Feminist hardcore punk band War On Women just released a new music video for “Anarcha” from their 2018 album Capture The Flag.
The tune captures a dark moment in US history. It deals with three enslaved black women Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey who were experimented on by James Marion Sims. Sims is commonly referred to as the founding father of modern gynecology. The video juxtaposes footage of the band performing with flashes of images related to Sims and the enslaved women he violated.
Front women Shawna Potter made the following statement about her motives for composing the tune and making the video: “This song is about all the stories our country has buried or ignored. I wanted to memorialize Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey in the best way I knew how, through song, and the shooting of this video just happened to coincide with tearing down a statue of J. Marion Sims, the man who experimented on them and other enslaved women.”
Outside of her front women duties, Potter is an activist who found the Baltimore chapter of anti-street harassment organisation Hollaback!
They also include their activism as part of their live touring. When they were selected as part of the Warped tour they organised educational workshops on safe spaces and bystander intervention.
The band provides a platform for its members to provide valuable community service and education. War On Women knows how to effectively use their rage as a force for positive change.