[Dynagroove] On the subject of females...

[MzCherryBomb at aol.com]

Fellow Dyna-women and Sister DJs,

...females being portrayed as mere "go-go" dancers in FRONT of the decks ... 
having little inclination for genres, labels, DJs, producers or anything 
pertinent to the underground music scene other than shaking her little ass... 
 
scary shit, EH?  *Canadian terminology*

It appears that our "neighbors to the North," especially our male 
counterparts up in Toronto need to be reminded that we are no longer in the 
1980s.  

My visit to Toronto this week included a stop at a record store called "The 
Pit" ... excuse me. Did I say "record store?"  I meant "DJ Store."  At least 
this is what I was informed it was by a male staff member. This was told to 
me right after he yanked a "Chicken Lips" EP sleeve from my hand and slammed 
off the Gemini turntable (how appropriate).  I then proceeded to explain to 
him that I had wanted to check out a few records while away from the states. 
He scolded me, saying that I wasn't allowed to just "come into a DJ STORE and 
listen to a record." I was to go to him, tell him what type of music I liked 
and he would pick out records for me; this was the way it is in any DJ STORE 
(???). He sure didn't have the same attitude toward any of the boys doing the 
exact same thing as I had been doing. I was literally on fire inside as he 
further informed me that I wasn't supposed to be listening to Chicken Lips 
because it wasn't "house."  He proceeded to hand me a stack of "house" 
records  to "look" at.  I kindly thanked him for his time after handing the 
records right back to him.  I was outta there.  

I am not saying to stop supporting "The Pit," because I'm sure the owner is 
not the one at fault. I just want everyone to know that this kind of stuff 
still exists. Also, this incident is not isolated. I spoke with a few girls 
in the local downtown area who claim that they have had similar experiences 
themselves. 

Is it just luck that has gotten you this far within whatever musical journey 
you may be on?  It sure the fuck isn't.  It's your love and knowledge of the 
music.  It doesn't matter what your reason for getting behind the tables are, 
you do it because you love it.  Each and every one of you has helped in the 
advancement of females being recognized in this industry, even something as 
minute as supporting the local club or party that your favorite sister is 
playing at on any given night. 

My point is this: long after "Equal Rights" have become our "Right," this 
stuff is still happening. It doesn't make any sense. There are still males 
out there who think girls just don't KNOW, as we parade around the female DJs 
who DO know like a circus show... Males in the scene need to take a hard look 
into themselves and make sure that they aren't doing the same thing. Maybe 
even unintentionally. It needs to advance up and away from this form of 
thinking. Real quick. 

**Please do not reply publicly back to the list. The last thing I want is to 
start a riot.  If you must vent, or do not like what I have to say, reply 
back to me personally, or spend the energy doing something constructive to 
help further support the female DJs in your own community. Sexism sucks**

Cherilyn
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