Why does it even matter IF women are not acknowledged for their work as electric guitarists and manufacturers?
The relationship between musical technology and public reception of that technology often reflects societal ideals at a given point in history. The electric guitar makes for an interesting consideration of social structure because its evolution simultaneously reflects and contradicts the mainstream culture at any given time. For one musician, the guitar can be viewed as a symbol of conformity and patriarchy, but in the hands of another artist of the same era, the guitar becomes a symbol of freedom. It’s very important to discuss all sides of history and not just to accept one general perspective.
Additionally, it is important to analyze the women who have contributed to the development of different guitar techniques, musical movements and companies, so society can move past archaic views of gender roles. This does not, by any means, imply that all women have made positive contributions to the technology. In fact, some women have ostracized themselves and other female players through their practices. This is crucial to creating a thorough analysis, because in order to openly discuss women’s contributions, there needs to be an honesty that not all contributions are constructive.
Comprehensive discussion of women as performers and industry members can spark a new line of thinking about their individual roles in history, rather than a grouping of women based on gender. This is especially important when discussing women of color and LGBTQ women. There are musical movements that seek to unite and empower women, but fail to acknowledge women as individuals who often face greater resistance based on race, socio-economic status or sexual orientation.
When formulating a conversation about women in the context of the electric guitar there needs to be an awareness of a wide range of contributors and not just a focus on more easily accessible white performers. Understanding the relationship between the electric guitar and gender can situate us to thinking about gender roles in other aspects of our history and everyday society. In order to forward our discussions of gender, there needs to be unification through understanding of different perspectives.
