International pop-star Justin Bieber just released one of the most “fire” songs of 2015. However, surprisingly (or not) he’s already received huge backlash by “promoting rape culture”. Ok, sit down. This is unarguably a touchy subject, and I write about this with caution. I understand the basis for these concerns; however, through my own investigation, I truly believe this song is just a song. Justin Bieber is a young man, like many others, who find women confusing. Personally, I’m shocked more straight/ male, performers have not released songs about us girls… and our blatant indecisiveness.
One of the biggest arguments from critics is that Justin’s lyrics imply that silence means consent… So, my question is, WHAT SONG ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
I completely agree that no means no. I completely agree that silence is not consent for sex, but I also believe that if you actually read these lyrics, Justin is clearly asking his partner what they mean when they say yes, but he can tell (maybe by their body language, their social cues) that they may have wanted to say no. Justin is asking the question, he is having the conversation, he is allowing his partner to change their mind and say what they really want to say. He isn’t acting on any impulse; he’s listening to his intuition- that the answer they gave isn’t the answer they wanted to give.
If you’re going to read between the lines, of course you will find something offensive.
Want to know how to start an argument with social media? Have an opinion.
Every publication can be found offensive… if you go looking for something to attack. Believe me, I study this as a major (and will likely make a career out of it).
So, let’s act like intelligent critics and take a real look at J.B’s “controversial” lyrics before we take this too far.
“What do you mean? OoohWhen you nod your head yesBut you wanna say no”
Justin begins by asking his companion what they mean when they nod in agreement (but instead really wanted to say no). Ok, Justin’s partner needs to be more straightforward and say what they want. This person has a voice and is not a victim. Justin by no means is forcing himself upon this ‘imaginary girl’ and is rather asking this person how they feel.
So, why are we turning perfectly “safe” lyrics, involving a healthy/ open dialogue between two people (that could be about if the other person wants to go to a movie or not) –as an invitation of potential rape? Let’s continue…
“What do you mean? HeeeyWhen you don’t want me to moveBut you tell me to go”
Ok. Now his partner has spoken up. They want Justin to stay, but they are trying to be independent and tell him to go – because they have the power to do this. I have done this; many of us have done this. We get indecisive when we feel attracted to someone because we want to spend as much time as we can with him or her, and yet we still want to feel as if we do not need, nor depend on someone. This is natural (and super common)… I really don’t see a problem with this at all.
“What do you mean?What do you mean?Said we’re running out of timeWhat do you mean?”
Justin probably has an early talk show performance in the morning and needs to know if he’s going to stay the night at his partners house or go and sleep in his own bed. It’s getting late, just decide.
“Oh oh oh What do you mean?Better make up your mindWhat do you mean?”
OK PLEASE MAKE UP YOUR MIND. IF YOU WANT HIM TO STAY JUST SAY SO. HE’S CLEARLY OPEN TO STAYING (OR ELSE HE WOULD HAVE JUST LEFT ALREADY). HE IS BEING A GENTLEMAN AND ASKING YOU FOR YOUR OPINION. HE IS GIVING YOU THE CHOICE TO DECIDE.
“You’re so indecisive of what I’m sayingTrying to catch the beat, make up your heart.Don’t know if you’re happy, or complaining.”
Justin is telling this person how he feels, he’s being open and talking, and his partner just doesn’t seem to know what they want. This is totally OK and he respects that, he just wants to talk it through and get a sense of where their head is at. What an AWFUL guy…. *eye rolling*
“Don’t want for us to end where do I startFirst you wanna go to the left and you want to turn rightWanna argue all day, making love all night.”
I am this girl when it comes to deciding where I want to eat. I can’t make up my mind, and my date and I end up driving in circles. Justin, I can relate… and behalf of so many of us, sorry.
Many of us also get emotional when we care about someone… and it can be confusing when you fight over stupid things/you’re not sure if you are compatible, and yet you still feel so strongly towards them. PS. DID YOU SEE THE PART WHERE HE DOESN’T WANT THIS TO END AND IS WILLING TO WORK ON IT….
Ok, rant over.
Do you think Justin is promoting rape culture in this new song?Let’s chat kellieanderson@hercampus.com