they don't fit into little
petty places. these hips
are free hips.
The poem critiques the mainstream beauty standards that marginalize full-figured and curvy women. The speaker asserts that her body does not fit into those standards to undermine body shaming and negativity in society. She affirms that her hips are free to denote that she is unfazed by the societal pressures and standards.
these hips have never been enslaved,
they go where they want to go
they do what they want to do.
The speaker addresses the triple consciousness that black women retain in society while navigating gender and racial issues. Consequently, this poem demonstrates this intersectionality that exists in all spheres, including in beauty standards. She further expresses that she has conquered the modern suppression of the black woman in society.
these hips are mighty hips.
these hips are magic hips.
The poem focuses on female empowerment and gaining autonomy in a society that is restrictive and oppressive. The speaker incorporates enriching terms to describe her body and femininity as a form of liberation and freedom. She regains the power that is characteristically taken by society’s opinions and external forces that aim to control and deter her.
