Yes we all understand that some rap music can be degrading to women, particularly men who degrade women in their songs and videos. But what if a women is degrading herself in her own song? Trina’s new song “Look Back at Me” is all about sex and nothing else. This song is played on 102 Jamz and 97.1. The song has sexually explicit lyrics that are inappropriate for the radio. I honestly feel this song is too explicit and very shallow.

Here is a woman who has the power to reach millions of people with her music and she puts out music about giving and receiving oral sex, releasing bodily fluids, and describing engaging in sexual activity. Aja Buckner says, this song is a “verbal porno” because of the explicit language and dirty details.

This song is played throughout the day; in the morning and afternoon when children are home to hear it and that is the message she and the radio executives are sending.

This song sends the wrong message to the youth because it openly degrades women. The bottom line is this song is inappropriate for children to listen and sing along to. Trina’s song is a setback for our people because it is just what people expect from black rappers. She is sending the wrong image not just for herself but all black women, rappers, and black men.

Why isn’t anyone having a problem with kids listening to this on the radio as they get ready for school? Is it just because of its catchy beat? Or maybe because most people just want to dance and have fun? It so shallow of us to accept a song with a good beat but terrible lyrics.

But honestly, in our country today, there is so much more going on that we need to be aware of and not limit ourselves to just listening to things about sex and money. We cannot be blinded from actual issues by listening to trash on the radio and seeing it on television. Artists such as Nas and Lupe Fiasco have great beats but you don’t hear them as often on the radio as Trina. Is it because they are actually talking about things instead of sex? Not enough people are ready to listen to music on the radio that has a meaning and talks about the issues that affect us all so they settle for the nonsense they hear on the radio. There has to be a change.

• Charissa Young