The #MeToo movement has shined a light on abuse and harassment in the workplace in almost every industry within the past year, but one industry that’s been glaringly quiet is the rap industry. So why isn’t Hip Hop having its own #MeToo moment?
Rap has traditionally been male dominated, not unlike many other industries. However, in the film and television industry, when a woman comes forward with allegations, she gains support from other male and females power players from within her industry. The same cannot be said for women who come forward with allegations against those in the rap industry. We see how gender dynamics play a role, but there’s more to it. Is it a matter of race? Or an issue of power structures?
SOURCES
Why Black Women Can’t Say #MeToo
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/15/opinion/russell-simmons-black-women-metoo.html
Why the Music Industry Hasn’t Had Its #MeToo Moment
https://www.wired.com/story/music-industry-me-too/
The Long Struggle Against Sexual Harassment at Work
https://www.kqed.org/lowdown/29228/timeline-a-short-history-of-the-long-fight-against-sexual-harassment