A New Anti-Feminist Rap On MTV Hustle Takes Internalised Misogyny To Another Level

On MTV's newest venture, MTV Hustle a female rapper bashed feminism in her song. It's 2019, do we still need to defend feminism?

A recent song by female rapper Star Nick on MTV Hustle peddles all the usual stereotypes about feminism. It’s 2019, do we still need to defend feminism?

Opposition to feminism is not new. Though it is gaining ground now with the aid of social media, this anti-feminist rant has existed since the start of the movement.

Those who say that equality is not well-practiced and brings out the anti-feminists, sorry, I cannot take your argument. Hatred towards feminism is blatant misogyny and misogyny hasn’t faded.

It is rather unfortunate to see that a number of women with internalised misogyny are taking it to another level.

I recently, came across this video that made me realise that mini-blogging on Twitter wouldn’t suffice for everything I want to say.

This song from MTV’s newest venture MTV Hustle, makes me wonder if it’s just a misunderstanding about feminism. Or if it is a new trend that I see, among some women, to earn fame?

After all, misogyny sells very well.

Coming to some of the concerning lines in the song, let me bust the fallacy with some reality.

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Inke (Feminism ke) haath janta hai

(“The public is in the hands of feminists”).

Really? Then Kathua, Bandipora, Unnao and several others would not have remained as hashtags for justice. And the nun from Kerala would have got justice by now.

#MeToo pe jhooth bolu toh chalta hai

(“It’s okay even if we lie under the guise of #MeToo.”)

The cases that couldn’t be proved don’t mean all women lie. Several men too, voiced their trauma and shared their survival stories through #MeToo. But, anti-feminists won’t see, because they have already decided. Yes?

Dowry ke ilzaam mein jhooth bolu chalta hai

(“I can falsely blame my in-laws about dowry.”)

Some women lying doesn’t mean feminism teaches us to misuse law; their families and lawyers do. This particular line from the lyrics has insulted several women who face dowry-related atrocities at home.

Ponder.

Ghar pe baithu toh chalta hai

(“I can stay at home and it’ll be fine.”)

Well, no feminists will tell their men to go fetch the bread while they sit comfortably at home. Feminism is all about helping women create their own identity in their own niche. Feminism creates women who take charge.

A number of women give up their jobs with utter heartbreak as they have a failing support system at home.

This song mocks their sacrifices. Show some empathy.

Who is responsible?

MTV Hustle is responsible for the content of their show. However, blaming feminism is the new low.

I wonder, how can someone bring in mention of Sati in a song on feminism? Sati is patriarchal. And defines everything that has been practiced in the name of patriarchy as feminism. Thus hurting many.

Feminism and distorted knowledge about it

In my personal opinion, with a distorted knowledge about feminism, this song is a complete mismatch. I believe so because a dig on feminism, helpless women, women who lie, women flirting and Sati cannot come together.

One who thinks that feminism is needed to make women strong, then you must know that women are already strong, but the generations kept telling us that we are not. Feminism is essential to stop this societal lie. The song says feminism teaches women to be weak, but the ‘helpless women’ trope has been the game zone of patriarchs.

It takes rare courage by men, to see woman be woman with her whole potential and not as a threat. My respect for those men.

Feminism is not a new thing in India

We have a history of empowered women, from Durga to Rani Lakshmi Bai. And we also worship the epitome of the most feminist man that history ever witnessed, Lord Shiva. Need I say more?

Unless people change their perception, they will find a flaw in feminism. Yet it will rise through resistance.

Hail feminism!

Before I conclude, I must remind you girls, never to forget the sacrifices of women, both nameless and the known few, on whose shoulders we stand today to give this free speech.

There was a time, when leave aside speaking, even women who thought differently were punished. And some even killed in the name of witchcraft because, they reasoned, they questioned and they had an opinion.

Do not tell me that this has been the story of a bygone era. It’s just some 200 years back, and we must learn from history.

Quoting some lines from the song,  “Ladkiyan apna hi nahi, poore desh ka sammaan badhati hain!” (Girls bring honour to a country, not just to themselves).

Well, the onus is not just on women, but on men as well. Every citizen with self-respect does enhance the country’s glory!

Your call.

Picture credits: Screenshot from MTV Hustle’s episode of the anti-feminist rap

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RajaShree

Being born with Flower AND Fire; I belong to the league of women, both Feminine AND Fierce. Don't tell me how girls can be either this or that; I know how to wear both read more...

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