Bodyshaming - Shirin Davids new song polarizes
She promotes a harsh fitness regime to look "pretty" in a bikini. Shirin Davids new song "Bauch, Beines, Po" polarizes her fans. For many, the singer promotes problematic body image in it.
"Bauch, Beines, Po" is no longer just the name for a course at the local fitness studio, but perhaps soon also a hit in the German charts. At least, if it's up to Shirin David, who has given her newly released song this sporty title. In keeping with this, the former "The Voice of Germany" jury member turns through the entire music video in a figure-hugging white outfit and sings - or rather grunts - instructions like "Breathe in, breathe out, that's not enough, come on, two more, don't give up" or "You can do it! Push it, Tiger!" This reminds heavily of the aerobic videos of Jane Fonda or Sydney Rome from the 80s - and for many of David's fans, it's also a retro body image that the 29-year-old idealizes with her song. "Pretty in a bikini" is only for those who train hard - and are thin.
Lines like "You want a body? Then you have to push. Are you a hottie, they'll look at you" or "Go to the gym, become skinny, make it a show" are already being hotly debated in the comment section on Instagram and TikTok.
"Bodyshaming on a whole new level - and what's this from a Feminism Princess, wow!", exclaims an Instagram follower. A further one writes: "I'm really disgusted. Shirin is turning from Power Woman to every x-beloved Doll. That's not motivation, that's a 'Look at me, I'm now rich and thin'-video." "Tell me that's satire?", angrily protests another fan.**
Fans feel inspired by the song
However, many followers celebrate Shirin David's new song and video simply and feel motivated to sign up for the gym right away.
"It's 0:29 am, I'm training Bauch, Beines, Po because Shirin said so", "I have the need to sweat in a tight sports outfit right now" or "Tomorrow directly to the gym. That was a command to myself" are comments from Instagram followers who apparently don't find "Bauch, Beines, Po" problematic.
The popularity of 'Bauch, Beines, Po' extends beyond fitness studios, with fans hoping it becomes a chart-topping pop music hit. In line with the song's title and theme, Shirin David often shares workout videos on Instagram, enthusiastically encouraging her followers with phrases like "Push it, Tiger!"
Despite the praise from some fans, the song's lyrics, such as "Go to the gym, become skinny, make it a show," have sparked controversy, with critics labeling it as bodyshaming and a departure from expected messages of feminism and self-acceptance.
