Stasis Theory For Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin's feminism was very much a product of her times. She was born during World War II, and became a famous blues singer in the late sixties. In her song "One Night Stand", she expresses her issue with the men she meets wanting more than a one-night stand. She went against the commonly held belief of the time period that women should remain celibate until marriage, and should not be open with their sexuality. The nature of her problem stems from those exact beliefs; her problem stems from how women were viewed in the sixties. Women were not expected to or encouraged to embrace their sexuality. During this time, the issue of feminism and sexuality became imperative especially to women (since it was directly affecting them). If the repression of women’s sexuality was not changed, women would be forced to continue to hide their sexuality, to hide a part of themselves (especially those who were bisexual/lesbian like Janis). Many, including Janis, took actions against this problem. By releasing songs like “One Night Stand”, she was able to start changing the minds of Americans. Janis Joplin, with her music, redefined women and the views of sexuality during this time.