Song meaning of Pocket-Sized Feminism by Blythe Baird

In the song "Pocket-Sized Feminism" by Blythe Baird, the lyrics explore the struggle of being a feminist in a society that often silences women's voices and dismisses their experiences. The song begins by portraying an environment where rape jokes and objectification of women are the norm, while any discussion of feminism is met with disdain and indifference. The speaker acknowledges her own hesitations and fears about speaking up, realizing that the patriarchal world she navigates values her silence and compliance.

The lyrics reflect the internal conflict faced by the speaker as she grapples with her own responsibility to challenge and confront sexism. She recounts instances where she failed to take action, allowing predators to hurt others. Her guilt is represented by carrying it in her purse, symbolizing the weight and responsibility she feels for these past actions or inactions.

The song also highlights the daily threats and dangers that women face, including sexual harassment and assault. The contrast between the speaker's father's reminder to carry pepper spray and his assertion that sexism is dead speaks to the contradiction and hypocrisy that women often encounter. The cultural normalization of fear and the need for constant vigilance is depicted through the shared communication among women about reaching home safely.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of frustration, anger, and the need for change. The speaker's desire to see a world where women are respected and valued for their contributions, rather than objectified and harmed, is a powerful call for equality and justice. The song emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence, challenging societal norms, and acknowledging that silence itself can perpetuate violence.