With the help of women on Twitter, a music critic has shed light on an uglier aspect of the industry she works in.
Jessica Hopper, music and culture critic and senior editor at Pitchfork, sparked a conversation on Twitter when she asked women and “other marginalized folks” among her almost 28,000 followers when they first felt like they “didn’t ‘count'” in the music industry.
Gals/other marginalized folks: what was your 1st brush (in music industry, journalism, scene) w/ idea that you didn’t “count”?
— Jessica Hopper (@jesshopp) August 24, 2015
What came after was a disturbing look at what women face in the industry as Twitter users shared their experiences of sexism and misogyny. Many who are musicians, journalists, photographers and crew members explained that they were often not taken seriously and frequently mistaken for groupies or girlfriends.
@jesshopp Being asked to leave backstage (with my toddler in tow) because girlfriends weren’t allowed. I was in the band.
— Caroline Brooks (@carobeelove) August 26, 2015
@jesshopp loading a band out of the venue I worked at as a PA, a guitarist asked in front of my whole crew, “Who are you, someone’s sister?”
— Lauren Maslen (@LoMaslen) August 26, 2015
@jesshopp not being allowed backstage because security thought I was a “groupie.” I was there to do an interview for a magazine.
— Sarah (@SarahGreyrose) August 26, 2015
@jesshopp i was photographing a band in their green room and someone from the venue’s crew asked me which band member i was sleeping with.
— lisa czech (@lisa_czech) August 26, 2015
Others highlighted the crude comments and casual sexism they experienced on a daily basis.
@jesshopp When a man I was interviewing said to me “I hope your writing is as good as your tits”
— rachel syme (@rachsyme) August 25, 2015
@jesshopp I wore a skirt while speaking on a panel & a guy approached me after & said he noticed that I had “obviously gone for a sexy look”
— Katie Bain (@bainofyrexstnce) August 26, 2015
@jesshopp another: interned @ big music mag, freq. asked to stop working to cover receptionist desk during lunch; male interns rarely asked
— alyssa pereira (@alyspereira) August 25, 2015
The most unsettling examples of misogyny came from Twitter users who bravely spoke up about being sexually assaulted, and the troubling reactions they received afterwards.
.@jesshopp Was sexually assaulted on tour when I was TM. Told the band who said, “I don’t know what you were expecting, coming on the road.”
— Cat Jones (@catjonessoda) August 27, 2015
@jesshopp Was hassled/not allowed in until I “proved” my knowledge of the scene/bands. Occasionally assaulted/groped once “allowed” inside.
— Reva Rose-Wood (@GIRLEMPOWER) August 27, 2015
@jesshopp sexually assaulted while shooting at a venue, then having the guard tell me “I was standing In the wrong section” (I was press)
— mmm (@thirdgrey) August 26, 2015
Though the majority of the responses highlighted sexism in the music and journalism industries, Hopper’s tweet also motivated others to share their experience with sexism in other fields and with racial stereotypes. Since receiving so much feedback, Hopper has shifted the conversation and asked women about their accomplishments in the music industry and other fields using the hashtag #WomenInMusic.
#WomeninMusic: what accomplishment in music industry/journo/scene are you most proud of?
— Jessica Hopper (@jesshopp) August 27, 2015
@jesshopp Being one of the few women in Brooklyn to promote shows. #Womeninmusic
— Amy Grimm (@Grimmone35) August 27, 2015
@jesshopp getting my dream internship at my favorite record label
— Kelly Longaker (@kellyquackquack) August 27, 2015
@jesshopp Being the sole owner and creator of all my businesses and never having to do it “his” way
— Sargent House (@sargenthouse) August 27, 2015
Considering the obstacles they overcame for these accomplishments, these women deserve a round of applause.
H/T Newsweek
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