I'm a Bitch.

Meredith Brooks – Bitch

“Bitch” is a song by Meredith Brooks, released as the lead single from her 1997 album, Blurring the Edges. The song was a massive success, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in

Genius

This song is very self-aware and honest which I appreciate.

1. Who created this message?

Meredith Brooks wrote this song and released it in 1997. The song has eccletic origins being inspired from stalling music career and the writings of Carl Jung. More importantly, Brooks wanted to reclaim "bitch" as a term of self-endearment instead perjorative slur against women as well as a "celebration of the everywomen's multiple psyches".

1. What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?

Analyzing the lyrics solely, the chorus sticks out to me for its anaphora of "I'm a..." She lists everything she is – bitch, lover, child, mother, sinner, saint, hell, dream. She does not "feel ashamed" and "wouldn't want it any other way" even though the people around her may not like her outward, raw confidence in who she truly is as a woman. The archetypes she lists (a reference to Jung) are things most cisgendered women can relate to in some manner.

1. How might different people interpret this message differently than me?

One critic of this song said it was a "notice-me snap." I think some men would find her to be annoying because she speaks her mind and doesn't allow for her perspective to be trumped by a man's.  I think more more modest individuals may find the content (albeit tame besides the usage of "bitch") to be too honest and raw. Others (both men and women) may think she is yearning too much for attention and the wrong attention at that – attention that deals with more sinning than the appreciated saintly stereotypes of women.

1. What viewpoints or world views are included or left out of this message?

The main viewpoint left out of the message was the lack of freedom women experience all around the world. Many women want to be a "bitch" on their own accord, yet legal systems, politics, and power dynamics with other men would never allow women to act in such a way. Also, women can practice freedom in their own lifestyles that may look different into than what Brooks is describing. A woman may feel empowered being a stay-at-home mom and housewife while another loves being single and empowered through her career.

1. Why is this message being sent?

The message is being sent to liberate women in being a bitch. While "bitch" still has negative connotations, it is often used when women are truly acting like a "bitch" but rather asserting boundaries, saying no, using their voice, etc. If being a "bitch" means living a more fulfilling life, then why not be one?