Words to Make a Difference: School Disco Music

I often send emails to people when I am concerned about something that is happening, when I want to point something out that is not right, or feel that my words may make a difference in the world.  I have decided that I am going to start publishing emails like this on my blog.  This is in the hope that perhaps someone reading my blog may be in the same situation and me, and reading my words may help them make the time/energy available to send a similar letter.  Small steps to social change!

(I am going through my archives, and this letter was sent to a Principal of a primary school following Robin Thicke's song 'Blurred Lines' being played at a junior school disco (children aged 5 - 7) last year.)

Dear [Principal],
 
First of all, thanks so much to you and the teachers for spending your Friday night entertaining children!  You time is really appreciated.
 
I just wanted to comment on some of the music played at the disco tonight. I realise it is an issue I am hyper-sensitive to, given my line of work, but I think it is an important issue that needs to be addressed. (The portrayal of sex and sexuality in music is one of the topics I speak about in seminars).
 
This week there has been quite a bit of media attention given to Robin Thicke’s song ‘Blurred Lines’, (and the parody of it done by the Auckland Law Review) and it has widely been described as a song supporting rape culture, sexist attitudes and as being overwhelmingly misogynistic.  I was therefore very surprised when it was played at the junior school disco this evening. This is the song here.  
 
Watching five year olds dance to the lines “I'll give you something big enough to tear your ass in two” left me feeling deeply uncomfortable.
 
Others will sum it up the issues in this song far more eloquently than me – in particular this article. 
 
Children should not be exposed to music that they are not capable of critically deconstructing.  We discuss many things in our home, but [my five year old son] is not ready for a discussion on rape culture.   I know that some people will say “the kids don’t understand the lyrics anyway”. However if we send the message that this song is OK now, how do we then tell them it isn't right when they do understand? 
 
I propose that for future events, all songs are thoroughly vetted before going on the playlist.
 
Kind regards,
 
Rachel Hansen

* The Principal responded immediately, agreeing with my concerns.  

The delightful Robin Thicke blowing smoke into the face of one of his sex-slaves.