So, that's the song that caused all of this ruckus.  Personally, I don't see a problem with it.  I think it's supposed to be an inspirational song, telling those that have become baby mamas to keep their heads up and continue to strive for something better.  If anything, there should be more inspirational songs, not less.

The critics mainly focus on the term "badge of honor", saying Fantasia is glorifying motherhood out-of-wedlock.  Well, what are they supposed to do; be ashamed of who they are?  Yeah they've made mistakes, but so has numerous people, and have done far worse.  That doesn't mean they should have a scarlet letter emblazened on their chest. 

I agree with the critics that single-parenthood is something to avoid, particularly fellow OkayPlayer Avery Tooley's comments on his blog.  Making conscious choices about who to associate with and how to carry yourself is something that's definitely missing from the debate on sexual education.  I've been saying that for the longest.  However, it happens, and since it is a part of reality we need to encourage the ones who have children out of wedlock to stay ambitious and don't fall into the trap that a lot of single parents have.

Fantasia knows this better than anyone, as she dropped out of high school in the ninth grade and had a baby at age 17.  At the time she auditioned for American Idol, she was unemployed, making money by doing hair and babysitting her child.  Her baby's father was in jail for assaulting her. 

Larry Elder, in a column from December, tries to trash her for this.  However, he misses the key point; she was able to take something that she was good at and make it work for her benefit.  She could sing.  American Idol was looking for singers.  American Idol chose her, and now she's making money.  And that's what opportunities are all about; finding something that you do well and become successful at it.  I personally have never heard of a better way to succeed at life.  Fantasia is an exception to the norm, of course, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.  Through her success, she's able to encourage and inspire others to do the same.  I don't have a problem with that.

This is coming from someone who isn't a big Fantasia fan.  Her singing's okay, but she's a lil too bama for me...and this is coming from someone who's lived the rural life all but five years of my life, so trust me on this one.  I generally don't listen to her songs.  But if she provides a little hope to one person, I feel the song was well worth it.  American Idol provided her with her big break, and hopefully someone else will get theirs.