The Controversy Over All About That Bass

It was the #1 selling song on iTunes, has stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 5 weeks now, received Platinum, and is pretty much on the radio every time you turn it on. I'm sure you've heard of the oh so catchy and sassy song "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor. Despite it's numerous awards and sellouts, there has been a lot of controversy over whether the song provides good body image for women today.

In the song the lyrics basically summarize how curvier women should be proud of their body and who they are and how men like curvier bodies over skinnier women. Some of the lyrics include,

"I see that magazine working' that Photoshop. We know that s*** ain't real"

"You know I be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll"

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

While I support the promotion of body image, I don't think these lyrics are promoting body image. It's shaming on skinny women, which isn't helping women be confident in their own body. It’s only directing body hate towards a different body type. But on the other hand, Meghan has lyrics that can be very impactful in today’s society towards the movement of eliminating body hate. For example,

“If you got beauty, beauty, just raise 'em up

'Cause every inch of you is perfect

From the bottom to the top”

“My mama she told me don't worry about your size”

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

But I can shake it, shake it

Like I'm supposed to do”

These lyrics help women understand that whatever their body type is, they are beautiful inside and out. It states that whatever your look like on the outside, you are perfect no matter what. Because of these contradicting lyrics, this song can be very controversial and many people are debating whether this song is skinny shaming or promoting body image. In my opinion, I do believe that a part of this song is shaming on women, but then again not all songs are directed to everyone. While I disapprove of some of the lyrics in the song, I do believe that the artist’s purpose of this song was not to shame on skinny women, but to promote body self confidence. “All About That Bass” is a great song that instantly boosts my self-confidence, so while there are a few lines that are skinny shaming, it’s a great song overall. So while there is a lot of controversy over this song, I think we shouldn’t over think it too much, but just enjoy the fact that this song is not another love song, but another step towards promoting body confidence among women.

Skinny Shaming

Body image is becoming a very big issue in our society today.  Promoting self-confidence and making sure women and men are comfortable in their own skin is everywhere in America. Whether it’s Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign, Victoria Secret “Body” line, or just plus size models appearing more and more in our magazines and televisions. It is wonderful to see that our society is changing its perception of a beautiful woman. While I am certainly happy to see this change, I realized that there is certainly a negative outcome that has surfaced.

As our nation is now promoting “normal”, bigger, curvier, looking body types into our ads and commercials, what we now believe is “not normal” is a skinny body. A skinny body type is now known as “anorexic”. Models who are skinny are known for not eating or going on an extreme diet. Shaming skinny body types has become more and more prevalent in the news and no one is really taking notice. Yes, you might say that being skinny is a good thing, that people aren’t shaming skinny people, they are complimenting them. But is being called anorexic a good thing or a compliment? Anorexia is a disease that is very harmful to our human bodies and can even lead to death. This disease cause severe emotional and physical damage to our body. Being called anorexic is just the same as being called obese. Both bring harm to us. We not only need to accept curvier, bigger, body types, but accept skinny body types as well.

When I was younger, I was always the skinniest among my friends. It’s not because I didn’t eat, trust me, I ate a lot. If I saw a Hershey bar at the table, you can count on it being devoured in 5 minutes. It’s just how my body was built. I have a fast metabolism and a small body structure that lead me to a skinny body. The constant, “You are so skinny.” And “Go eat a hamburger” became a daily reminder. I was so called “complimented” for having a skinny body, but it sure felt like I was being shammed for being skinny. 

I’m not trying to say skinny women are the definition of a beautiful woman, but I’m not saying curvier women are either. I want to get across to ladies that a healthy body is a beautiful body. No matter if we are curvy, skinny, tall, short, we should never be shamed on because of our body type. Everyone is different, but as long as we are healthy and happy, who should get to tell us what is beautiful and what isn’t. I am very grateful our society is promoting curvier, bigger, models to promote self confidence for women today, but shaming on a different body type was not suppose to be the outcome. Skinny shaming won’t end fat shaming and bringing in new hate doesn’t end hate. Be proud of who you are, whether you are big, small, skinny, or curvy.

The Harshness of Heat

When I was in 6^th grade I went out shopping with my mom. We stopped by a small counter to look at hair tools and in the matter of 15 minutes, the guy persuaded my mom to give in and buy a $250 straightener. This was my first ever hair tool I ever used on my hair and ever since, my hair has never been quite the same. 

