context, she also showed to women that they don’t have to be ashamed of their looks, and that they can still be in touch with their sexuality. Aside from music, however, Janis did actively take part in several demonstrations. But it was through her music that she showed the world her message. She did this not only through lyrics, but through participation in historical landmark events such as Monterey Pop and Woodstock. She also took part in things like Red Dog. “For baby boomers raised on a steady diet of westerners, the Red Dog was a dream some true” (Echols, 116). It was through places like Red Dog, and events such as Monterey Pop where people like Janis had such a huge influence on people like Douglas. The singers/bands such as Big Brother and the Dead, sang and the audience listened, and together they united. These not only expressed sexual freedom, but individual freedom and rights as well. Janis loved to sing redos of songs, ususally black songs, but the black artists respected her for giving them their due credit. In this way students and musicians, activists, feminists, and the like expressed bringing equality and unity to the country. For Janis, music was an escape from reality, as were drugs. However, when she was onstage, she was only high on the music. Not only did it make her feel free, but it made her feel somewhat secure in being loved by her audience. She wanted the world to love her, as she wanted the people back in her hometown of Port Arthur in particular to love her. In these ways, Janis’s music not only made her voice heard, but helped within herself as well. Some say that Janis was caught up in the whole idea of being a star, but I think that she just wanted to be loved, and that was stemmed from her insecurity. Janis, as is apparent, was extremely active; through her singing as well actual participation in demonstrations, she was a very smart and strong woman who didnR...
