The landscape of mainstream rock music is often debated, with many questioning its current prominence in popular culture. While exploring this topic, one might stumble upon bands like Kings of Leon as potential torchbearers of anthemic rock. However, a deeper dive into the charts reveals a more complex, and at times, troubling picture. Instead of lamenting the scarcity of rock bands, a far more pressing issue emerges with the presence of songs like “Porn Star Dancing” by My Darkest Days. This track, charting within the Billboard Hot 100, throws a stark light on the undercurrent of misogyny that persists within the genre and broader music industry.
It’s hard to ignore the sheer sonic weight of “Porn Star Dancing” amidst the pop-dominated charts. Featuring a guest guitar solo by Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society, the song is undeniably heavy, driven by power chords and a forceful rhythm section. Yet, beneath the hard rock veneer lies lyrical content that objectifies women. Frontman Matt Walst’s verses revolve around pole dancing and a preference for women devoid of “baggage or scruples,” painting a picture that is both reductive and demeaning. The music video, set in a Las Vegas nightclub, visually reinforces these sexist themes, creating a package that is jarringly out of step with contemporary conversations around gender equality.
The discovery and signing of My Darkest Days by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger adds another layer to this narrative. Kroeger’s own lyrical contribution to “Porn Star Dancing” further amplifies the song’s offensive nature. Lines like, “Stacy’s gonna save herself for marriage / But that’s just not my style / She’s got a pair that’s nice to stare at / But I want girls gone wild,” are overtly crass and contribute to a culture of disrespect towards women. This collaboration underscores a concerning trend where established figures in rock music not only tolerate but actively promote such content.
Misogyny in music is not a new phenomenon. Hip-hop has often been cited as a genre where objectification is prevalent, with examples like Trey Songz’s “Bottoms Up” and YG’s “Toot It and Boot It” readily available. However, rock music is far from innocent. Artists like Kid Rock and Buckcherry have long histories of incorporating sexist themes into their work. The fact that “Porn Star Dancing” feels unsurprising within this context is precisely the problem. It highlights a normalization of sexual objectification within pop music that is not afforded to other forms of entertainment.
Imagine a film or novel that shamelessly exploits strippers and scantily clad women to the same degree as the “Porn Star Dancing” music video. It would likely be met with widespread outrage and critical condemnation. Similarly, if artists like Trey Songz or My Darkest Days expressed the views espoused in their songs directly in a talk show interview, public reaction would likely be one of shock and disapproval. Yet, when these messages are packaged with a catchy beat and melody, they are often met with a different response. The visceral appeal of music can override intellectual objections, leading to a passive acceptance of problematic content.
This tolerance raises questions about societal values. While progress has been made in promoting gender equality across various sectors, music seems to remain a space where outdated and offensive attitudes persist. The normalization of misogyny in popular songs can contribute to a broader societal apathy towards objectification and disrespect of women. It’s crucial to critically examine the messages embedded within the music we consume and challenge the notion that a catchy rhythm can excuse harmful content.
It’s time to move beyond the acceptance of “porn star dancing” narratives and other forms of musical misogyny. While music can be a powerful form of entertainment and self-expression, it should not come at the cost of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and objectifying women. Let us strive to celebrate music that promotes respect, diversity, and genuine artistic expression, rather than giving in to the “darkest days” of cultural attitudes that should be firmly relegated to the past. By engaging critically with the music we listen to, we can contribute to a more equitable and respectful cultural landscape.
