The Logical Fallacies of the WAP Controversy
Can we unpack this?
I am not a parent, but I did used to teach 5th grade. And let me tell you — elementary students LOVE Cardi B.
I’m talking as young as kindergarten. Not only have they seen her music videos, but they follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok (the ones with smartphones have secret fake accounts where they lie about their age). They can recite the lyrics to “Bodak Yellow” more fluidly than their 2 times tables, and they know the chorus to “I like It” as well as they know the Pledge of Allegiance.
So with that awareness, watching “WAP” all I could think was, My students are DEFINITELY watching this. And yes — I was appalled.
Before Bardi Gang comes for me, let me just say that I have nothing against either Cardi or Megan Thee Stallion, as people or as artists. I think they are both bold, beautiful, creative women who have made some really positive contributions.
That being said, WAP is an objectively vulgar (if not catchy) song. And while Cardi and Megan’s sexual proclivities may not be my own cup of tea, the sex acts they describe are not in and of themselves what I have a problem with (far be it from me to judge what is appropriate for consenting adults to do with their bodies). My biggest problem is the context.
