A new show on Disney Junior called “Rise Up Sing Out” is taking on “microaggressions”, specifically those that are related to issues racial in nature. In the song “Speak Up”, the lyrics discuss one child being surprised that another child has a parent with a different skin tone. The lyrics also address someone wanting to touch a child’s hair, as well as one little boy not “talking like other black kids”. As the song plays, a constant chant of “speak up” plays in the background.
Here are the lyrics from Genius.com:
Hey, Gabriel, I didn’t know that was your mom
Your skin is so much darker than hers
Hold it, did that comment make you feel uncomfortable?
That’s a micro-aggression
What’s a micro-aggression?
A micro-aggression is when someone says or does something that makes you feel bad
Sometimes just because of your race
But you know what? He’s wrong
You should be proud of your skin
It’s what makes you you[Verse 1]
I know just how you feel, lonely sad and blue
He said that awful thing and you don’t know what to do
That’s not okay to say about your beautiful skin
To find your voice, see the power within
[Chorus]
Speak up! Speak up! Because you got something to say
Speak up! Speak up! Or it’s okay to walk away
Speak up! Speak up! Because you got somеthing to say
Speak up! Speak up! Or it’s okay to walk away
[Interlude]
Ooh, I’ve gotta feel your hair
It’s such an unusual tеxture
We know just how you feel and it wasn’t okay
The way she touched your hair and didn’t give you a say
We wish she didn’t do that to your awesome hair
Allow us to make it perfectly clear[Chorus]
Speak up! Speak up! Because you got something to say
Speak up! Speak up! Or it’s okay to walk away
Speak up! Speak up! Because you got something to say
Speak up! Speak up! Or it’s okay to walk away
[Interlude]
Hey, toss the ball over here
Hey, Kingston, why do you talk like that?
You don’t sound like the other Black kids I know
[Bridge]
We wish she hadn’t said that, the way you speak is flawless
We’re here to help you, join us in this chorus and
[Outro]
Speak up! Speak up! Let her know just how it is
Speak up! Speak up! We can change the narrative
Speak up! Speak up! Let her know just how it is
Speak up! Speak up! We can change the narrative
