YOUR REVOLUTION

your revolution will not happen
between these thighs...
the real revolution
ain't about booty size
the Versaces you buys
the Lexus you drives
and though we've lost Biggie Smalls
your Notorious revolution
will never allow you to lace
no lyrical douche in my bush
your revolution will not be
you killing me softly with Fugees
your revolution won't knock me up
and produce li'l future MCs
because that revolution will not
happen between my thighs

your revolution
will not find me in the
backseat of a Jeep with
LL hard as hell
(doin' it & doin' it & doin' it well...)
your revolution will not make me feel
boombastic and really fantastic
have you groping in the dark
for that rubber wrapped in plastic...
will not be you shaking
and me faking between these thighs
because the revolution,
when it finally comes, is gon' be real

- Excerpted with author's permission

If some of the lines in poet/actor/playwright Sarah Jones's song "Your Revolution" look familiar, it's because you've probably heard them before-straight from rappers like Shaggy and LL Cool J.

Jones's feminist parody of the bling bling, bitches-and-hoes formula that dominates hip-hop today is certainly a breath of fresh air. But don't tell that to the Federal Communications Commission, According to the FCC, her song contains "unmistakable patently offensive sexual references." On May 17, the FCC levied a $7,000 fine on Portland, Oregon, public radio station KBOO-FM for airing "Your Revolution." They claim the song is "indecent" and that its lyrics are intended to "pander and shock."  KBOO is currently appealing the ruling.

 According to Jones, the FCC is simply so disconnected culturally that they are unable to discern a parody that is attempting to respond to the hate speech in pop music. They are either misguided in their assessment, or the ban is a clear attack on progressive feminist voices."

Want to tell FCC Chair Michael Powell where else the revolution won't be happening?

E-mail him at mpowell@fcc.gov