by Melody Andrews
During the conversation with hip hop pioneers at Cornell University, “Dr.” Roxanne Shante said something that basically struck me as odd. When she began to discuss her ideas on getting young girls more interested in education than settling for being video girls, she said that video makers (directors, rappers, etc.) should require that those individuals who would like to appear in a video have at least two years of college to do so. The audience applauded in agreement to Shante’s opinion. But I just couldn’t move myself to jump on that band wagon for a few reasons.
Yes, I do agree with Shante on the basis that higher education is important. I also agree that rap music and videos romanticizes the video girl lifestyle. She’s right, there are no mansions or expensive vacations and shopping sprees for most video models. And yes far too many little girls are looking at the TV seeing 106& Park and thinking “Ahh, that’s the life” or “I wanna be like her when I grow up.” So yes it is a problem that should be addressed and reversed, however I don’t quite agree with her suggested method.
Sure requiring those applicants for a position in a video to have college credits could increase those young ladies who are interested to enroll in college courses, but at what cost? Being a video girl, most times does not require using what you’ve learned in World Lit or Organic Chemistry or any other college coursework to get the job done. Having an education also does not eliminate the misogynistic attitude toward women in today’s hip hop. The girls could have all the education in the world and still be referred to as a hoe, trick or bitch. So you go to school to be objectified and demeaned by a guy or group of guys in front of a camera while you’re wearing something that leaves little to nothing to the imagination (I think Shante said something to the effect of “Don’t be the GED hoe when you can be the PhD hoe”) Yea that makes lots of sense…
Maybe Shante was suggesting it in hopes that more young women will get an education and want more than what that lifestyle has to offer. I’m not quite sure, but in reality that plan probably wouldn’t work. There are far too many production companies, mainstream and independent, to streamline policies and procedures for video girl casting. What about the small time artist that does an open casting call or shoots in a club with any girls who show up? Should the same standards be expected? What is more important in my opinion, is empowerment and self-esteem. If we inform young girls that they don’t have to look a certain way or dress scantily to get love, attention or recognition maybe the video vixen phenomenon will fade away and girls will seek education and better opportunities outside of that arena.
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