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Jenna Arthur

Professor Hugetz

ENGL 1301-05

23 November 2020

Visual Rhetorical Analysis of Lynzy Lab’s “A Scary Time for Boys”

My name is Jenna Arthur and I will be introducing and analyzing Lynzy Lab’s song “A

Scary Time for Boys.” Lynzy Lab performed her viral song live on Jimmy Kimmel October 11,

2018. In Lynzy Lab’s song, she describes the characteristics and forms that sexism has taken

within the 2000’s. Her song communicates a strong message that speaks up against the

manipulation and abuse women of every race and age. In her lyrics, she sings about the hardships

of women and men, accentuating the various levels of adversity between the two.

In Lynzy Lab's creation of her song “A Scary Time for Boys,” she was inspired by

President Donald Trump’s comment that “it is a very scary time for young men.” Lab’s lyrics

state a call to action, encouraging listeners to vote with the intention to protect women. Lynzy

Lab also is inspired by stories of women facing injustice against sexism, their oppressors, or

abusers. Women of all ages and races join Lab on stage, displaying a diverse group against

sexism. This environment gives the impression that any woman can be discriminated against. In

this video, as Jimmy Kimmel announces Lynzy Lab’s performance, he expresses his

misunderstanding and sympathy for the reality women live in as they face oppression in this time

period.

In my creative process, I will observe and analyze the way Lynzy Lab’s lyrics appeal to

the audience. I will use examples from her song, the setting, and Jimmy Kimmel’s introduction

to describe her approach of getting her audience’s attention. Here, I will also describe her
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purpose and inspiration. This process of creativity will lead to a successful message regarding

Lab’s arguments against sexism in this time period.

On October 11, 2018, Lynzy Lab performed her song ‘’A Scary Time for Boys” on

Jimmy Kimmel. Her song describes the reality that women live in and the fear that they endure

throughout normal daily actions. She sings that “it’s a scary time for boys,” highlighting the tone

and meaning of this song. Women face numerous forms discrimination from men, though many

of these acts still go unnoticed across the world. Sexism is not subject to a specific race or age of

women; it protects the reputation of men and can be condoned by anyone. Statistics show a great

amount of discrimination against women during the 2000’s, documenting that 63% of female

journalists have been confronted with verbal abuse and 80% of women have been confronted

with “mansplaining.” (Human Rights Channel) Within the 2000’s, many young women have

grown up being told “boys will be boys,” which has normalized the dismissal of behavior that

boys should be held accountable for. In Lynzy Lab’s performance of “A Scary Time for Boys,”

the lyrics, sarcastic tone, performers, and inspiration help build an argument against the sexist

attitudes of the time period.

In Lynzy Lab’s performance of “A Scary Time for Boys,” the lyrics of the song help

build an argument against the sexist attitudes of the time period. In her lyrics she describes

normal actions that women can no longer do comfortably out of fear. Lab sings:

I can't go to the bar without a chaperone

I can't wear a mini-skirt if it's the only one I own

I can't use public transportation after 7pm

I can't be brutally honest when you slide into my DMs

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I can't go to the club just to dance with my friends

And I can't ever leave my drink unattended (Lab)

These lyrics describe activities that women should be able to do on a normal daily basis,

but unfortunately cannot because of the fear that they will be assaulted or drugged. Lab’s lyrics

also demonstrate the ideas that women cannot wear what they want, travel alone, or defend

themselves and that they must protect their belongings because of the possibility that they may

be harmed. These lyrics create a successful argument against sexist attitudes by describing the

fears instilled in women due to the actions and irresponsibility of men in the past.

The sarcastic tone of Lynzy Lab’s song “A Scary Time for Boys” helps build an

argument against the sexist attitudes of the time period. The sarcasm used by Lynzy Lab

expresses her frustration between women’s hardships compared to those of men. In a sarcastic

tone, Lab sings:

It's really tough when your reputations on the line

And any woman you've assaulted could turn up any time

Yeah, it sure is a scary time for guys

Can't speak to any woman or look her in the eyes

It's so confusing, is it rape or is it just being nice? (Lab)

These lyrics describe the worries of men in contrast to the worries women have. Lab’s

lyrics sarcastically normalize the hardships and concerns of men, implying that realistically these

concerns should not be normal or valid. Men are more worried about the damage their reputation

will take rather than the damage they have caused women. Lab also implies in her lyrics that

men’s actions can be concerning to women, making them cautious of their intentions, hence labs
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lyric “It’s so confusing, is it rape or is it just being nice?” (Lab) This lyric has an especially

sarcastic tone, dismissing the true degree of how concerning it is to even ask yourself this

question. These lyrics from Lynzy Lab’s song “A Scary Time for Boys” help to build a

successful argument against sexist attitudes of this time period.

Lynzy Lab’s performers in her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel contribute to the argument

against sexist attitudes. As Lab performs, she has women of different ages and races join her as

backup singers. These women joining her exemplify unity and diversity, while also

demonstrating that women of any age or race can be affected by sexism. These women singing

alongside Lynzy Lab contribute to the efforts of drawing attention to the reality of sexism. Lab’s

performers are a great addition to her performance, as they enhance the appeal to viewers by

showing a diverse group of women. This appeals to more women emotionally, as they seen other

unified and affected women who may look just like them. This aspect of Lab’s performance is

significant in the argument she builds against the sexist attitudes of the time period.

Lynzy Lab uses her song “A Scary Time for Boys” as a form of protest and call to action

to help build an argument against the sexist attitudes of the time period. Jimmy Kimmel states

that Lab’s song is inspired by and is a “response to our President (Donald Trump) saying this is a

very scary time for young men.” Lynzy Lab uses this response to respond to President Trump’s

comment as well as a call to action as she sings: “It's time for women to rise up, use our

collective voice / The day to vote's November 6th, so let's go make some noise” (Lab). In these

lyrics, lab encourages women to take a stand against sexism and vote in politicians who will

value women's safety and comfort, as well as bring justice to women facing discrimination and

oppression. Lynzy Lab’s response and call to action helps bring light to the injustices women

have faced and the appeals to women who have experienced injustice themselves, as she
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encourages them to fight for change. This form of protest builds a great argument against the

sexist attitudes of this time period.

The overall message of Lynzy Lab’s song “A Scary Time for Boys” is successful in

building an argument against sexist attitudes of this time period. In her song she describes the

lack of comfort and fear that women face as well as the absurd worries that men have when it

comes to their wrongdoings. The consequences of sexism currently effect men and women.

Women face many issues when confronting sexism, as people dismiss their situations and fears

as rational feeling. Men are affected greatly and in diverse ways, as some face the consequences

while others play the victim themselves to protect their image. Sexism has been normalized

throughout the 2000’s, from young children to adults. This source has intended consequences of

making men understand the reality women live in and the way people dismiss the sexism society

creates.
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Works Cited

Lab, Lynzy “Lynzy Lab Performs Viral Song ‘A Scary Time’ (for Boys).” YouTube, uploaded by

Jimmy Kimmel Live, 11 Oct. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN-

3F8T4t5w&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 18 Nov. 2020.

“Sexism: See It. Name It. Stop It.” Human Rights Channel, www.coe.int/en/web/human-rights-

channel/stop-sexism. Accessed 18 Nov. 2020