Should Kids Listen to Nicki Minaj?
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By Lyz Lenz
Growing up, my parents tried to shelter me and my siblings from popular culture. We weren’t allowed to watch much television; absolutely no news and only Christian contemporary music, with some exceptions for Neil Diamond and the Eagles. Yet, despite my parents’ best efforts, my siblings and I snuck our clock radios into the closet, eagerly memorizing the lyrics to the top 40 songs. I knew Madonna was “like a virgin” and someone was supposed to “pour sugar” on someone else “in the name of love.” But what those words actually meant escaped me.
So, years later, when I was pregnant, I vowed not to needlessly shelter my own children. I was determined not to shelter them. I wanted them to hear real music, and I vowed to let them watch the news.
But the first time I played the radio for my sweet, little daughter, I was horrified. Every swear word, reference to sex and allusion to drugs leapt out at me. “When we were kids,” I told my husband, “sex in music was a metaphor—pour some sugar on me, and the like. Now, they just say ‘do me.’” My husband was horrified. “Wait, that Def Leopard song is about sex?”
Now that the post-partum hormones have run their course, I’m not quite so judgmental about the music we play in the car. I listen to books on CD, which frequently reference drugs, murder or worse. I do let my daughter watch the news with me in the morning, but she barely pays attention. And while she seems to enjoy Matt Lauer’s voice, I don’t think she understands the finer nuances of the trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor.
When she starts becoming more aware and asking questions, I’ll tone down the books on CD, at least. But I sincerely believe, none of this will damage her.
Recently, a video of little Sophia Grace Brownlee singing a Nicki Minaj song went viral. The song references sex, among many other age inappropriate things, but the little girl sings the song with such gusto it’s hard not to admire her talent.
In response to the song, many parents are questioning whether that song is appropriate for an eight-year-old to sing and criticizing the girl’s parents. But I think critics are too quick to react. When an eight-year old belts the words to a song, it’s innocent. She has no idea what she is saying.
When I sang, “Like a Virgin” to myself in the bathroom at the age of 10, I was clueless what I was actually singing. I just liked the song and loved Madonna. No doubt, little Sophia Grace Brownlee, is doing the same.
And watching her sheer joy meeting her idol on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” well, how can you criticize that?
What do you think? Would you let your daughter listen to Nicki Minaj?
About the Author:
Lyz Lenz is a writer, a mom and a midwesterner. Although, not in that order. She lives in Iowa and on the web at LyzLenz.com
Just gotta try this Creamy Avocado Dip recipe via Momables.com - love how you can spread it on a sandwich in lieu of Mayo! 
Comment by Colleen Kah-leen on Oct 13 2011 04:28:40:
I think it's harmless. Like you said – the girls don't know any better and there are songs that are much worse. I too grew up with Madonna and watched music videos of women crawl across cars and dance like strippers in heavy metal videos. I think when you are that young, you see it as pure entertainment and an extravaganza. If a child sees anything over the top and sexual in nature, let's hope the parents are nearby explaining what they see or asking their children everyday what they have learned, if they have any questions, or what the kids said at school that day.
Kids can make up their minds for themselves as they are exposed to so much everyday. They will always look to their parents as their true heroes and its up to the parents to recognize how they need to help shape the world for their children.
Nicki Minaj is an amazing performer and she has come a long way, making her way to the top. She is a good person and kids will remember that. When I watch her perform, I think "entertainment" and not "sex" or anything that would be negative for me or for a young child.
Comment by Jess on Oct 13 2011 09:20:51:
Little Sophia IS talented… and yes I agree that it is harmless as she might not even know what the lyrics are about. I don’t even know what the song’s about and I’m 29!!!
Comment by Lyz on Oct 13 2011 09:27:21:
I’m with you, Jess. I had no idea what the lyrics were and I hear the song all the time.
