For this segment we want to ask you a rock related question and have you answer it in the comments section below! We will also give our own thoughts that you can discuss with us.
Question
How has gender shaped rock culture?
Fox’s Thoughts
Boy oh boy where on earth am I going to start with this one…
Masculinity
Rock music, and because of that the culture that it aligns with has been seen as aggressive, rebellious and has often glorified masculinity. In general I feel that while male musicians have often been celebrated for being authentic rebels, while their female counterparts have had to work harder to prove their legitimacy.
Women In Rock
I think early on the women in rock Janis Jopin, Patti Smith, Joan Jett etc broke this gender stereotype by not only embracing the raw vocals side of rock but also the use of sexual agency. Women unfortunately in rock have had to downplay femininity in order to be taken seriously. Something that to be honest is appalling. Having to work harder to “Make it” has made some amazing female rockers though!
Sexuality & Image
There is no getting away from that rock music has sexualised females, almost marketing them as a spectacle, while instead judging men based on pure artistic talent.
Artists Who Are More Fluid With Their Gender
Directly challenging the heteronormative codes to the rock keys, acts like Prince, David Bowie etc helped I feel by blurring the lines. Subgenres like Glam and punk also helped with this by mainly destabilizing the traditional rock as masculine.
Why Punk?
Punk opened the doors for acts like Siouxsie Sioux, as well as later in the 90’s where the feminism movement kicked into full gear combining music with values.
Overall Thoughts
There is no getting away from that gender has shaped rock culture. Thankfully we are moving away from the archaic view that rock must be done by butch masculine men… Who obviously can still take part and have their place but rock music is more open to EVERYONE that ever before and to be honest I feel like it is much better for it.
Fox Reviews Rock 
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