Your Fave is Problematic: Meghan Trainor

If you like "All About that Bass" because it's catchy, fun to sing or dance to, or because you like Meghan Trainor's voice, cool. Your taste in music is your taste. You do you. This post isn't for you.

But if you like the song because it's body-positive, we should talk.

I know "All About that Bass" sounds like an empowering, love-yourself song. But the context within which you should love yourself, according to Trainor, is entirely based on how attractive men find you. And that is not empowering, because you're still giving someone else the power to affect your self-esteem. This song isn't about loving yourself for you who are, it's about being okay with being heavy because, hey, men will still want you.

Compare these verses:

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 (All About that Bass, Megan Trainor)

My mama told me when I was young We are all born superstars She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on In the glass of her boudoir "There's nothing wrong with loving who you are" She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe" "So hold your head up girl and you'll go far, Listen to me when I say" (Born this Way, Lady Gaga)

This song isn't empowering anybody, it's just making objectification more inclusive ("I'm bringing booty back, go ahead and tell them skinny bitches that.") And if you thought this song was trying to be feminist, keep in mind that Trainor doesn't consider herself a feminist.

Compare these verses:

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 (All About that Bass, Megan Trainor)

I wake up looking this good And I wouldn't change it if I could And you can say what you want I'm the shit I'm the shit, I'm the shit, I'm the shit I want everyone to feel like this, tonight (Flawless (Remix), Beyonce ft. Nicki Minaj)

Beyonce's perfection has nothing to do with whether men find her attractive. She doesn't even mention weight. It's vague on purpose, I feel, because there are so many things women feel insecure about that have nothing to do with their weight. Flawless is about not letting your self esteem be affected by your size, skin color, height, accent, how often you do your nails, whether you wear makeup etc. No matter who you are, and how you are, you are flawless.

That's body positive.

Don't forget--confidence has nothing to do with believing that everyone will love you. Confidence is knowing you'll be okay even if they don't.