Quotes Meaning

"When you see a chick that’s not the skinniest girl in the room, covered in tattoos, you go, ‘That girl wants to stick it to the man.’ But we don’t give a damn about the man. At all. We just want to make music."

- Ashley McBryde

American country music singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde has gained notoriety in a field that is frequently dominated by conventional standards of femininity and conformity. She talks about letting go of social conventions and concentrating on what really matters to her—her love of music—in her own words.

The sentiment expressed by McBryde is typical of artists who are unrepentant about who they are and the decisions they make in life. She presents an image of a woman who defies expectations: she may be more curvy than slender, tattooed, and possibly viewed as rebellious. Such characteristics are typically interpreted by society as implying that these women are questioning or disobeying authority—a practice known as "sticking it to the man."

McBryde astutely notes that this isn't always the case for her or people similar to her. For the sake of rebellion, they are not looking to challenge established norms or hierarchies of power. Rather, they are merely following their own passions and interests without considering the opinions of others.

Consider a butterfly that is ready to spread its wings and soar, but does not break free from its cocoon because it is upset with it. Similar to this, McBryde's statement implies that her body type and tattoos aren't meant to convey a message of defiance; rather, they are simply aspects of her identity as an artist, and she doesn't feel the need to fit in or look for approval from others.

McBryde's quote essentially questions the notion that any daring decision made by women in traditionally conservative fields, such as country music, must be viewed through a rebellious prism. She encourages us to view these selections as authentic manifestations of passion and individuality, free from the need to prove a point or go against the grain.

McBryde's openness inspires listeners to see past superficial stereotypes and value the genuineness that artists bring to their work despite social pressures and conventions. Anyone who has ever felt driven to remain true to themselves in the face of criticism or expectations from others will find resonance in her message.

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