Throughout the decades, the music industry has seen a steady incline in male music groups; these include: New Edition, Hanson, Jonas Brothers, 98 Degrees, 112, All-4-One, 'NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Boys II Men, and so many more. Yet, with so many well-known male groups, the music industry is left to wonder where female music groups have gone. We have seen The Spice Girls, TLC, Destiny's Child, Dixie Chicks, Girls Aloud, Pussycat Dolls, but as of lately they have almost faded out of existence.
Think of girl bands that are still together today; how many can be named? How many are even on the Billboard Hot 100? Fifth Harmony has been rocking the charts for years, despite one member amicably leaving to work on her solo career. Yet, are there any other all-female groups? Why? Young girls today are now looking up to solo artists, but a band is important as an influence as well. An all-female band shows women empowerment, and that they can work together and create something memorable. Did you know that for Fifth Harmony's video "Worth It" the band tweeted, asking fans to respond with why they thought feminism and women empowerment was so important? Fans responded with quotes such as, "Women empowerment is good because we are strong when we stand together." Those quotes were then displayed behind the girls in the video to incorporate the fans' views.
With that said Fifth Harmony cannot do it alone! We need more strength displayed on stage for these growing generations. Female music groups represent independence, proving that girls can become the future. With that being the case, why aren't there more girl groups today? Could it have something to do with the way women are sexualized and maybe these girls are just tired of having to play the part? Allegedly, this is why Camila Cabello eventually ended up breaking free from Fifth Harmony. They strayed from the strength and landed into more of a sexual role. Cabello had stated, "Especially with being a girl group, there's been a lot of times where people have tried to sexualize us just to get more attention." This could be the main issue, but why don't we have a girl group stand up and say we want to write about something meaningful that will also be a number one song? With current issues regarding sexual harassment and the #metoo movement, it is understandable why women step away from such a platform. That being said, women not standing together and using their music to influence an end to such scandals is fairly illogical.
All-male groups seem to pop up overnight. With recent groups such as One Direction, BTS, and Migos, it seems that--in terms of groups--the men dominate. When will time be up for male music groups? As soon as women rise above fear of and decide that their voices together are strong enough to empower future generations.
Where have they gone?