“All About That Bass” is Not a Healthy Body Message! It’s Messed Up!

All About That Bass is not a healthy body message. It’s messed up and I hate it! I I would be happy never to hear that stupid song again.

The first time I caught Meghan Trainor’s catchy, little video on MTV I thought it was a fun song about a girl who loves her body. I liked the song. It had a good beat and it was easy to dance to! Then I heard it again and this time I listened to the lyrics. Ugh! What crap!

Now it’s become an anthem for foolish women.

Girls and women have embraced it as a “positive message about female bodies.” It gets a lot of airplay. I never want to hear it again. It’s silly, insidious and the message is a bad message. It’s not about self love or acceptance. In fact she compares herself negatively to the “skinny bitches” until her mother reveals the reason why bigger body is better.

No, I don’t have trouble with the song because it’s about a “big” girl loving her body. It’s why she loves her body that makes me think that it’s not a good message.

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

So far, so good, but let’s find out why she’s all about that bass? It’s not because her “bass” body is strong and healthy.

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

It’s because she can shake it and she’s got that boom boom that all the boys chase. She has all the right junk in all the right places (apparently to make the boys chase her while she shakes it.)

She goes on to suggest that she was worried about her “bass body” but…

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

Really? This is a song about a healthy body image?

I’m not getting that from the lyrics even though she’s accepting her size it’s only because the boys like it. It sounds like the same old crap that women have accepted for far too long.

“Your body is only as good as the boys think it is.”

Loving your body no matter its size is good. Loving your body because you got "all the right junk in all the right places" for the boys isn't so good.

Loving your body no matter its size is good. Loving your body because you got “all the right junk in all the right places” for the boys isn’t so good.

Yes, I know she tells “skinny bitches”….

I’m bringing booty back
Go ahead and tell them skinny bitches 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

She’s saying “every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top,” isn’t that positive? Yes, that’s positive but when you put it into the context of the song it loses its positivity!

If I were looking for the Female Body Image anthem it would not be All About that Bass.  That’s a fun (although overplayed to the point that I’m sick of it!) song to dance to but the message is not positive.

Loving your body because it's strong and healthy is a positive message. Loving your body and wanting to keep it strong and healthy is an even more positive message!

Loving your body because it’s strong and healthy is a positive message. Loving your body and wanting to keep it strong and healthy is an even more positive message!

My pick would be India.Arie’s song, Video!

Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don’t
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won’t
Depend of how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soulI’m not the average girl from your video
And I ain’t built like a supermodel
But I learned to love myself unconditionally,
Because I am a queen

I not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I’m wearing I will always be
India.Arie

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it’s suppose to be
And I know my creator didn’t make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my Lips, my eyes, I’m loving what I see

Am I less of a lady if I don’t where panty hose
My momma said a lady ain’t what she wears but what she knows…
But I’ve drawn the conclusion, it’s all an illusion
Confusion’s the name of the game
A misconception, a vast deception,
Something got to change

Now don’t be offended this is all my opinion
Ain’t nothing that I’m saying law
This is a true confession 
Of a life learned lesson 
I was sent here to share with y’all
So get in when you fit in
Go on and shine
Clear your mind 
Now’s the time
Put your salt on the shelf
Go on and love yourself
‘Cause everything’s gonna be alright

Keep your fancy drink, and your expensive minks
I don’t need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive cars and your caviar
All’s I need is my guitar

Keep your crystal and your pistol
I’d rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don’t need you silicone, I prefer my own
What god gave me is just fine…


 

Jackie Conn

About Jackie Conn

Jackie Conn is married and has four grown daughters and four grandchildren. She is a Weight Watchers success story. She's a weight loss expert with 25 years of experience guiding women and men to their weight-related goals. Her articles on weight management have been published in health, family and women's magazines. She has been a regular guest on Channel 5 WABI news, FOX network morning program Good Day Maine and 207 on WCSH.