Aparador
Paty Cantú
Breaking Free from the Display Case: Paty Cantú's 'Aparador'
Paty Cantú's song 'Aparador' delves into the pressures and expectations placed on individuals, particularly women, to conform to societal standards of beauty and perfection. The lyrics highlight the constant demands for physical alterations, such as avoiding cellulite, getting silicone implants, and maintaining curves that fit the television ideal. The metaphor of 'hojalatería y pintura' (bodywork and paint) is used to describe the superficial changes people are expected to make to their appearance, likening it to fixing up a car rather than embracing one's natural self.
The song also touches on the idea of authenticity versus artificiality. Cantú contrasts herself with 'chicas plásticas' (plastic girls), emphasizing that while she may not be 'magical,' she is unique. This uniqueness is portrayed as more valuable than conforming to the one-size-fits-all standards of beauty and behavior. The lyrics 'Moda, azul y sexo unitalla' (Fashion, blue, and one-size-fits-all sex) critique the homogenization of identity and the pressure to fit into a narrow mold to gain fame and acceptance.
'Aparador' serves as a powerful statement against the objectification and commodification of individuals. Cantú asserts that she is more than just a 'display case' (aparador) filled with pain. She is a voice, a sound, a song—elements that represent her true essence and individuality. The repetition of 'Yo soy más que un aparador' (I am more than a display case) reinforces her message of self-worth and the importance of being true to oneself, despite societal pressures to conform.