reclaiming of offensive terms by marginalised groups. This is spot on and you’ve summarised it very well in my view.
It makes the whole free/hate speech conundrum even thornier, but agree it’s a discussion for another day.
I just felt it was important to point out that censorship of artists is not exclusive to Christianity / the Christian right. Women and gays are stoned to death as a matter of course in muslim countries while the liberal left more often than not looks sideways in the name of diversity. But well, that’s also a discussion for another day 😅
Great post as always!
Thanks as always for reading and commenting Andy! I totally agree with you that people use religion as a justification of music censorship and other far more dangerous purposes. I hadn’t realized that Saudi Arabia had been photoshopping album covers but I’m definitely not surprised.
Thanks for your comments on how I framed the reclaiming of language. I tried to be clear and concise and not too controversial. It’s a topic that can make some uncomfortable.
In terms of religious extremism fueling atrocities, no specific major religion holds the monopoly on that. Just about all of the religions, or at least those that claim to act on behalf of their religion, have committed and continue to commit terrible acts. I’m certainly not one to give a pass to anyone that acts in this manner but I don’t disagree that some people do seem to give a pass when it suits their narrative.
Always a pleasure to read! Yep, I do believe that more often than not it’s all rooted in religion. Sad, though, because despite not being religious myself, I respect the fact people may find comfort or solace in their beliefs. It’s problematic, however, when they try to condition society to their norms, and even more reprehensible when they use force.
Having read my fair share of sociolinguistics volumes at uni, I think your summary is great because it captures the very essence of what many try to explain using convoluted words (and not getting their message across).
I also condemn all forms of religious extremism and I agree with you some people turn a blind eye when convenient (from all sides and colours of the political spectrum).
So sad that something spiritual should end up fuelling extremism but here we are — so many wars throughout history and even now as we write this. Hopefully someday things will improve but sadly I’m not holding my breath.
Thanks again for a great read and interesting exchange!
I remember those days all too well, and have excoriated the PMRC at MotD a couple of times. And I have loads of "filthy" songs I like, but the only two the radio station in my mind is serving up at present are predictable:
Judas Priest "Turbo Lover" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhY9GOhFwN4
Van Halen "Black and Blue" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulWjBFJ48Dc
Thanks Jackie. Not familiar with either track, enjoyed them both. Music videos were something else in the 80s, that Judas Priest video was a good reminder of the available effects and production values back then
That's a diplomatic way of putting it! I had to stop watching, as the urge to laugh was distracting me from the great music.
Love this so much!! Huge fan of Cyndi Lauper and I recently unearthed my vinyl copy of Like a Virgin! I had totally forgotten about Sheena Easton!!
Love Missy Elliot’s Work It. Also, was a huge fan of Khia’s My Neck, My Back! I got banned from playing music for playing that one at my younger brother’s wedding after party in the motel room!
Oooh, and also got yelled at by my daughter a lot for playing Lizzo’s Tempo (ft Missy Elliot)
I like all of the songs you mention! My favorite is probably "In My House." I have great memories associated with it! In terms of other "filthy" songs the one that comes to mind is also by Vanity: "Pretty Mess." Love it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t3E3nvksO4
Thanks Dan! The Vanity track was the one artist/song on my list that I’d never heard before. “Pretty Mess” was an entertaining video, lots of double entendres and unmistakable imagery (the champagne exploding was great). It was a lot of fun, thanks for sharing!
I have the 12 inch of this one!
Great post Mark!!!!!
Thanks Chris!