I now have mixed emotions after paying attention to the lyrics of “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor. Although the artist makes an effort to bring pride to voluptuous women without the “ideal” figure, she chooses to do so by delivering many unnecessary messages as well. I feel that this song has empowered many women and helped many women of all shapes and sizes embrace and become proud of who they are; which is a great feat within the music industry. The song has a very catchy beat that catches peoples’ attention and creates a lasting impression.
However, I don’t think that it’s a great idea for her to skinny-shame others in order to empower the percentage of the “fatter” population. For instance, she sings “ Go ahead and tell em skinny b*** at,” as well as “I won’t be no stick figure silicone barbie doll.” Within these phrases, she expresses how degrading and shameful it is to be skinny. However, she later proceeds to explain how “every inch of you is perfect, from the bottom to the top,” contradicting with her belief on how skinny figures are not “ideal” figures. The lyrics “My mama told me the boys like a little more booty to hold at night,” annoyed me, since she delivers another new message stating that you have to have a larger butt to impress a boy. Along with the one positive message on embracing how one looks, she restates many stereotypes and negative criticism for the skinnier population. It angers me when I remind myself of the millions of people who have listened to this song, how many of them may have new negative insights on being skinny.
This hit is very similar to another recent track, “Try” by Colbie Calliat. Both songs describe how one does not to be skinny or artificial in order to be accepted by others. Colbie describes how one does not have try to beautify his or herself in order to be accepted by others-that one needs to just be his or herself. Meghan emphasizes on how one does not have to make an effort to be skinny to be accepted, and that people should embrace how they appear. I appreciate how the two songs deliver empowering messages that emphasize on self-image and self esteem. But I preferred how Colbie did not have to offend any other audiences and still was able to get her point through.
It’s nice to see the increasing number of songs, organizations, and material being made in order to help people across the globe become more confident with their body images and boost their self esteem. I feel that “All About That Bass” has greatly contributed into these causes, as many people of all ages, shapes, and sizes have listened to this tune. The harsh truth is that there are tens of thousands of people (especially females) who are not happy with their body type and would resort to desperate and dangerous in order to fix their displeasure. With all the magazines, print ads, and reality shows redefining the standard of beauty within the 21st century, believing oneself is beautiful is a struggle ever greater than before that millions of women have yet to overcome. Luckily, empowering media and material that promotes self acceptance and appreciation is gradually increasing and greatly contributes to helping the audience defeat their personal battle of self insecurity and lack of self esteem.
“All About That Bass” is a great song with a great message, but I just feel that all of the unnecessary stereotypes and criticism are not necessary to maintain the quality and message. I look forward to seeking more songs with positive messages in regards to loving and accepting oneself in the near future.
