English Language

SBA

Name: Emanuelle Senior

Name of Centre: Belair High School

Centre #:100140

Candidate #: 100140

Theme: Music

Topic: The Impact of Black Female Rappers on the Self-Esteem of young black girls

Name of Teacher: Mrs. Tamera Hutchinson Simpson

Table of Content

pg. 1
Plan of Investigation…………………………………………………………………....3

Artifacts

Peng Black Girls by Enny (Audio)…………………………………………….4-6

Listening to Black Female Rappers Helps Our Daughters Build Confidence

(Article)..............................................................................................................7-9

“My Skin” by Lizzo (Video)…………………………………………………..10-11

Written Report………………………………………………………...........................12-13

Reflection #1………………………………………………………………………….14-15

Reflection #2………………………………………………………………………….16-17

Reflection #3………………………………………………………………………….18

Plan of Oral Presentation……………………………………………………………..19

Bibliography………………………………………………………………………….20

Plan of Investigation

The theme of my school-based assessment is "Music," and my topic is "The Impact of Black

Female Rappers on the Self-Esteem of Young Black Girls." I felt compelled to learn more about this

pg. 2
topic because, after years of underrepresentation in the music industry, an increasing number of

black women have recently achieved top positions on mainstream music charts. This discussion

appealed to me even more as a young, influenced black girl, so I selected it. I also enjoy music,

particularly that of fellow black women.

As a student of English, this SBA will benefit me in a variety of ways, including expanding

my writing skills, improving my communication skills, and learning about successful people

who are so similar to me. My artefacts include Enny's audio "Peng Black Girls," an article

titled "Listening to Black Rappers Helps Our Daughters Build Confidence," and a lovely

music video called "My Skin" by Lizzo.

SBA Artifacts

 Artefact #1: Peng Black Girls by Enny (audio)

pg. 3
 Lyrics:

There's Peng black girls in my area code

Dark skin, light skin, medium tone
Permed tings, braids, got mini afros
Thick lips, got hips, some of us don't
Big nose contour, some of us won't
Never wanna put us in the media bro
Want a fat booty like Kardashians? (No)
Want a fat booty like my aunty got, yo
Wheel up the bloodclart tell her reload it
I've got the camera my girls are posing
I need some back up then my ones are rollin'
Grown woman ting so I'm never at risk
Mind my own business so I'm never in mess
Who am I? I ain't bait
Get a slice of the cake
Want a house with a view
And a new pair of shoes
Keep it real from the jump
Gucci gang, Lil Pump
Little vibe, little bass, little kick, little snare
Little lies, big truths
Do you, they don't care
Do you, they don't care
Get your ass out the box and build up from there
I don't have a gang with me
But I still walk with a gangster lean
And rock Nike's 'cause we think they're clean
MJ leather jacket, beat it, Billie Jean
MJ leather jacket 'cause I think I'm bad
That's cool, I like it, the growth
The light, the pain, the fight

pg. 4
 We love, we fight, we hurt, we cry
He paid the price, you'll be alright
I think I need some time away
I took a little time, I prayed
We gon' be alright, okay
Alright, okay, alright, okay, alright
I think I need some time away
I took a little time, I prayed
We gon' be alright, okay
Alright, okay, alright, okay, alright, okay
See, I've got so many verses
Type 'em or put 'em in cursive
Deep like I'm buryin' hearses
Preach like I'm doin' up churches
Sin for a bit, I've got urges
They got Chanel bags and purses
And I've got some mashed up Vans
That I won't throw away 'cause I'm needy and hurtin'
I keep it in 'cause I can, can
I've seen the drinks and the cans, cans
I think it's in my genetics
So the gin and the juice that I drink, I'm indebted
So if I fall off, it's expected, wow
Gather your thoughts and collect them now
Penny for my thoughts make a fortune, baow
How you keep rapping off beat bro? How?
Talking 'bout you're gettin' on the track, sis, when?
Everbody's here we don't more friends
Just do you, you ain't gotta pretend
Just do you, you ain't gotta pretend
He was doin' school while they were doin' ends
Now he's doin' money and them man are doin' pen'
You know about six or five of them in
You know about half of them men follow trends
He said to me, "They put guns in the streets
That's what they wanted for me"
And I said, "G, someone can fix you a plate
But no one can force you to eat"
Like when will he see himself as a king
And not just a pawn in these streets?
And when will we come together as a tribe
And be what's intended to be?
I just wanna be free
I think I need some time away
I took a little time, I prayed

pg. 5
 We gon' be alright, okay
Alright, okay, alright, okay, alright
I think I need some time away
I took a little time, I prayed
We gon' be alright, okay
Alright, okay, alright, okay, alright, okay