Comment by Tracy Soltesz on Oct 13 2011 10:07:41:
I agree and disagree here. When I was 10 and singing "Like a Virgin", I knew what it meant. My parents, specifically my mother, disapproved of the song, and many songs by Madonna (especially Papa don't Preach) because they disagreed with the values being expressed in the songs. But I knew this, and understood it, because they took the time to explain it to me, and then they allowed me to make my own decision about what I would watch or listen to. As a result, I feel I have grown into an adult with clearly defined morals and values that I developed as a result of my parents encouraging me to understand and question these topics. I hope to do this with my son as he grows. I haven't heard this particular song being referenced in this article because I don't like contemporary songs such as this; but in general, I disagree with the sentiment that its okay for a young girl to sing a song like this on national television simply because "she's too young to understand what she's singing". If she is truly too young to understand, then there are plenty of songs without such concepts in them that could showcase her voice just as well. But I'm willing to bet she isn't too young to understand, but we are only assuming so because we as adults are uncomfortable with broaching these concepts with children.
Comment by Mature29 on Oct 13 2011 11:04:51:
I would not allow my child to listen to Nicki Minaj. Nicki Minaj has said she wouldn’t allow her own child to listen to her music (google it). Doesnt that tell you something? I don’t at all think it is cute for children to sing lyrics that are clearly meant for adult ears. I will agree that children of a certain age wouldn’t understand some of the content but before most parents are aware of it they have things all figured out. Even if I were certain that my son did not understand the meanings of the words spoken, I would still filter out the things that I felt were unacceptable. Some lyrics are too vulgar for my own taste so why would I allow my child to listen to it. I wouldn’t want my child singing about their private areas or drugs in front of his grandparents, Sunday school or daycare even if he had no clue what of the meaning.
Comment by Tina on Oct 13 2011 11:53:07:
When i was young we use to sing “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John. i thought it meant you need to exercise not have sex! These little girls have no idea what the words mean – they just love the beat and tune. It’s super catchy. They are adorable and we should just appreciate it for what it is and not worry so much. Go Sophia Grace and groovy cousin enjoy! The innocence of childhood only lasts for a few precious moments – make the most of it!
Comment by Danielle on Oct 14 2011 09:18:31:
I agree with Mature29. Just because your kids don’t know what they’re saying, doesn’t mean they should be saying it. Do you really want to hear your eight year old daughter belting out “he cold, he dope, he might sell coke”, or “when he give me that look then the panties comin’ off, off” (Lyrics to Super Bass)? And this is one of the lesser risque songs! Have you seen the lyrics to Rhianna’s Rude boy that girls are singing? “Can you get it up? Are you big enough? I like the way you touch me there. I like the way you pull my hair.” I understand that kids (depending on age) don’t understand what these lyrics mean, but does that mean it’s ok for them to be singing it? Especially if broadcasted in public?!? I am sure that little Sophia would have looked just as cute singing an age appropriate song like Selena Gomez’s “Who says”.
Comment by Lyz on Oct 14 2011 09:55:09:
Danielle…”especially in public?” So it’s better if it’s done in privacy? And be honest, you didn’t even know what the song was about until you looked up the lyrics. And I don’t care if my daughter signs “he might sell coke” because she’ll think it refers to coke-a-cola.
I just want my daughter to love music and if she goes about it by way of Nicki Minaj, that’s alright. We’ll get the clean versions of the songs and manage.
And to your point about Selena Gomez, well, Sophia doesn’t like Selena Gomez and I’m sure she’s listened to her. So why have a kid sing a song that YOU find appropriate because you don’t want her saying “sell coke” in public? She’s a little girl. She’s happy. She’s not going to grow up and rob liquor stores because she sang Nicki Minaj.