Once my mom bought me the straightener to use, I began using it everyday in middle school. My hair wasn’t necessarily curly, but it had a few waves in it so whenever I straightened it, it looked shiny and new! Little did I know that straightening my hair everyday does great damage to your hair later on. Even though we’ve all heard that using heat on your hair everyday is very damaging, we never listen and continue on to do it. I was the exact same way until I realize my hair was truly affected by it. When I was a freshman, I realized that my hair was really dry at the ends even after I got a haircut and I didn’t know why. I continued to straighten and curl my hair like I use to and then my hair got even drier. I finally realized that the heat put on it everyday was affecting my hair. I then decided to stop using hot tools on my hair. It defiantly was difficult at first because I just didn’t like how my natural hair looked. Slowly I began to style and accept my natural hair and now I barely use heat on my hair! Because I straightened my hair everyday, my hair is now facing the consequences. It is still dry at the ends and I need to put moisturizing product on it everyday and when I straighten it, it doesn’t look as shiny because I’ve straightened it so much. The heat that I consistently used on my hair in middle school has damaged my hair and still today I am facing the effects of it.

If you are in the same boat as me, do not worry, there are plenty of ways to bring your hair back to normal! If you have seen the effects of hot tools on your hair, I would advise you to slowly stop using the tools as much as possible. Start loving your natural hair! I would also buy a leave in conditioner as well as a conditioner. A leave in conditioner helps the moisture stay in your hair after you apply your conditioner. I recommend the Healthy Sexy Hair Leave in Conditioner because I saw the changes immediately with my hair! I would also recommend using penetrating oil for extra shine on your hair; any of the Moroccan Argon Oils are perfect.

Now I’m not saying that you should immediately stop using heat on your hair because it turns your hair into chards. I just recommend to use as little heat as possible, especially if you use to use a lot of heat on your hair. I usually straighten or curl my hair once a week if I’m feeling it, but if not I usually leave it natural! If I do use heat, I make sure to spray on a heat protectant on before I use a hot tool and afterwards I apply Moroccan Oil to keep it shiny and healthy! Straightening and curling your hair can totally transform your hair, but make sure you use it with caution!

Welcome Fall!

The leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping, Starbucks just re-introduced their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and fall is creeping its way into our lives and our style. So pack away your shorts and sandals, it's now time to bring out the sweaters and boots! Now that fall fashion is slowly appearing, it's time to talk about what's in style this season.

Boots, boots, and more boots. If you have a good pair of combat boots for the fall time, you are ready to go. Not only are boots perfect for the fall season; they will also keep your feet toasty and warm. You can also put on a pair of knee high socks and add that little extra flair peeking out of your boots. Not only are combat boots very in style this season, knee high boots are very in as well! Knee high boots present a more sophisticated look to an outfit, while combat boots present a more grudge, edgy vibe. But whatever your style is, a pair of boots to own is a great investment!

Peplum tops are becoming more and more of a fashion craze. Now that fall is here, peplum tank tops might not be appropriate, but peplum long sleeves are very in! I’ve seen many stores sell long sleeves, or quarter length peplum tops and they are very chic! The long sleeves makes your arms look skinnier, but the peplum still gives you that great curve. I’ve also seen many looser peplum tops that just give off that slight poof at the end to not make it look so drastic. These looser peplum tops are perfect for those who want a more relaxed look.

Army jackets are not only used for the military now, it’s a perfect fit for your fall closet! Green army jackets have become a new fall fashion essential. The jacket’s thick material provide you warmth, the style of the jacket can be paired with many different outfit ideas, and the dark green color just screams fall. Try on a loose striped black and white shirt underneath, a pair of blacking leggings, and some combat boots and your ready to take on the chilly day!

Even though crop tops are a summer look, feel free to bring that into the fall season! Many stores are selling long sleeve crop tops to keep you arms warm in the fall weather. Just pair the long sleeve crop top with a high waisted pant or skirt and you look perfect for fall. If you want to go with a cropped tee-shirt or tank, just put on a long cardigan over and you can still rock the crop top! Even though a crop top does show a slight bit of your belly, just be sure you cover the rest of your body so it balances out!

These are just a few of the new fall styles I’ve been eyeing around lately and I’m sure there’s much more. Now that the season is changing, so can you! Try out a different look, be bold with your styling and makeup, change isn’t always bad! Happy fall everyone!