 Artefact #2: An article by Newsletter (Written)

Listening to Black Female Rappers Helps Our Daughters Build Confidence

pg. 6
Janelle Michelson eagerly scrolls through her phone, her eyes fixated on the screen of the tiny
communication device. A few seconds later, the lyrics of "Body" by Megan Thee Stallion
blasts the air of our Zoom call. Janelle, 13, from Houston, prefers listening to music as her
form of entertainment as opposed to social media or watching TV, just like many other
teenagers. For this teenager, however, her choice of song is a bit different.

Her mom, 35-year-old Clare Michelson, curated her playlist to mostly include body-
positive songs from Black female artists like Lizzo and Megan Thee Stallion. Michelson says
this move was done with the intent of acquainting her daughter with body-positive lyrics that
would boost her confidence.

Music has always been a great tool for empowerment, and for many adolescent girls who
often report higher instances of being dissatisfied with their bodies, listening to body-positive
lyrics could be a great way for them to boost body esteem. The larger music scene, however,
has continuously promoted certain body type—slim, Caucasian girls—making it difficult for
Black girls like Janelle to resonate with what is often portrayed. Listening to Black female
rappers changes this dynamic.

In a world where the Black female body is either invisible or hypervisible, these rappers
weaponize themes used to objectify women and convert them into a source of pride. For
Black girls who have historically felt that their bodies were inadequately represented in the
media, this is game-changing and their moms know it.

"Most music videos by Lizzo tend to feature Black women of all shapes and sizes. Seeing a
'mirror' of herself has not only boosted her body esteem, but also made her focus more on
how she feels about herself and her body, instead of how she feels based on society's ideals
and perspective," says Michelson.

Michelson adds that having the knowledge that some of these rappers faced online trolls who
criticized their appearance has encouraged Janelle to be more open about her own body
image issues.

pg. 7
"Sometimes, she'll come to me and say how much she doesn't like a feature about herself. Or
how someone at school commented on how large her thighs are. By countering such negative
messages with positive reassurance on her beauty, she gets the much-needed reaffirmation
about her body."

Janelle is just one of many Black girls who is dissatisfied with her body. According to one
study, Black girls are more likely to diet and are 50 percent more likely to exhibit bulimic
tendencies than their white counterparts. Dr. Toya Roberson Moore, M.D., a Child and
Adolescent Psychiatrist at Eating Recovery Center in Chicago, partially attributes this to the
inadequacy of Black female body-positive artists in mainstream media.

For the Black girls who are gradually witnessing a change in this narrative, internalizing
body-positive lyrics, as opposed to simply those that objectify their bodies, is a huge step in
improving how they feel about their bodies. Such body-positive messages should also be
accompanied by other positive habits like establishing healthy eating habits, physical activity,
positive friendships and a positive inner focus.

Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, Ph.D., the CEO of Ruling Our Experiences, advises Black moms to
make conversations about body image a part of day-to-day interactions with their daughters.
For instance, moms can remind their daughters that rapid weight gain is considered normal
during this period. That way, they are able to accept the changes that come. Parents should
also remember to talk about their own bodies in positive ways. Parents' actions can bolster
body-positive messages teens are already consuming from the media.

When body positivity isn't possible, Ruth Micallef, an MBACP-registered psychotherapist

who specializes in eating disorders, says learning to respect their bodies through body
neutrality is an attainable goal for girls whose body esteem may be low. "Constantly feeling
positive about your body is not always realistic, depending on how we feel day-to-day,
especially for teens," she says.

