The media says that equality for women has arrived, but if you look around, you still don't see girls playing guitars and having success with it.

In this quote, Joan Jett critiques the notion that gender equality has been fully achieved, particularly in the context of the music industry. She points out that while the media may proclaim that women’s rights and equality have arrived, the reality remains that women still face significant barriers, especially in certain fields. Jett uses the example of girls playing guitars—a symbolic activity often associated with rock music and musical success—to highlight how women continue to be underrepresented or overlooked in areas traditionally dominated by men. The quote suggests that true equality goes beyond surface-level achievements and requires deeper systemic changes.

The origin of this quote comes from Joan Jett’s own experience as a pioneering female musician in a predominantly male-dominated industry. As the lead guitarist and vocalist for the Runaways and later a successful solo artist, Jett has long been a symbol of rebellion and empowerment for women in rock music. Her career reflects the challenges women face when trying to break into spaces where they have been historically excluded, and this quote highlights her belief that the music industry—and society in general—still has far to go in terms of ensuring equality for women.

Jett’s point also touches on the way media and mainstream culture often prematurely declare victories for gender equality, without acknowledging the real barriers that persist. She uses guitar playing—a skill often linked with rock stardom—as a metaphor for how women’s involvement in high-profile, culturally significant roles is still limited. The success of a few prominent female musicians doesn’t erase the challenges faced by the majority, and Jett’s quote calls for a more nuanced understanding of what true equality entails.

Ultimately, Joan Jett’s quote challenges the idea that equality has been fully achieved, especially in industries like music. She urges a deeper reflection on how society and media treat women in positions of influence, particularly in fields that have traditionally excluded them. By focusing on something as simple as women playing guitars, Jett underscores the ongoing struggle for genuine, systemic change in how women are perceived and represented in both the music industry and beyond.