Body Methodology

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs is a blog for our generation

‘Megan Thee Stallion’ performing

I’m sure we’ve all heard it by now ‘Body’ by ‘Megan Thee Stallion,’ coming off her Good News album released this November 2020. A hit song that has topped the charts and comes with a video that shows ‘Megan thee stallion’ performing all her ‘hot girl’ moves in all the skin that she’s in. 

With millions of views on Youtube alone and its popularity on Tick Tock, it’s no wonder that every DJ & radio station is spinning out the ‘body ody ody’. Actually when it comes to music videos, Megan isn’t the only one showing curves and  blasting sex appeal. From Cardi B, to Niki Minaj and other famous female rappers & artists, showing skin is definitely the methodology of the day to grow a large fan base.

But how much skin is too much skin?

A frame from Megan’s body video (censored)

A high school teacher once said to my entire third form class, “If you wear all the makeup and straighten your hair at 13, what else is there to explore when you become a woman?” And while many of us probably may have shrugged off that piece of advice then, this reflection comes to mind now. With all the commercialized skin wars going on, one can’t help but wonder, what will there be left to do ?

Now don’t get me wrong, embracing your body image and being proud of your curves, no curves, whatever you’re working with is a beautiful thing. There’s nothing more inspiring than someone who is comfortable in their own skin. 

Thanks to numerous transitions in the history of women’s fashions in the 20th century (mostly due to needing to save on fabric during world war II; thankful for the invention of the miniskirt, 1965) we no longer have to wear our grandmother’s heavily layered frocks and breath cutting corsets. Fashion is more stylish, free and liberating.

Image from glamordaze.com

So why does it feel like we’ve gone overboard with the outfits even with all this progress made in fashion? 

The modern day promoters don’t mind it. The promoters, artists as well as a multitude of hardcore fans claim ‘self – expression’, ‘embracing your body’ and ‘female empowerment’. 

But the fact of the matter is we know that ‘sex sells’ and sells big time. However, this evident leap into it becoming regular ole’ daytime TV over the past few years, and quickly transitioning into daytime fashion as well, is catching on at a ‘not so normal’ pace.  And what about all this superfluous twerking and thumping, is it really necessary? What happened to dance moves being more about dancing and vibing and when did it become – this? I mean with all these distractions in the videos, even Hugh Hefner might find it difficult to pay attention to the song itself.

Self expression and embracing your body are valid platforms, but there are other other ways to express individualism without riding on a wrecking ball (sorry Miley). As they say, the crop top wasn’t invented yesterday ( actually 1893 ) and neither was self – expression. When it comes to black women specifically, today’s most prominent theme of ‘black lives matter’ should supersede all others. Therefore, to commercialize hyper sexuality is not a clear and healthy support to the cause of black female empowerment.  

Image from Quotesgram.com

Black women are strong, vibrant, successful, beautiful and have a lot more to offer. Our very femininity is a powerhouse of its own. There’s nothing wrong with highlighting body beauty as part of visual arts in a video, but it can be done with class and a proper attention to detail that doesn’t seem excessive, or appears undignified or overdone. After all, the goal is to appeal to everyone, right?

Emphasizing authenticity in music videos would leave a longer lasting impression that could come in handy years after the skin wars are over. Artists and rappers such as Roxanne Shante, Queen Latifa, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys & Mc Lyte to name a few, have done it in the past. Complimented with intelligent lyricism and quality talent, these female performers continue to remain timeless to this day.   

U.N.I.T.Y Queen Latifah

Written by: Dilma Bastien