“Doo Wop (That Thing)” In the past, and still to this day, women have often succumbed to the idea of sexual objectification. Sexual objectification is the idea of seeing and/or treating a person, usually women, as objects. This segues into men disrespecting women by desiring them solely for their bodies, often negating that they are individuals with personalities, and emotions. Lauryn Hill highlights the visibility of women’s sexuality to demonstrate the way that image often undermines worth. Lauryn Hill demonstrates how women often intentionally present themselves in a sexual way when she expresses, “Showing off your ass cause you’re thinking it’s a trend / Girlfriend, let me break it down for you again / You know I only say it cause
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Hill indicates this truth when she says, “Don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem / Baby girl, respect is just a minimum / Niggas fucked up and you still defending ‘em” (16-18) A “rock” can connote both a piece of the Earth that is not unique or valued or a person that is “hard” or not persuaded easily. Here, “rock” is used in place of women who are not special or stand out in away way, and one who is not persuaded by others. A precious stone that is valued by its owner and usually hard to find or keep, is known as a “gem.” Women are generally referred to “gems” when they are one of a kind, and a man keeps them around for more than just sexual relations. Hill is expressing to women of color that they do not need to be treated like just another person, and that each individual is unique and worthy of standing out among others. The term “respect” is commonly understood as a regard for others’ feelings, wishes, or rights, such as being treated fairly or equally. Hill is articulating here that each woman should “respect” herself, and not to accept disrespect from others. “Defending” is the protection of another person by resisting an attack on them, whether it be verbally, physically, mentally, or emotionally. There is a bad connotation with African-American couples being involved in …show more content…
Hill epitomizes the idea of misapprehension of women when she renders “’Member when he told you he was ‘bout the Benjamins? / You act like you ain’t hear him, then give him a little trim” (3-4). “Benjamins,” albeit being a popular children’s name, is referencing the one hundred dollar bill that displays a photo of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin on the front. Contextually, men verbally inform women that they are merely concerned with money and status. These men are under the impression that their financial and social statuses are the principle tools in order to impress women. To “hear” is defined as verbally being told, informed, or aware of something. These women, to whom Hill speaks, are aware of the condition of the relationship, but act as if they are unknowing of the situation. Due to the women’s inferior au fait of the relationship, they proceed to associate with these apathetic men. “Trim” is synonymous for the cutting away of unwanted parts, usually pertaining to hair. The slang term “trim” commonly alludes to the female genitalia, usually groomed for the pleasure of the partner. This indicates that women still have sexual relations with men, who are uninterested being with them for more than just
Hill indicates this truth when she says, “Don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem / Baby girl, respect is just a minimum / Niggas fucked up and you still defending ‘em” (16-18) A “rock” can connote both a piece of the Earth that is not unique or valued or a person that is “hard” or not persuaded easily. Here, “rock” is used in place of women who are not special or stand out in away way, and one who is not persuaded by others. A precious stone that is valued by its owner and usually hard to find or keep, is known as a “gem.” Women are generally referred to “gems” when they are one of a kind, and a man keeps them around for more than just sexual relations. Hill is expressing to women of color that they do not need to be treated like just another person, and that each individual is unique and worthy of standing out among others. The term “respect” is commonly understood as a regard for others’ feelings, wishes, or rights, such as being treated fairly or equally. Hill is articulating here that each woman should “respect” herself, and not to accept disrespect from others. “Defending” is the protection of another person by resisting an attack on them, whether it be verbally, physically, mentally, or emotionally. There is a bad connotation with African-American couples being involved in …show more content…
Hill epitomizes the idea of misapprehension of women when she renders “’Member when he told you he was ‘bout the Benjamins? / You act like you ain’t hear him, then give him a little trim” (3-4). “Benjamins,” albeit being a popular children’s name, is referencing the one hundred dollar bill that displays a photo of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin on the front. Contextually, men verbally inform women that they are merely concerned with money and status. These men are under the impression that their financial and social statuses are the principle tools in order to impress women. To “hear” is defined as verbally being told, informed, or aware of something. These women, to whom Hill speaks, are aware of the condition of the relationship, but act as if they are unknowing of the situation. Due to the women’s inferior au fait of the relationship, they proceed to associate with these apathetic men. “Trim” is synonymous for the cutting away of unwanted parts, usually pertaining to hair. The slang term “trim” commonly alludes to the female genitalia, usually groomed for the pleasure of the partner. This indicates that women still have sexual relations with men, who are uninterested being with them for more than just