Ashley Judd put herself in an awkward position when an excerpt from her new book, All That is Bitter & Sweet, was publicized.
Judd was appalled that YouthAIDS decided to use Snoop and Diddy as spokesmen due to their degrading rap lyrics. But Judd likely caught most of the flack for describing rap as a “rape culture.”
Judd recently wrote a blog that appeared on GlobalGrind.com that allowed her to express what she has learned from the incident.
“The outcry regarding my remarks has been as astounding as it is out of context,” Judd says. “The general theme is to express my gratitude for a chance to learn, to be corrected where I was wrong, to make amends, and hold firm and strong on the original intention and context of the points I made, with a commitment to try to do so less clumsily and with more sensitivity in the future.
“The paragraphs are about an introductory dialogue I had with YouthAIDS in 2002. They had collaborated with artists such as Snoop Dogg to spread reproductive health and gender empowerment messages. I asked for more information about how the organization reconciled Snoops’ lyrics and gender posturing with its public health mission. YouthAIDS answered my questions satisfactorily and I have traveled the world with them since that time.
“As a thoughtful friend put it, ‘fans stand behind their artists,’ and rightfully so. Hip-hop and rap — which are distinct from one another, although kin — stand for a lot more than a beat and vibe. They represent more than I, an outsider, has the right to articulate. This tweet said it well: ‘Rap is something you do….Hip-Hop is a CULTURE you live! Don’t let a few bad apples’ lyrical message speak for a whole culture!’ This comment captures the essence of the lesson fans have taught me.
“The most ludicrous thing about the Twitter wars has been the perpetuation of the ridiculous accusation I am blaming two musical genres for poverty, AIDS, and the whole of rape culture. Please, people. Seriously. I am white, yes, but in spite of some allegations to the contrary, I am not an idiot.
“Gender inequality and rape culture were here a long before the birth of the genres and rage everywhere. Abuse and violence in any form, at any time, in any expression, are never OK. Period. I, and other girls and women, are not afraid of you. You can keep on hating, but I am going to keep on loving.”
–a.r.