Comment by Ladycricket Nodrama Accettura on Oct 14 2011 06:12:03:
Hell no I commented on this on yahoo. I said that the mother should be ashamed at herself for letting her daughter learn the n***** word and also swear words. Why would you share that with the world how can you walk arround and ut your head up knowing your kid at such a young age swears and said racist things? NO KID SHOULD LISTEN TO ANY MUSIC WITH BAD THINGS IN IT…
Comment by Christine on Oct 14 2011 02:19:05:
I agree with d look how would it look if sofia belted out the n word? or went to school and said he sells dope my panties are coming off…Plus theres no freakin way you can ever ever EVER compare our 80′s music to this crap nowadays…Come on why cant the mother let her sing GIRL’S JUST WANNA HAVE FUN’? really i agree d dont worry nikki herself said on google that she wouldent let her own child listen to her music.. What about the selena gomez song i love you like a love song baby? No i think personaly the mom is tryin to make headlines get a few quik bucks which im sure she will, cuz idiot people accept this kind of thing. But all in all i think the mother was way out of line here, theres no excuse, no hiddin facts THE MOM IS GUILTY OF USING HER DAUGHTER TO GET RICH OR PUBLIC TO LOOK AT HER HOPEING SHE WILL GET A DEAL hey look at that 8yo girl rapping com on….Poor thing!!!!
Comment by Danielle on Oct 14 2011 04:13:31:
Hi Lyz…By the spelling of your name I am assuming that you are the author of this article. I agree that parents have the right to deem what is/isn’t appropriate for their children to listen to. Which is why when I said “especially in public”, I was emphasizing the fact that allowing the public in opens yourself up to judgement and discussions about you and your child. I mean, isn’t that what your article is about? Asking us to discuss our opinions about what is/isn’t appropriate for children to listen to, based on this particular situation with Sophia? I am 26 years old and sing Niki Minaj all the time, so i do know what the lyrics are. So even though my child doesn’t know what the lyrics mean, I do, and therefore don’t really care to hear her sing them along with me quite yet. I, in no way, want to discourage the love of music, but in my opinion loving music includes loving the lyrics and meaning for you as well. My example of Selena Gomez was just an example. I know that my opinion of what is “appropriate” differs from someone elses. I was mainly just pointing out that there are other songs that could have avoided having this discussion. Regardless, I think that we can agree that many songs out today would wind up with the same topic of discussion: is it appropriate? Which is unfortunate…
Comment by Brantley Moate on Oct 15 2011 03:43:22:
Reading this article and the comments just reminded me of when I used to teach English as a second language to college age students who had come to the US to study at universities. I actually taught a class on "words to know but not to use" in which I taught slurs and curse words (including racial slurs). I gave the students the option not to attend and some didn't. Most students expressed gratitude. Students thought they were important to know so that if they were being attacked verbally they would know what was going on. I'm sure some things are age appropriate, but sheltering kids simply leads to ignorant adults. Thank you for your article. When I first started reading I thought "Oh boy, here we go." but the article is very sane and reasonable.
Comment by Carry on Oct 15 2011 03:04:01:
So, Liz Lenz, you say that “many parents are questioning whether that song is appropriate for an eight-year-old to sing and criticizing the girl’s parents. But I think critics are too quick to react. When an eight-year old belts the words to a song, it’s innocent. She has no idea what she is saying.” And many seem to agree, saying that singing the lyrics is “harmless”. Yet as parents, I am sure many of you teach your children how to protect themselves from predators, and what represents inappropriate behavior toward them from an adult. The “harmless” lyrics, as mentioned above include “when he give me that look then the panties comin’ off, off”.
So, when a girl is taught that she should not allow a man to touch her or talk to her inappropriately, our daughters should understand us and take that seriously; but when they’re encouraged to sing about taking off panties when a man looks at them in a certain way, well, don’t take it seriously dear, it’s harmless and innocent!
Sorry, Ms. Lenz, you are free to believe that 8-year old girls singing about taking their panties off for men is fine, but please don’t tell me that I can’t criticize what is being advocated here.
Comment by Cheryl NeSmith Kennedy on Oct 16 2011 02:17:57:
GREAT ARTICLE!! i saw the Ellen Degeneres show and it was so AWESOME how excited that little girl was to meet her idol!
