Ratchet feminism facts for kids

Ratchet feminism is a way of thinking that started in the United States in the early 2000s. It grew out of hip hop culture and was a response to ideas about how people, especially women, should act to be considered "respectable."

This idea is different from other types of feminism like black feminism, womanism, or hip hop feminism. Ratchet feminism takes a word that was often used in a negative way—"ratchet"—and turns it into something positive and empowering. Other names for this idea include "ratchet womanism" and "ratchet radicalism."

Many young black women and girls from the Gen Z and millennial generations have embraced the idea of "ratchetness" as a form of strength. Artists like Nicki Minaj, City Girls, Amber Rose, and Junglepussy, along with scholars like Brittney Cooper and Mikki Kendall, have helped share these ideas. Events like Amber Rose's SlutWalk have also highlighted this movement.

What is Ratchet Feminism?

Where Did "Ratchet" Come From?

The slang word "ratchet" first appeared in the hip hop community in Shreveport, Louisiana. This was around 1999, with a song called "Do the Ratchet" by Anthony Mandigo. The word became more widely known in the 2000s through popular hip hop songs, like Lil Boosie's 2004 remix of "Do tha Ratchet."

Initially, "ratchet" was often used to describe the lives of young black people in inner cities. It became a common term for women who were seen as "hood," "ghetto," or "loud." In 2017, professor Bettina L. Love wrote that the word was "messy." This means it doesn't have one simple meaning; it can be confusing, changing, and sometimes purposely used in ways that are not polite.

How Ratchet Feminism Started

The ideas of ratchet feminism, ratchet womanism, and ratchet radicalism began to appear in academic discussions by hip hop feminist scholars in the early 2000s. Ratchet feminism builds on the traditions of black feminism and womanism. It is also closely connected to hip hop feminism.

Professor Brittney Cooper describes ratchet feminism as "a refusal of female vulnerability." This means it's about women refusing to be seen as weak or easily hurt. It's a form of activism that might sometimes seem unusual or "over the top" to some people.

From Negative to Powerful: Reclaiming "Ratchet"

Why Was "Ratchet" Seen as Negative?

Some scholars have pointed out that while "ratchet" can be empowering for poor women of color, it also has a "shadowy" side. For many black women, the term still carries a negative meaning because it has often been used to criticize them. Michaela Angela Davis, an editor at Vibe, said that "there's an emotional violence and meanness attached to being ratchet, particularly pertaining to women of color." This highlights the hurtful way the word has been used.

How People Reclaimed the Word

Even though "ratchet" had a negative meaning for many years, in recent times, the term has been taken back and given a new meaning. This has been done by African-American people, especially African-American women.

The word has been used in popular songs like "Savage" by Megan Thee Stallion and "Rumors" by Lizzo and Cardi B. Many famous women of color around the world have used the word "ratchet" in a positive way. These artists include Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Cardi B, City Girls, Taraji P. Henson, and Spain's La Zowi. For example, in relation to Tamar Braxton's reality show, Theri A. Pickens suggested that "ratchet" can be a way for black women to create a space where they feel free and powerful.

It's worth noting that some white celebrities, like Miley Cyrus, have also been called "ratchet." However, they have sometimes been accused of appropriating black culture when they use the term or act in ways associated with it.

Talking About "Ratchet" Today

As of 2021, the word "ratchet" still has many different meanings, and people continue to discuss what it truly means. For some, the word represents empowerment for women. Rapper and TV personality Cardi B is often mentioned as a celebrity who was criticized for being too "ratchet" but chose to embrace the term and make it her own.

The term was also discussed on a PBS web series called A Seat at the Table, in an episode titled "Bougie, Ghetto and Ratchet? Stereotypes of Black Women." At the University of Texas, Austin, Christen A. Smith started a blog called "Redefining Ratchet" with students. The goal was to encourage conversations about the term and "redefine the meaning, implication, and power of the term 'ratchet'."

Some scholars have also talked about how black women are shown as "ratchet" on reality TV. They have connected this image to stereotypes like the "sapphire" or angry black woman trope, which have been discussed by scholars like Melissa Harris-Perry and Patricia Hill Collins.

See also

• Misogynoir