pick me girl
Anny Koch
The Satirical Critique of Gender Norms in 'pick me girl' by Anny Koch
Anny Koch's song 'pick me girl' is a sharp, satirical critique of internalized misogyny and the societal pressures placed on women to conform to patriarchal standards. The repeated phrase 'Eu concordo com a porra do machismo' (I agree with this damn machismo) is a biting commentary on how some women feel compelled to align themselves with sexist ideologies to gain male approval. The term 'pick me girl' itself refers to women who go out of their way to distinguish themselves from other women, often by putting other women down, in an attempt to be favored by men.
The lyrics delve into the protagonist's internal conflict and societal conditioning. Lines like 'Eu não sou como as outras garotas' (I'm not like other girls) and 'Minhas amigas são todas escrotas' (All my friends are jerks) highlight the toxic mindset that pits women against each other. The protagonist's desire to please men is evident in the repeated chorus 'He's calling me mommy, mommy,' which underscores the infantilization and objectification women often face. The song also touches on the performative aspect of this behavior, as seen in 'Meu passado me condena, tá ligado? Abre meu Twitter que você vai ver' (My past condemns me, you know? Open my Twitter and you'll see), suggesting a history of public declarations that align with patriarchal views.
Anny Koch uses irony and sarcasm to expose the absurdity of these societal expectations. The line 'Eu já não concordo com o que eu concordava' (I no longer agree with what I used to agree with) signifies a moment of realization and potential change, yet it is immediately followed by 'Coitados dos homens, sofrem demais' (Poor men, they suffer too much), which mocks the idea that men are the real victims. The song ends on a note of defiance with 'Uma coisa nunca muda, Eu nunca vou estar errada' (One thing never changes, I will never be wrong), emphasizing the protagonist's unwavering stance despite the contradictions.
Through 'pick me girl,' Anny Koch effectively uses satire to challenge and critique the internalized misogyny and societal pressures that shape women's behavior, encouraging listeners to reflect on these pervasive issues.