And integrating messages that will help teens feel better about their bodies can be fun.
Michelle Kamau, 40, from Nairobi, Kenya, says her ideal way of promoting a positive body
image for her 15-year-old daughter, Cynthia, is by dancing together to Black female rappers,
like Lauryn Hill, on lazy Sunday afternoons. She says artists like Cardi B, showcase how
she'd like her daughter to feel in her own sexuality—free and comfortable.

"Having dance parties to said artist is an easy way of creating open conversations on whether
my daughter is comfortable with her body and sexuality. If she's not, we'll have a candid
conversation on why this is the case and what can be done about it," says Kamau. "However,
I'll be quick to call out any over-sexualized and body-obsessed lyrics. As much as I want her
to be self-expressive, eliminating such messages is key to developing a healthy, non-
objectifying perception of her body."

It may be difficult for Black moms to talk about sexuality with their daughters, even though
doing so has been linked to enhanced closeness, better self-esteem, and decreased negative
health consequences. This, Kamau says, is a narrative she wanted to change with her
daughter.

"Megan Thee Stallion has become a strong advocate for exposing the over-sexualization of
the Black female body through her songs like 'Thot Shit,'" says Kamau. "This has impacted a

pg. 8
 valuable lesson to my daughter on standing up to anyone who tries to objectify their body.
She also speaks to me about similar situations she may have experienced online or in real
life."

Mom Clare Michelson advises other Black moms to remind their daughters that there is no
standard of beauty. "If they know that beauty comes in various forms, they'll be less self-
critical about their appearance and that of others as they grow up," she says.

Initiating conversations with potential friends has now become a regular thing for Janelle.
She has also become more confident in trying out new hobbies, both in and out of school. Her
mom says that she would have never mustered the courage to do those activities before and
attributes it to the positive outlook she has developed about herself. As for Cynthia, Kamau
says she stopped comparing her appearance and achievements to that of her peers. "She is
also no longer afraid to be herself in front of others. I owe a lot of that new-found confidence
to Black female rappers."

 Artefact #3: “My Skin” by Lizzo (Video)

pg. 9
 Lyrics:

Learning to love yourself and like learning to love your body is like that whole
Journey that I feel like every person
But more specifically women, have to go through
So I feel like doing this is a good way to kinda break through
And kinda seal the last chapter of the "learning to love" and just loving
Ooh, what's deeper than, what's deeper than the darkest best
Kept secret? Beneath the surface, we could
Let it bring us together, or it could tear us apart, oh
I'm filled with it, I gotta love with no conditions
Though it's hard to re-envision time and time again
Even when, even when it didn't matter anymore
The most beautiful thing that you ever seen
Is even bigger than what we think it means
Reflections in my bloodstreams, it's even bigger than
I woke up in this, I woke up in this
In my skin
I can't wash it away, so you can't take it from me
My brown skin
Real world, big girl meets world
A crazy position, now your dreams is your mission, huh?
Staring in the mirror, realizing, wish it worked
Now all I wish is for a chance to give my kids a Ford
I got a family tree that's worth praising the Lord
Mama looking like the second, woo! Look at God
Sister like a soldier, hold it down
Southwest gon' hold it down, uh
I love you, don't forget it, you beautiful Black masterpiece
Boy, they don't make brothers like you
Uh, make it happen with that Black girl magic
The hat trick off of what we must do

pg. 10
 I woke up in this, I woke up in this
In my skin
I can't wash it away, so you can't take it from me
My brown skin.
Pardon me, just left a message to the city
Words stuck between my teeth, so gritty
Pay him for each minute I'm seething
A Black girl mixed with a little bit of Sacagawea
I pocket subpoenas, I swallow my pride and my ego
I wear my flaws on my sleeve and my skin like a peacoat
I see someone like me ashamed to be
And honestly, I'm really, really
I'm fed up wit' it, try to send it up like a FedEx
I'm wondering what they sayin' next
Can't pretend to not hear it
It's your beauty, they can't have it
It's yours, they can't have it
I'm done with the struggle
I wanna-I just wanna enjoy my life now
And maybe appreciate my skin
I woke up in this, I woke up in this
In my skin
I can't wash it away, so you can't take it from me
My brown skin
Oh, I can't wash it away
No, you can't take it from me
My skin, your skin, yeah
Oh, I can't wash it away
No, you can't take it from me
Ooh, my skin, ooh, my skin, yeah
This is something I was born with, you know?
You can't buy this at a store, so hey

