The song, "Respect" by Arethra Franklin was released in 1967 as a part of a feminist movement. Respect had an appealing tune that caught on to all women, and become a song of empowerment that recognized inferior women or women that were taken for granted. After countless brutalities and inhumane acts were committed that Franklin was a witness too, she popularized this song and gave it meaning and hope to all the women who needed it. The main message or understanding of the song is the inequality of women and the agonizing search for respect. An alternative perspective of analyzing this song, would be highlighting racial discrimination. Franklin was one of the first African-American to address issues and be vocal about them; it gave them a voice and the ability to speak about various issues about individuality, culture and religion. Women were suppressed and were not allowed freedom of speech, thus, Arethra demonstrated through her songs and music that women should be heard and that they deserve a little respect. Though the track wasn't a success in obtaining freedom or respect from the opposite sex and strong chains that men had imposed on their women; it managed to signify the beginning of addressing important issues. Women, in search of hope turned to a voice that seemed to empower them, something that they could relate to and empathize with. In retaliation, the song gave rise to a motion that was unstoppable - hope. During times of weakness, it is human nature to turn to something that can give you support, thus this song by Arethra Franklin was empowering to all women.
"...What you want
Baby, I got
What you need
Do you know I got it?
All I'm askin'
Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home
(just a little bit) mister (just a little bit).."
Reference:
"Respect", http://www.tcnj.edu/~odubote2/respect.htm
by: Roshini Sakhrani
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