“Rock and Roll is a Man’s World.”
Are you wondering why I am writing about rock and roll on the Women in Biz blog? Well, over the weekend, I was watching a movie about the rise of Joan Jett’s career in a movie called “The Runaways” with Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart.
The movie got me thinking about a few things.
1. Sexism – What struck me the most while I was watching the movie were the feelings of shock I felt towards the sexism and discrimination Joan faced while trying to realize her dream to form an “all girl rock band”. I couldn’t believe that biases over music existed in the early eighties and indicated that men controlled rock and roll.
Joan could not even find an electric guitar teacher because she was a “girl”. She was self taught (or so it seemed). Throughout the movie it is driven home to me (and obviously the band) that ROCK”N”ROLL was a MAN’S world.
It forced me to reflect on how hard it must be to follow your dream when you are faced with discrimination and sexism. I have to say that I was lucky, by the time I was looking for a job I never felt that my being a woman ever effected my chances with any job I was pursuing. I remember looking “young” did – but that is another story.
2. Use of Sex to Sell Your Product – These girls were taught and exploited at a young age to learn how to turn their product into a sexual energy on stage. Made me think – Do we feel pressure as women entrepreneurs to “brand” ourselves to look a certain way? Do our choices impact our success?
I felt protective of these girls in the movie, I wanted to see their band work out. I was sad that it didn’t but in the end Joan Jett followed her dream and didn’t give up. She went on to sing one of my favourite tween songs “I love Rock and Roll”.
So I guess that is the lesson in all of this ———> NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS.
Here is a trailer from The Runaways and Joan singing ” I love rock and roll” for good old times.
I love Joan Jett, too. And her dedication and perseverance helped her realize her dream. Go ladies who rock! (and that doesn't only mean in music!)
Hi Cynthia – I know I love her too. I remember rocking out to her when I was a tweet and thinking she was so cool. Now knowing more about what she did to accomplish her success makes it even more interesting. Yes we girls do rock!