12.3: Civil Rights Movement - Women's Rights

To-Do Date: Sat May 01 2021 06:59:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

 

Civil Rights Movement - Women's Rights

Fast forward to 1967.

Seat belts are required in cars for the first time and the first ever successful heart transplant takes place.

The civil rights movement has been on-going: interracial marriage becomes legal nationally (for the first time), and Thurgood Marshall is appointed the first black American Supreme Court Justice.

Along with racial parity, gender equality is gaining momentum as a result of this unprecedented time of change. Aretha Franklin did not write this song - that would be Otis Redding - but Franklin made this cover specifically to call attention to the fact that his version was misogynistic (anti-woman) and used the same vehicle to demand respect for women.

This song became a huge part of the women's rights movement and is listed as #5 on Rolling Stones list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

on Rolling Stone‘s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All time.

Read more at: https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/meaning-of-respect-by-aretha-franklin/ (Links to an external site.)
on Rolling Stone‘s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All time.

Read more at: https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/meaning-of-respect-by-aretha-franklin/ (Links to an external site.)
Lyrics
  • Explicit lyrics, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me."
  • "Your kiss is sweeter than honey, but guess what? So is my money."
Music
  • Rhythm & Blues. Easy going groove that contrasts with the powerful singing.
  • Sudden cut during the "punchline" of the song to deliver powerful lyrics.
Message
  • Challenging 1960's traditional family structure - Money and power don't exclusively belong to men.
  • Not politely asking - demanding adequate treatment for women.