Three Haikus and a Message to Nikki Minaj

Patricia R. Corbett

Dear Nikki,

I was seriously angry and frustrated when I was accidentally exposed to your “Anaconda” video.  I want to put this as delicately possible because you are someone’s daughter and so am I.  As an educator and mentor to young women, I do not wish to hurt you, but instead help to enlighten you about the power of your music.  Now before you think that I am making this a personal attack about your artistry, I want to assure you that I am open to ALL forms of artistry, even when I may not agree or understand it. As a creative spirit, I am against censorship and value the artistic process. However, I feel it necessary to say to you that the work you are putting into the universe is neither refreshing nor artistic. In other words, just as two strategically placed sticks and a Cheeto glued to a sheet of paper is not art, neither is stripping down to the very bare minimum and clapping your ass cheeks. Since “Minaj” is connected to the French word ‘menage’ which means threes, I decided to write you three haikus and this short message.

I am sure you realize through your childhood and growing up as a young black woman that the life of a ‘girlchild’ and woman is exceedingly difficult. Girls and Women see images of other and often want to emulate them. Many of these women are the victim of systemic problems that include poverty and abuse. I am sure you are aware that women are exploited, ‘mysogynized’ and marginalized around the world. Do you want to be remembered as a young black woman who exploited herself for money? I am guessing based on hearing you talk when you drop the fake Barbie veil, that you are an intelligent women who has not yet reached a level of consciousness to understand how much young women now idolize your plastic and very shallow images. Many of them will make bad choices based on the image and not the reality. 

Haiku #1

sit down black girl now

there is no revolution

in between your thighs

I wrote Haiku #1 for you as a means of helping you to recognize that sex and ‘clapping ass cheeks’ is not revolutionary. In fact, although you are not paving the way to this behavior, you are now part of the way. Everything you do is being absorbed by masses of girls and young women.

I recently watched a documentary about Alice Walker. In this film she said that, before she creates, she consults the ancestors to be sure that her work meets with their approval. Whose approval, if at all, did you seek? Why did you chose to frame your career in this way? Was it fame at whatever the cost? Do you realize that fame brings attention and sometimes chips away at your psyche and your life? In addition, money may end the struggle, but earning it does come with a price.When your former high school rejected your request to speak to the students, someone in your camp should have advised you to request a private meeting with the principal to discuss the matter further instead of ‘tweeting’ your frustration. If they approved the meeting, you should be prepared to explain your career choices and earn the level of respect you want that has been compromised because of your choices. As an educator and mentor, after viewing “Anaconda”, I totally understand and support the school's position. 

Haiku #2

your message is clear

bounce and clap your ass for coins

the little girls see

I wrote Haiku #2 so that you realize that your choice to glamorize sex impacts our communities. You are influencing a generation of young women and adult women.  Is this how you want to be remembered?

I know there are plenty of women who have and are willing to compromise their intelligence and body because it is financially lucrative. You and others may point out, Lil Kim as a prime example. But have you looked at Lil Kim today as compared to yesterday? After making millions and spending money for countless plastic surgeries, is she better off? You are basically the 21^st century version. Have you thought about what you will look like and where will you be 10 years from now? I wrote Haiku #3 because I want you to know there is hope for you and all young women who make career choices that are controlled by a patriarchy. You are not the first or last woman to fall prey to the desire for money and fame. And although people forgive and forget some things, other times their memories linger. Again, is this how you want to be remembered?

Haiku #3

thankfully there is

evolution for us all

you someday will see

Nikki, there is so much more for you to learn and for you to unlearn about what it is to be a woman. I encourage you to really dig deep and spend time figuring out now what you want your life to look like. My guess is you may have interpreted that your freedom as a woman is to do whatever you please with your body. This may be so, but you must also realize that there is a much more powerful influence with the mind than with the body. I do believe you can and will evolve to this level of consciousness. When this process takes place, maybe your former high school administration could be convinced to allow you to speak.  Please understand, as women we are most often at the mercy of a patriarchal society. Whereas, we may not be able to control this domineering force, we can demand that we be respected for more than our body. You can use your power and prestige to uplift or tear down. I imagine there are many women, like myself, who would love to see you evolve into a much more conscious woman. This is not a demand for you to change, but rather a request that you consider using your power for good and to be remembered for so much more than "Anaconda."