Pearl Jam and feminism

danika_bookworm

I've always thought of PJ as male feminists... Don't know if that's politically correct...

Even though we could say that they are feminists, they are able to write songs about their love for women without raising them (us, actually) on an unnecesary pedestal (unnecessary pedestals are problematic: we women are forced to act in a way that would please men because, after all, they have put us in a position where each of our moves will be subject to scrutiny!).

Another thing, PJ songs give room for the listeners' reactions and sequels...

Ms. Haiku

Bu2 wrote:

Being a 41 year old female fan of Pearl Jam, since 10 came out, I agree that the band seems very pro-women and the lyrics sure do reflect that. When I first heard Daughter I cried. It felt like my story. My mother's story. Why Go Home, as well. Ed's lyrics are all-encompassing. It's one of the reasons I love this band so much.

That said, yes, I think Ed is a very handsome man, but it's not his looks that move me. He's got his life, his personal life, and it belongs to him and I think it would be a shame to start talking about him as if he's on the cover of a Teen magazine.

It's his voice, his words, his choice of battles that he takes on. It's the band and how they've stayed together and made music that moves my heart and soul. That's why I'm here. Not because of Ed alone, but because of the music that PJ creates and shares with us. I can't think of any other band today that makes me feel this way.

I'm right there with you on this mindset. It's the band's collective courage, and their out-of-the-world concerts that keep me coming back. I'm totally on the same wavelength as you

mumi

Bu2 wrote:

Being a 41 year old female fan of Pearl Jam, since 10 came out, I agree that the band seems very pro-women and the lyrics sure do reflect that. When I first heard Daughter I cried. It felt like my story. My mother's story. Why Go Home, as well. Ed's lyrics are all-encompassing. It's one of the reasons I love this band so much.

That said, yes, I think Ed is a very handsome man, but it's not his looks that move me. He's got his life, his personal life, and it belongs to him and I think it would be a shame to start talking about him as if he's on the cover of a Teen magazine.

It's his voice, his words, his choice of battles that he takes on. It's the band and how they've stayed together and made music that moves my heart and soul. That's why I'm here. Not because of Ed alone, but because of the music that PJ creates and shares with us. I can't think of any other band today that makes me feel this way.

Loved the way you were able to express how I feel, Now I wont need to write in english, it's pretty difficult to me...
One thing I wanna add...I think it's not about the band being feminist or anything like that...I think it's all about being Sensitive...I think it's because they, or eddie (I really cant say), are really able to empathize with other people....And that, obviusly, includes women.

Righteous Jammer

I dance naked to Pearl Jam.. Hail Hail to all the powerful women!

crislx

Yes, there's empathy and respect for women, I always felt that.
I was amazed, back in 92, when I saw Eddie write "Pro-choice" on his arm at the MTV Unplugged show, specially because, back where I come from, you are not aloud to "choose". You are aloud to flee to Spain to do so, or to have it "fixed" in a basement, Vera Drake's stile.
Along with strong political beliefs, Ed weaves wonderfull female portraits. "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter" is a perfect Edward Hopper painting. Imagine what it is for a 29 year old guy to write about one minute in a 60 year old woman's life...
"Betterman" could be a song about my mother,"Breakerfall" about my best friend. "Bee Girl" is my baby sister, a conversation my grandmother once had with me.
Male, female... it really doesn't matter, if you have a good story to tell.

And tomorrow night I'll see them live in Lisbon, after 6 years waiting.