I understand that sex sells. However, why are you marketing it to kids? I was born in 1978. I have seen my share of rappers come through such as Too Short and the 2Live Crew. I was there when they were banned in the U.S. for the same misogynistic lyrics that are being used today. My only request to the entertainment industry; be mindful of what you are promoting.
Recently, my birthday passed. Everyone was asking me what I wanted for a birthday gift. Before I could respond, a 15 year old male responded, “I know what you want *rhythmic clapping*, ‘a big booty girl’”. I immediately scolded him for his comment, along with the dance he did with it, and told him that what he said was inappropriate. Confused as why he was scolded, he responded,” But they play it on the radio!!!” Now I was confused and thinking, “who would play such a thing on the radio?!?”
The next morning, as I got dressed for work, I decided to listen to some music. Coincidentally, the “Big Booty Girl” video came on VH1. Before my shower, I sat and watched it. I wanted to see what this young man was suggesting for my birthday. There were children flipping the bird, lap dancing in the backyard, x-rated cakes and bicycles, a mob beating up a man, drug and alcohol usage and multiple women twerking everywhere! It gave me a headache. Not only should this video not be played during daytime hours but that 15 year old boy had watched it. Do we NOT CARE what we are exposing our children too?
I will never say an artist’s creativity should be stifled to please a group of adults that are unhappy with the lyrics and videos. However, I do think the industry needs to reconsider what songs are released as radio singles. The message doesn’t change because the profanity is removed from the song. This video and song is inappropriate for anyone under the age of 18 years of age. Period.
We are overexposing these children to an adult world. Can you at least shield them from activities that should only occur in adulthood? Can these uncut diamonds in the rough receive the proper cut and polishing for life before we make them adults before their time? Children do NOT need to know how the inside of a strip club looks. They do not need to see women twerking on camera. Why not? This is an adult activity. If we are going to allow this type of media to be displayed, change the entry age for adult clubs so that kids may attend as well.
“BLAME THE PARENTS! WE ARENT MENTORS! THE PARENTS SHOULD MONITER WHAT THEY LISTEN TOO!” said by many. AGREED, however, at this point, parents cannot control what is currently played on the radio. Parents can only switch stations or pop in a CD when an inappropriate song is played. I have control over what my daughter listens to because she is five. However, what about the 15-17 year old kids driving their own cars or riding with their friends? Who will change the channel for them? The frontal lobe portion of their brain will not completely develop until they turn 21. So as adults we have to make the better decisions for them.
Even while my mother worked from 7am to 7pm, I was never exposed to 2live Crew or Too Short. While watching BET, VH1 and MTV all evening, I never heard “Freaky Tales.” In those days, what children were exposed too mattered to the media. We have to care more. We have to demand that the media outlets take more responsibility in what they present to our children. These are OUR CHILDREN.
An artist can make whatever song or video they may like. My only request: If it has adult content, do not release it as a single to be played in mainstream media where little children are exposed. Keep it on your CD where the content can be accessed by the appropriate audience. I hope parents will do their part and protect their children and not allow adult content exposure at an early age.
Lastly, what happen to songs that cause social change and awareness? Where are the songs like “Brenda’s Got a Baby?” or “U.N.I.T.Y”?
If we cared as much about our kids than we care abou---you know what,
Recently, my birthday passed. Everyone was asking me what I wanted for a birthday gift. Before I could respond, a 15 year old male responded, “I know what you want *rhythmic clapping*, ‘a big booty girl’”. I immediately scolded him for his comment, along with the dance he did with it, and told him that what he said was inappropriate. Confused as why he was scolded, he responded,” But they play it on the radio!!!” Now I was confused and thinking, “who would play such a thing on the radio?!?”
The next morning, as I got dressed for work, I decided to listen to some music. Coincidentally, the “Big Booty Girl” video came on VH1. Before my shower, I sat and watched it. I wanted to see what this young man was suggesting for my birthday. There were children flipping the bird, lap dancing in the backyard, x-rated cakes and bicycles, a mob beating up a man, drug and alcohol usage and multiple women twerking everywhere! It gave me a headache. Not only should this video not be played during daytime hours but that 15 year old boy had watched it. Do we NOT CARE what we are exposing our children too?
I will never say an artist’s creativity should be stifled to please a group of adults that are unhappy with the lyrics and videos. However, I do think the industry needs to reconsider what songs are released as radio singles. The message doesn’t change because the profanity is removed from the song. This video and song is inappropriate for anyone under the age of 18 years of age. Period.
We are overexposing these children to an adult world. Can you at least shield them from activities that should only occur in adulthood? Can these uncut diamonds in the rough receive the proper cut and polishing for life before we make them adults before their time? Children do NOT need to know how the inside of a strip club looks. They do not need to see women twerking on camera. Why not? This is an adult activity. If we are going to allow this type of media to be displayed, change the entry age for adult clubs so that kids may attend as well.
“BLAME THE PARENTS! WE ARENT MENTORS! THE PARENTS SHOULD MONITER WHAT THEY LISTEN TOO!” said by many. AGREED, however, at this point, parents cannot control what is currently played on the radio. Parents can only switch stations or pop in a CD when an inappropriate song is played. I have control over what my daughter listens to because she is five. However, what about the 15-17 year old kids driving their own cars or riding with their friends? Who will change the channel for them? The frontal lobe portion of their brain will not completely develop until they turn 21. So as adults we have to make the better decisions for them.
Even while my mother worked from 7am to 7pm, I was never exposed to 2live Crew or Too Short. While watching BET, VH1 and MTV all evening, I never heard “Freaky Tales.” In those days, what children were exposed too mattered to the media. We have to care more. We have to demand that the media outlets take more responsibility in what they present to our children. These are OUR CHILDREN.
An artist can make whatever song or video they may like. My only request: If it has adult content, do not release it as a single to be played in mainstream media where little children are exposed. Keep it on your CD where the content can be accessed by the appropriate audience. I hope parents will do their part and protect their children and not allow adult content exposure at an early age.
Lastly, what happen to songs that cause social change and awareness? Where are the songs like “Brenda’s Got a Baby?” or “U.N.I.T.Y”?
If we cared as much about our kids than we care abou---you know what,
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