Christian,
Your statement that such derogatory slurs against women are “a part of the vocabulary” and that “nothing is going to change anytime soon” both condones and reinforces verbal abuse against women. It is extremely difficult to look beyond words like “bitches,” “sluts,” and “whores” to get to the deeper meaning behind Immortal Technique’s lyrics because the language used excludes my participation in them. Although it may be easy for you to overlook such things, as a woman and as a person, I cannot help but be offended, regardless of whether or not I like other aspects of his music. You have a valid point that Immortal Technique has the right to speak freely, but by not questioning the negative impact of his words, you are actively participating in the oppression of women. Free speech gives you the right to express how you feel, but it doesn’t mean that other people cannot challenge what you say, especially when the words themselves possess the power to hurt. Although you didn’t utter them, by defending sexist lyrics without question and without much thought, you assert their validity. Instead of trying to displace the blame on Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, maybe you should proofread your own politics.
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