Pop Music

Before Tuesday’s class this week, I didn’t think pop music contained important messages or discussed serious issues in our world today. I had thought of pop as appropriate music that could be played on the radio with catchy lyrics and beats, most of which was about love or having a good time. When we began looking at pop artists and their music I realized that some songs dive much deeper and draw attention to essential concepts many people, especially young girls, need to hear. Many songs have themes of individualism and building high self-esteem and self-confidence. Many girls have lower self-confidence as teenagers, constantly comparing themselves to stars and others around them which is a big issue. Many pop artists urge listeners to be themselves and be happy with the way that they are.

Lady Gaga’s song “Born This Way” is very empowering. She expresses through the lyrics that everyone was made perfect in their own way and you should embrace who you are and love yourself. No matter your skin color, if you have disabilities, or your sexual orientation, you should accept yourself. Lady Gaga expresses her support of the LGBT community, stating in the song “Don’t hide yourself in regret” alluding to the fact that people should feel comfortable approving of how they were made and coming out to those around them about their sexual orientation. 

In Selena Gomez’s song “Who Says” she also expresses that you are perfect the way you are. Throughout the song, she conveys that no one has the power or authority to determine your worth or how beautiful you are and no one has the ability to determine your potential. She states, “I’m no beauty queen, I’m just beautiful me” meaning that you don’t have to be royalty or a model to considered beautiful, each person is beautiful in their own way.

In “Beautiful”, Christina Aguilera begins by expressing the struggles of being insecure and ashamed of herself. She then goes on to state “I am beautiful” and “Words can’t bring me down”. She conveys that even with your flaws and imperfections, you are beautiful, despite the hate people might give you. The cruel things people say about you shouldn’t change the way you view yourself and you shouldn’t let them affect you.

These three artists and many more used their song to reach out to people and help those who may be struggling with self-esteem problems. Not only is their music important is sending these messages but the appearances of artists play a part as well. Artists like Lady Gaga or Pink don’t dress in traditional “girly” outfits. They dress how they want without fear of judgement or ridicule from others. This sends a message that what other people think does not matter and you should do what you love and is best for you. Many inspiring pop artists hope that young girls listening to their songs or analyzing their appearances will start to view themselves differently, beginning to be more proud of who they are and having less of a desire to change themselves to be more like others.