Written Report

pg. 11
 The theme explored by our four-member group was "Music." The topics were analysed in

relation to the theme included. "The Impact Music Has on Mental Health,", "Influence of

Dancehall on Young People in my Community", "The Impact of Female Pop Artists on the

Self-Esteem of Teenage Girls" and" Negative Impact of Dancehall Music in Schools". Several

procedures were put in place in order to accomplish the SBA, including but being constrained

to a group discussion on WhatsApp and Google Meet, the writing process, research, and

deliberation. As a result, we were capable of selecting three articles with varying uses of

different language and tone to enhance our group analysis.

    Firstly, after much evaluation, our group chose three articles from the available list. These

three articles were chosen because they were relatable to all members and because it was

believed that they allowed for a more in-depth analysis. We started the procession by

allowing each group member to present their own work. Following that, each participant had

the chance to comment on the articles written by his or her peers. The group then decided that

the reflection would be based on the tone and language used in the three articles that were

most appropriate. Thus, the newspaper article, "Music may be just as powerful as exercise at

improving mental health" (Arielle Weg, 2022), the song , "Anyway" by Teejah, and the article

"Listening to Black Female Rappers Helps Our Daughters Build Confidence" (2022, Tabby

Kibug) were selected.

  Additionally, as we examined the source materials' language, the tone was clearly

discernible. Terms like "development of body insecurities" and "inadequate depiction of

black females in the media" were used by Tabby Kibugi (2022) to express her worry. This

contrasts with the article's generally impartial tone. The material does not reflect the writer's

feelings and thoughts; it is factual and objective. When the author asserted vehemently that

teenage females of colour had self-esteem difficulties, particularly with their bodies, her

irritation was evident.

pg. 12
  In order to complete our report while still sustaining each member's distinct perspective on

our core theme, "Music," our consolidation of opinions on these three articles allowed us to

unite our disparate ideas. We inferred from the aforementioned publications that effective

communication occurs when language and tone are used appropriately.

Reflection #1

pg. 13
 I chose the topic “The influence of Black female rappers on the self-esteem of young

black girls”. The main reason I chose this topic was to gain an understanding of how black

girls, like myself, are affected by the music of our fellow black sisters. One of the obstacles

that we face is a lack of representation, which can have a plethora of effects including an

increased likelihood of developing body image issues, especially in a society that praises non-

black features. I am confident that conducting this research will both validate and add to my

understanding of how essential these Black Female artists are to young black girls.

My first artifact is a song called Peng Black Girls (2021, Enny). This uplifting song spoke

out on the discrimination on Black women and girls, particularly when it came our

Afrocentric features. Specific lyrics expressed how our features are only perceived as

desirable when they are on White women, who represent the so-called ‘Beauty Standard’.

The lines, Want a fat booty like Kardashians? (NO) Want a fat booty like my aunty,

yo, express this.

My second source was an article titled “Listening to Black Female rappers helps our

daughters build confidence” (2022, Tabby Kibugi). This article showcased a mother

encouraging her daughter to experience listening to body positive songs by black female

artists. The mother had stated that her daughter was dissatisfied with her body and listening to

these artists gradually changed her mindset to a more positive one. It gave me a deeper

understanding into how talented black women empower us to be confident and exude self-

love.

Ostracized and looked down on by society, Black women must work ten times harder than

our white counterparts to get the same opportunities. My third article, which is a song called

“My Skin” (2015, Lizzo), spoke out on exactly that, and although we have these

pg. 14
disadvantages we still persevere. “My Skin” gave me encouragement to work hard, be

determined, and follow my dream even though it may be difficult.

pg. 15
 Reflection #2

A Testimony is a recurrent literary device in my first artifact, Peng Black Girls (2021,

Enny). The lyrics were skilfully written to reflect the thoughts of black women and girls. She

confirmed the idea that we are tired of not receiving the same level of mainstream

representation as our white counterparts who are trying their hardest to look like us. Also, her

use of casual register in this piece was very humorous. Evidence for this would be the lines:

“There's Peng black girls in my area code

Dark skin, light skin, medium tone
Permed tings, braids, got mini afros
Thick lips, got hips, some of us don't
Big nose contour, some of us won't
Never wanna put us in the media bro
Want a fat booty like Kardashians? (No)
Want a fat booty like my aunty got, yo”
This entire song makes me prouder as a Black woman. It really showcases how beautiful,

authentic and diverse we are. The song writer used the device in a positive and casual way.

