“I’m All About That Bass”–Or Am I?

Every day I listen to the same radio station on my way to and from work. Of course, they play the same loop of songs. Over and over and over again. “I’m All About That Bass” is one of the few songs that have been on the loop lately. For a while, I was singing along with it because it was kind of catchy. Then, I stopped and listened to the lyrics.

Yeah, it’s pretty clear, I ain’t no size two

But I can shake it, shake it

Like I’m supposed to do

‘Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase

And all the right junk in all the right places

I see the magazine workin’ that Photoshop

We know that s**t ain’t real

C’mon now, make it stop

If you got beauty building, just raise ’em up

‘Cause every inch of you is perfect

From the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mama she told me don’t worry about your size

She says, “Boys like a little more booty to hold at night.”

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

Because you know I’m

All about that bass

‘Bout that bass, no treble

I’m all about that bass

‘Bout that bass, no treble

I’m all about that bass

‘Bout that bass, no treble

I’m all about that bass

‘Bout that bass

Hey!

I’m bringing booty back

Go ahead and tell them skinny b*****s that

No I’m just playing. I know you think you’re fat

But I’m here to tell ya

Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

After thoroughly listening to the lyrics, I was agitated. We wonder why young girls grow up thinking that they need to sexualize themselves in order to be what “men want” yet we have songs like this that subconsciously teach young girls that they are only sexual objects. How can we tell these girls they can attract a man without showing every private part but everything they see on T.V. or hear on the radio tells them they have to do just that in order to be wanted.

I’m not a size two. I’ve struggled with my weight my entire life, just like most women. I appreciate positive songs that tell me to embrace myself, that I’m beautiful, but having a song that bashes “skinny” women is just as bad as those songs that bash plus-size women. If a woman wants to have plastic surgery to feel better about herself, then that is her prerogative. If you don’t want to be judged for how you look, don’t judge others based on how they look. It’s like the pot calling the kettle black.

I will give the music video producer credit for one thing – at least the women are clothed and not wearing a bra and g-string, like Beyonce or J.Lo frequently does.

Personally, I’m tired of Hollywood thinking they can manipulate women. First it was T.V. shows and movies. Now it’s music and new-age culture. Wake up, women! They’re looking at us like a piece of meat and we’re allowing them to do it because we’re buying their albums, t-shirts and concert tickets. If there wasn’t a market for it, they wouldn’t be doing it.

Here’s the music video. Take a look for yourself.