It looks like we have officially reached a time where music influence has taken a turn for the worse. We use to be able to turn on the radio and hear tunes with lyrics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” or “He loves me” or even “Shake a tail feather”. But now we turn the radio on to lyrics that blatantly insinuate dirty sex, modern prostitution, and so much more. Whether or not the radio has the edited version, the pictures painted by these lyrics are truly not kid-friendly.
I personally have no problem with any artist expressing themselves in any way. However, I strongly believe what makes it to the radio has a stronger effect on the world, especially the youth. The effect that popular music has on kids and adolescents’ behavior and emotions is of serious concern. It seems lyrics have become more explicit in their references to drugs, sex, and violence over the years, particularly in certain genres.
Right now, everyone’s talking about Cardi B’s new song WAP(Wet A** P****) featuring Meg the Stallion. While I personally love the authentic energy Cardi B gives to the world through her true story, I am in disbelief of the fact that this particular song and many others (various artists) have made it to the radio.
It makes me feel like the young girls of this world who listen to Hip Hop don’t even have a chance. Just imagine listening to a song, hearing the lyric “I want you to touch that lil dangly thing that swing in the back of my throat” as you ride down the street in the car with your daughter. While many of us know how to separate the craft from the action, kids are listening and absorbing word for word.
While rappers with degrading lyrics is nothing new, hearing women degrade themselves has become a new thing. Sadly, the new form of degrading women in this way has now become “empowering”. Many public figures have hopped on the bandwagon of allowing your sexual parts to get you the life and possessions you want out of a guy. They promote vaginal “power”. They dress women up in half naked outfits and put a crown on top for emphasis.
This form of degrading is not only trending in the Hip Hop culture but it’s being praised greatly. Women and men seem to love this new form of “women empowerment.” I’ll be the first to disagree with this movement.
Young girls growing up listening to these songs that hyper-sexualize acts of women will easily result in self destruction. Many young girls are going to grow up experimenting with their bodies for possessions. Many girls are going to grow up thinking stripping and modern prostitution is okay. Truth be told, many of them already do.
There’s a systematic cultural of false empowerment happening and we as parents need to prepare for it. This level of explicitness seems to be here to stay. It’s up to us, as parents to recognize, care, and prepare. I believe the question is how, exactly.
How will you, as a parent ensure that your child keeps radio lyrics in perspective? How will you manage the social exposure? How will you describe this music? How will you manage the effects?
Tough world.