Enny’s delivery of the lyrics is very raw and straight forward.

My second artifact, "Listening to Black Female Rappers Helps Our Daughters Build

Confidence," (2022, Tabby Kibugi), showed the use of statistics and emotional appeal. The

author discussed how a lack of representation makes black girls more vulnerable to eating

disorders, body image issues, and low self-esteem. An emotional appeal was also displayed

when a young black girl stated how Black female rappers made her feel more confident about

herself. Evidence for the use of statistics would be the lines,

“According to one study, Black girls are more likely to diet and are 50 percent more likely to

exhibit bulimic tendencies than their white counterparts. Dr. Toya Roberson Moore, M.D., a

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at  Eating Recovery Center in Chicago, partially attributes

this to the inadequacy of Black female body-positive artists in mainstream media.”

pg. 16
 and
“Sometimes, she'll come to me and say how much she doesn't like a feature about herself.”

I find it depressing to consider how many black girls do not view themselves as equals to

our white counterparts. We truly do deserve good representation. The author made good use

of the literary device because this article was truly based on multiple Black girls’ personal

experiences.

The literary device that was frequently used in my final artefact, My Skin (2015, Lizzo),

was symbolism. Lizzo, a body positivity advocate, highlighted in her Evidence for Emotional

Appeal would be the lines,

heartfelt lyrics how black girls should be proud of one‘s roots and of who we are. We should

never give up and keep working hard even when the world is against us and even if we do not

have the privileges that non-black people do. Evidence for this would be the lines:

“I woke up in this, I woke up in this

In my skin
I can't wash it away, so you can't take it from me
My brown skin
A Black girl mixed with a little bit of Sacagawea
I pocket subpoenas, I swallow my pride and my ego
I wear my flaws on my sleeve and my skin like a peacoat
I see someone like me ashamed to be
And honestly, I'm really, really
I'm fed up wit' it, try to send it up like a FedEx”

I felt a deep bond with the singer, especially knowing her past experiences (Fat

shaming/Misogynoir). She encourages me to be more discipled and more resilient. Lizzo

delivered the literary device with authority. Her voice is full of soul and actual feeling, but

when it comes to other artists, I cannot sense that.

pg. 17
 Reflection #3
Working in a group on this important task was truly revitalising. I felt a sense of belonging,

and I enjoyed working with my classmates. I truly believe my time management skills have

improved, and I hope to enter the final exam with this work ethic. This school-based

assessment has left an unforgettable mark on me, making me more appreciate of my

friends,family,time,and even myself. It also gave me the opportunity to reflect on my faults

(especially negative self-talk) and work to eliminate them. Mrs. Simpson, my wonderful

teacher, has given me the opportunity to complete this assessment, and for that I thank her.

My fascinating artefacts confirmed that Black women can achieve anything we put our

minds to, and that listening to amazing black female rappers will enhance the self-esteem of

young black girls’.

pg. 18
 Plan of Oral Presentation

 Theme: Music

 Topic: The Impact of Black Female Rappers on the Self-Esteem of young black

girls

 Genre: Poetry

 Source: Original

 Language: Formal

 Reason for selecting Genre: I chose to present a poem because poetry truly

resonates with me, whether the usage of words, tone of voice or expressive

mannerisms when the poem is being delivered.

pg. 19
 Bibliography

 Peng Black Girls Audio

https://youtu.be/W-4Hchxihko

 Listening to Black Female Rappers helps our daughters build confidence.

ehttps://www.parents.com/kindred/listening-to-black-female-rappers-helps-our-

daughters-build-confidence-heres-why/

 “My Skin” Music Video

https://youtu.be/WfEhyi8N__Q

pg. 20