All About That Bass . . . What Does That Even Mean??

We've all heard the catchy tune and it's probably stuck in your head and has been for weeks (wait, is that just me?) Anyway, at first when I heard the song I got really excited because I heard phrases like, "every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top" or "You know I won't be no stick figure silicone barbie doll, so if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along." I mean, these lyrics are empowering and wonderful and strong! So at first I really bought into that message of the song. Love yourself. If someone thinks you're not good enough, tell them to take a hike because you're perfect how you are! YES! Plus it's catchy. Win, win, win.

But then the more I listened the more I realized that the song kinda doesn't actually say all of that. Disappointing. I know. With lyrics like "my momma she told me don't worry about your size," I'm thinking, I like where this is going, yeah, I'm dancing. And then she ends the sentence with "she says, 'boys like a little more booty to hold at night.'" Wait, what?! Did she just say that? So . . . the only reason we should like whatever "perfect" size we are is because boys like it? No! Don't agree! And then hearing about having "all that boom boom [whatever that is!] that all the boys chase and all the right junk in all the right places," I'm all of a sudden thinking that this isn't actually an awesome, empowering, body-loving song. And then I cry a little for the state of the world, but that's another topic for another day.

So, my question is this: why do we (as a society) think that the only reason for women to love our bodies is because it's what men/boys want?! Why do we have to sexualize women in any way at all? Hey little miss pop star, there is MORE to you than what a boy wants to chase or grab! I wish we could send messages to the world, and especially women, about loving yourself because you DESERVE it and not because you're something that is desirable or sexy or because you're an object.

All of this hopefully is making you take a second to really pay attention to the stuff we're hearing daily! Sure this song is incredibly catchy and fun, and dang do I sound good when I'm singing along to it in the car! But what are you hearing and starting to believe and what are our daughters/nieces/sisters hearing about where their value or beauty comes from?

By: Lauren Drean
Women's Services Intern ADSENSE HERE