Songs and Stereotypes: How Music Spreads Harmful Ideas About Sexual Violence

Music is more than just entertainment. It shapes our views and beliefs. Over the past decade, many popular songs have spread false ideas about sexual violence. These ideas, known as rape myths, can make it harder to prevent such violence. Researchers looked at the top 25 songs from Billboard's year-end charts between 2013 and 2023. They found that 70% of these songs included at least one rape myth. This is concerning because these myths can influence how people think about sexual violence. Rape myths are false beliefs that blame victims or make excuses for perpetrators. They can make it harder for victims to come forward and get justice. For example, some songs might suggest that victims are to blame for their own assault. Others might make light of sexual violence. These myths can also make it harder to prevent sexual violence. If people believe these myths, they might not take sexual violence seriously. They might not understand the importance of consent. This can lead to more victims and more trauma. The study also found that many of these myths are outdated. They come from scales developed in the 1980s and 1990s. This means they might not reflect the current understanding of sexual violence. The researchers suggest updating these scales to better reflect modern beliefs and attitudes. The study also provides insights into which rape myths are most common in popular music. This can help violence prevention programs focus on these myths. By addressing these myths, they can help change people's beliefs and attitudes. But it's not just about changing beliefs. It's also about changing behavior. If people understand the harm caused by these myths, they might be less likely to believe them. They might be more likely to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. In the end, music can be a powerful tool for change. But it can also be a tool for harm. It's up to us to decide which tool we want to use.