Jessie Loy 2-8-2013 4:11am Gender Inequality

Jessie Loy
2-8-2013
4:11am

This week I found a something a little more positive about gender inequality. A Miami high school senior who had been bullied as a female decided to speak out and raise awareness. She did so, however, through a very different way. She has started to make songs about speaking out against violence and having power in your voice. She has gotten together with some of her peers to collaborate on songs as well as touring to different schools to preform these songs. Abuse and bullying are common issues with young girls as well as young men. I think the idea of using music as a means of sending out a positive message is wonderful. For the age group that Rachel is trying to reach, music is very effective. Rachel her self admits that when she was struggling, music helped to push her through it. At the time of the article, she had already visited 30 schools and planed on visiting more by the end of the semester. Gender inequality is not just something that happens as adults in society. It starts at a very young age. The fact that Rachel has recognized this and is doing something about it is extraordinary. Teens are highly susceptible to the influences they come into contact with. It they are struggling with inequality, it is important to give them the strength and courage to stand up against it. Rachel’s music and attitude sends a very positive message to local teens at a time when it is most beneficial for them.  This is the fourth year students have come together and used their own talents and personal experiences to better the lives of others. In order to make a change in the world, you have to start at the heart of the issue. Rachel has done just that. She, herself struggled with inequality and chose to stand up against it. I think that this just goes to show that change can start any where and that it doesn’t a whole lot. Sometimes it is the simplest things such as a song to make a change in someone’s life, or to even make a change in a community. 

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/teens-use-music-video-to-promote-gender-equality-190160511.html