Comment by Lloyd on Oct 16 2011 06:02:17:
i know when i was growing up my parents were more concerned with censoring me from sex, i wasnt allowed to watch movies with sex in it ie basic instinct, disclouser, showgirls were BIG NO NO’s in our house, however I was totally allowed to watch any horror movie i wanted, thinking back i think its funny how as a society we focus way to much on sex then on violence. even though i can remember watching nightmare on elm street at 8 yrs old, it never turned me into a psycho killer. however i personally feel we should not censor kids. cause look it now censoring kids from sex we are creating little girls/boys having sex at 13 and having kids! my parents always gave me the talk that sex is bad you dont have sex till your married! and i feel we should be a more open society about sex and focus mainly on violence. and i highly doubt these girls no what they are singing about. I watched the movie poltergiest at 10 and i had no idea until a few years ago that they were smoking pot.
Comment by Justin Berry on Oct 17 2011 03:58:11:
I feel like we live I. A new world were people like to be open to there kids more so I think this is only if you are apart of your kids learning and can tech them about life everyday so that the people your kids are around to influence them to much. Being your kids romolde is the best thing for them and is needed for the rest of there lives. Kids are a blessing and we need to put them before are self, am learning alot and fast with my 15 month old baby boy he is doing thing I could not belive at 1st he learning so fast, so the song is ok.
Comment by Sandra Poon on Oct 22 2011 04:42:20:
no they should not.
Comment by sandra on Oct 22 2011 12:55:38:
what was that
thats not good
Comment by socimom on Nov 05 2011 11:47:24:
Lyz,
Do you truly believe that the reason why children as young as 13 are having sex is because, as parents, WE don’t educate them about sex? In this article I definitely felt like you romanticized the situation. It is not simply one or the other. If you’ve done your research, it shows that we are now living in a generation of kids who are overly stimulated by the media.
On the Ellen Degerenous’ show, little sophia referenced how she “loved the pink, ice sculpture motorcycle and the pink car ” in Nicki Minaj’s video which indicates that she has watched the video before. I personally don’t dislike Nicki Minaj and actually find her to be very sweet in interviews, however, that does not disregard the fact that her lyrics and music videos are EXTREMELY inappropriate for young children.
You say that “children have the freedom to choose” yes, that is true, we should not assume that children are simply passive dupes however, we also shouldn’t assume that they are intelligent enough to distinguish between what is good and what is bad. This is where parenting comes in. I agree that you shouldn’t shelter your children but I do believe that you should shelter your children to a certain extent. If Little Sophia was 16-17-18? Then I would have less of a problem with her singing the song, but in this case, because she clearly doesn’t know what the song means, by allowing her to sing such words, watch such a sexualized music video and exposing her to such an artist, you are basically normalizing the notion of sex and women as objects in her everyday life.
The reason why there is such an outrage is not because parents are mad that Sophia is singing such a sexual song, but I believe they are angry because Sophia’s parents allow their daughter to be exposed to such an artist. This discussion is rather ridiculous as you all seem to assume that Nicki Minaj’s song can be seen as exclusive and rather autonomous from her sexual image.
I don’t really understand what you are suggesting in your article and your replies. Are you saying that we should expose our children to the sexualization of media and simply just be there when it happens and explain ” oh, here is a Nicki Minaj wearing little to nothing, pouring pink liquid all over her chest, but you shouldn’t do that because it’s inappropriate?”
