Things to do with the “F” word
-The ironic and unruly adventures of Liz Phair and Courtney Love
“Rather, such seemingly outrageous, yet also unruly and ironic play with, and on, female sexuality via various verbal and often embodied twists on words like “slut”, “bitch”, “chick” and “whore” have now become staples of third wave feminists. Ironic serious play with the norms that regulate femininity and female sexuality have now been thoroughly disseminated into the mainstream via the looks and likes of grunge, punk, pop such as Liz Phair and Courtney Love.”
Within this article, the idea of irony as a social mechanism of communication between masculinity and femininity. This is portrayed through Liz Phair and Courtney Love who use word by play to not only shock their intended audiences, but also reiterate that women can succeed in a male dominated art form. This is evident in Liz Phair’s song “Blow Job Queen” as the lyrics hold some form of ambiguouty; although the initial meaning may be quite profane, an ironic meaning can be perceived, especially when Phair quotes that she had been “dicked” around for years.
This article highlights that women are becoming empowered by their words through the rock ‘n roll culture. Robyn Diner, the composer of this text, quotes: “the ironic and unruly displays associated with these musicians do not merely wreak havoc on the norms of appropriate femininity, the good girl/bad girl binary and straight female sexuality-they also reek of risk.”
-Ellie
