Female-bodied Manifestors.

I saw Dave Chapelle's Block Party yesterday (directed by the delightful Michel Gondry)

-->(Be sure to read this with a French accent: "I always hated pretentious commercials and videos before I started directing, not following the typical and saying that people are all fashion. It has always been my goal to make people feel alright when they watch my work."-Michel Gondry)

and it was a spiritual experience. I am surprised to say that it truly helped me to renew a sense of hope for humanity. People might really be GOOD afterall.

I laughed, I cried, I felt it. It was so beautiful, life was...celebrated. I was blown away by Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, thier strength and passion is catching, they were just magnetic. They can sing like nobody, but they are true and real role models as well. I had great respect for Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill's choice of wardrobe too, they looked beautiful and strong without having to use thier bodies to attract attention, empowering stuff. I also really appreciated the performances by The Roots, Mos Def and Common.

Saying that, today I was interested to read "Pink takes on "Stupid Girls"" over at Feministing.com.

I guess people are concerned that while Pink's over all message is brave and needed, the term "Stupid Girls" is too negative. Personally, I can completely relate to having animosity to 'those kinds of girls'. I think Pink did a great job of protraying that while societal norms are frustrating and pervasive, we are inexorably part of the system. I am frustrated with society's focus on appearance but I also cannot rid myself of the desire to be beautiful. Another one of those damaging dualisms.

This seems like a good time to give acknowledgement to some of the women who are being themselves and breaking stereotypes in the music industry today (disclaimer: this list is by no means exhaustive).

Erykah Badu

Peaches

Kate Bush

Feist (Leslie Fiest)

Jill Scott

Bjork

Joanna Newsome

Imogen Heap

PJ Harvey

Rock on ladies!

more to come?