Introduction: Work it, Girl!

“Working it” is a phrase loaded with cultural connotations. From the Black, queer dancehalls of 1980s America, to the lyrics and titles of popular songs (e.g. “Work It”, by Missy ElliottElliott, Missy (2002) and “Work Bitch”, by Britney SpearsSpears, Britney (2013)), the message of self-exploitation for economic and social gain has been used across a variety of mediums. “Work it, girl!” has been used to indicate enthusiastic support and encouragement in ways that echo the call-and-response interactivity of drag-based, dancehall subcultures.