I think it’s important to point out that Little Sophia didn’t just love the “Super Bass” song rather she LOVED Nicki Minaj. And I think in discussing this topic we need to address what Nicki Minaj represents? Easily put, her videos and songs reinforce the objectification of women in the media. In such, this is where parents have to step in and decided, do I feel like this artist is appropriate for my child to listen too? And should I encourage her to sing and perform the inappropriate lyrics in the songs? Personally, when I watched the video, I was horrified that Sophia’s parents would allow her to sing such a song. By allowing her to learn such vulgar language, you are once again normalizing it within her everyday life. How can you say, ” oh here, go on national television and sing about taking off your panties but you can’t say that sentence at home?” You’ve already allowed/ approved of her saying it in public so why would she feel obligated to watch her language at home? It makes absolutely no sense to me. Referring back to not assuming our children as passive dupes, children are prone to be influenced by why they believe is cool, in this instance Nicki Minaj is “cool” so do you think that just because your child doesn’t know the words of her songs, that’s enough to assume she won’t want to dress and act like Nicki Minaj?
This is what I find problematic and where bad parenting comes in, exposing your 9 year old to something so sexual is wrong. In such, it can also be argued that because of the sexualization of media, children ARE having more sex. Sex is glorified these days, so don’t simply assume that your child’s current obliviousness won’t influence her later in life.
Comment by socimom on Nov 05 2011 02:49:57:
* mutually exclusive I mean.
Comment by Sarah on Nov 07 2011 10:39:12:
I have 3 kids, the oldest of which is 5. Last year, when Glee did a cover of “Like a Virgin” it ended up on my iPod. My iPod ended up in the car and the song came on. Well, my then 4-year old had no idea what they were saying. He thought they were saying “Like A Birdie” and I let him think that. He only had to hear it once and it became his FAVOURITE song. He wanted to hear it all the time. And he would sing along “Like a birdie…tweet the first time.”
I was not really happy that he had taken such a liking to the song, but he could not tell what they were saying, so I just let it go.
I don’t like to shelter my kids from music, but I have drawn a line (Katy Perry’s Peacock comes to mind).
Comment by macleata on Jan 31 2012 11:00:50:
No child from age 1-18 should sing no explicit song at all especially little girls. that Kelly rowland “motivation” it is not cute for a child to sing that song. It doesn’t matter if the child doesn’t know what she is singing, you should have put on Kids Bop for them. And you are wondering why they are not good on their school work, but they are good on the lyrics of the songs though. It breaks my heart and makes me mad when parents who thinks it is adorable to sing inappropriate songs. I think that is a sign that the parent do not give a shit what the children look at and listen to. Little girls who sings songs like that, gets abducted, raped and killed. IT IS WRONG!!!!!!!
Comment by David Friedland on Mar 26 2012 05:16:10:
Have fun explaining to your family and friends why your 5 year old just called them motherf-cker.
Your kids are going to end up being the ones all the other parents tell their kids to stay away from. You are or will be a bad influence on your children, and your child will be a negative influence on others. Good luck. I hope you wise up and raise some respectable young-ones.
Comment by Victor Emmanuel on Oct 31 2012 01:43:21:
Everybody is just brain washed with this tard name Nicki Minaj I think she is very dangerous to the children out there. A terrible influence she is indeed from hair coloring to sexual preferences she is inspiring innocent children to commit adulterous acts and the young women are growing to become very disrespectful. I live in the hood so I see her influence every day.
Comment by Colleen Kah-leen on Oct 31 2012 05:01:11:
David Friedland your hate message doesn't make you any better of a person. Victor, please read my reply again – and remember – there have been plenty of performers before Nicki who have been way worse – it's up to parents to teach their children and be a great influence over them and their decisions and the way they act or behave in society. Music and entertainment is not reality. I grew up on Long Island and was exposed to plenty of Madonna, heavy metal rock and Hip Hop on Hot 97…Hip Hop went down hill in the early 90's and half naked women, and lyrics about gangs was all we started to hear – the best Hip Hop artists are long gone. It's because of my parent's involvement that I wasn't brainwashed.
Comment by David Friedland on Oct 31 2012 09:43:03:
Hopefully it'll open your eyes to some basic psychology and get you on the path to raising your children responsibly. As for others being "way worse", how about some examples, I can't think of any that have done similar things AND that cater to the tween audience, when they're even more susceptible than teenages. Let a little logic into your life and let your impressionable young minds receive only good influences.