Whore or Saint? The antagonistic discourses about women in funk lyrics performed by men

Abstract

As well as money, ostentation, violence and crime, sexual and affective relationships with women make up funk masculinity. In the majority of lyrics written and performed by men, women are described as disposable sexualized objects that confer status on their "owners". The analysis and categorization of Brazilian funk lyrics from the last 15 years, however, makes it possible to observe the completely opposite treatment of another female figure: the mother. In several of the so-called "conscious funk", singers declare their love for their mothers, characterized by a certain devotion and a strong desire to provide them with a secure future and financial stability. Based on these observations, this article aims to identify the differences in the apparent opposition between the figure of the mother and other women in funk lyrics performed by men, perceiving them as one of the elements that make up funk masculinities.