I feel compelled to complain about a popular song. I realize nobody likes the guy who complains about popular songs. And complaining about a popular song only seems to make it more popular. However, as a cultural atheist I can’t just stay quiet as we all mindlessly sing along to catchy lyrics. Maybe you’ll thank me later.

It’s great to see the recent surge of self-acceptance, positive body image, and anti-Photoshop messages. Of course, I would really like to see people discover their true acceptance, value and worth in God. Baby steps, baby steps.

When I first heard Meghan Trainor’s song, “All About That Bass” I thought it was cool with it’s upbeat and somewhat funny lyrics sending out a positive body image message. And then I listened more closely.

One of the key lines is:
“My momma she told me, “Don’t worry about your size…”

What an awesome mom! But wait, that’s not the whole message…

“My momma she told me, “Don’t worry about your size,
She says, “Boys like a little more booty to hold at night.”

What?!? I had to double check this with my wife. I asked her if she’s telling our daughter to not worry about her size because boys will like to hold her booty at night. She says that’s not advice she gives our daughter. Personally, it sounds like something one of those moms would say as they sell their daughters into prostitution. Is that being judgmental?

Besides being a weird message from a mom to her child, listen to what she’s saying: Be okay with your body, not because you are intrinsically valuable and beautiful, rather it’s because guys like a curvy butt.

One step forward, two steps back.