Beyonce` Hated By All Feminists? NOT!!
Bey covers feminist mag, Ms. (Spring 2013)
BeyHive, I know you have beef with feminist groups because Beyonce` seems to always be under a harsh, critical microscope in their lab, but I'm here to tell you (and Beyonce`) that for every self-proclaimed feminist that rejects her, there's one that supports her. As both a bee and feminist, I've come across a lot of commentary & literature analyzing Bey's place in the world of female empowerment. Being that negativity often supersedes positivity, we overwhelmingly only hear of the intense condemnations and/or persistent accusations that Beyonce` is not only a contradictory non-feminist, but an enforcer of gender oppression & female objectification. The latest claim is that her tour costumes facilitate sex-trafficking.
Beyonce` became the focus of feminist debate and discussion with several "girl-power" anthems that resulted in being labeled "a male-basher" by men and plenty of her own interview comments regarding inspiring women (comments that have gotten only more political and forthright with time). Much of media quickly pegged her the new face of feminism in music and a great example to women and girls. Meanwhile, this was/is challenged by some feminists primarily because of her sex appeal, lyrical content and most recently, her marriage. In my 2011 article, "Beyonce Isn't a Feminist?" I explained why I believe the arguments that she isn't a feminist because "she's too sexy" and "sings about love too often" are bogus and reinforce stereotypes about the movement. Despite being one of the few current pop acts to be so vocal about gender, Beyonce's efforts are habitually snubbed and ridiculed. Beyonce` raised money & headlined a concert for the women's organization Chime for Change, but it was said performing in a "sexy leotard" was countering. Even though she was clearly encouraging women to not let men take advantage of their emotional love and loyalty by being casual in relationships and not committing with 2008's "Put a Ring on It," the song was described as limiting female value to marriage. Although "Run the World (Girls)" had lyrics that addressed economic disparity, encouraged men to respect our strengths, boasted education and how we successfully handle motherhood & business, its music video was slammed because, again, the costumes were "too sexy" and the part in which the women-warriors dance in front of stunned male guards symbolized sexual subjection, not the confrontation Beyonce` intended it to be.
On the other side of the feminist community, agitation boils amongst those who welcome Beyonce's presence and find all the inspection to be judgmental, nit-picky and even racially biased. A few blog articles (including "Okay, Lay Off Beyonce` Already" by Feministe) have gone so far as to imply some of the criticisms are ironically anti-feminist themselves and do the very thing they charge Beyonce` with: shaming women and supporting the views of a male dominated society. Some black feminist writers contend that Beyonce` is just another woman of color whose feminism is unfairly scrutinized and measured, while other white, more controversial figures in the discussion go without evaluation. Writer Lauren Rankin (who is Caucasian) highlighted that Lena Dunham's, the star of the TV series "Girls," status as a feminist is never questioned, in spite of her character being far more sexualized than Beyonce's real-life image. The "is she or is she not" dialogue surrounding Beyonce` is so thick, Rutgers University designed a women's and gender studies course based on it, entitled "Politicizing Beyonce`." The definitive sign that "stuff got real" was when "Ms." magazine, the first major feminist publication started by key leader Gloria Steinem, put the King B on the cover with the headline "Beyonce's Fierce Feminism (the piece reportedly reviewed both sides of the debate)," receiving major backlash.
Beyonce's FULL 'Chime' Concert & New Charities
On June 2nd, NBC (U.S.) aired a concert arranged by Chime for Change, an organization that generates support for causes that help disadvantaged women around the world & seeks to combat gender injustice. Beyonce` was not only the concert headliner, but is now involved with the group (NBC only aired a few songs from her 50 minute set; you can view it in full here). By joining Beyonce's "Chime Team," you can learn more about specific causes close to her heart and offer a donation. Just $5 or $10 can go a long way. Bees, if we can spend hundreds on concert tickets, we can spend a few dollars to help women in need. Beyonce's dedication to women's rights and female empowerment is one of the many reasons she's my favorite artist. It's good to see her be more vocal with her charitable activities, as it brings attention to important issues. In the past, Beyonce` has supported anti-sex-trafficking foundations and started a trade education center for formerly incarcerated women. Did you know that? If you follow the link and Beyonce's projects are fully funded, please make a contribution to Chime for Change.
#BeyActive #BeyAware #BeyLifeChanging
Beyonce's GQ Cover a Little Much
Bey's racy February 2013 cover
BeyHive, we all get a little riled up when people suggest that Beyonce` isn't a "real" artist or that there isn't much of a difference between her and your average pop-tart. We only know better because we watch everything she does and listen to every bit of music. Despite how unfair or upsetting other's criticisms are, we can't blame them sometimes as they're on the outside-looking-in and can only go off of what they see or hear. Beyonce` dons the February cover of GQ wearing a bikini piece and a tiny shirt with the bottom of her breasts peeking out. This is the type of cover that other female artists usually do, not Beyonce`. When I make the argument that Beyonce` isn't as risqué or suggestive as some other artists, I mention that I've never seen even a sliver of Beyonce's private parts; can't use that as a talking point now. Bey has done a lot to differentiate herself musically, personally and with her image. She is often applauded for her regality and considered a healthy role model for women. A cover like this gives the impression to the unknowing that's she just another scantily-clad singer whose career is dependent or based on sex appeal. I'm not saying it's all over now because of this one magazine cover; I'm saying this cover is counteractive to a more positive perception. Not to mention, it gives more fuel to those who argue Bey's status as a symbol of female empowerment and claim she objectifies herself. Do you think the cover is too sexy or revealing?
Beyonce` Isn't a Feminist?
Do non-feminists make statements like this?
I've heard different arguments proposing reasons why Beyonce` cannot be classified as a feminist. The two reasons I hear the most are: 1) She has a sexy image and 2) She sings about love too often.
She Has a Sexy Image
To say that someone isn't a feminist because they have sex appeal implies that feminists aren't or can't be sexy, reinforcing the stereotype that feminists are bitter, ugly lesbians. I can see why one would factor sexual image into labeling someone as useful (or not) to feminism, however. The sexual personas of some female public figures arguably feed into the objectification of women. In Beyonce's case, I don't feel she has a detrimental or counteractive sexual persona. There have been moments where I've found her behavior to be questionable, but those moments are very rare. Majority of her music is G-Rated (PG-13 at most), her interviews have yet to be sexually provocative or explicit, she's never been nude in a film or photo and most of her performance costumes aren't incredibly revealing. If Beyonce` is guilty of anything, it's being sexually appealing. Of course men would ogle at her; she's a beautiful, alluring woman. Is that a crime? No.
Sexy nurse or kitten? No. It's SpiderMAN.
She Sings About Love Too Often
A friend of mine said "I don't think Beyonce's a feminist. She's a hopeless romantic." After a performance of "Run the World," my father asked "If girls run this motha', then why is she married to Jay-z? Why does she need Jay-z?" What does one have to do with the other? Feminists can't be in love now? My friend and father's comments stem from yet another stereotype about feminism: feminists are against marriage and procreation. Some people believe that feminism is about being anti-childbirth and eliminating men and the institution of marriage. Some feminists are indeed against those things, but that isn't a central tenet. Feminism is about freedom, equality, support and opportunity for women. Feminism fights the objectification, exploitation and mistreatment of women. Beyonce` can be an empowered, feministic woman and STILL be a wife and mother who's happy to be one. One does not eliminate the other, nor is it related.
If Beyonce` isn't a feminist, why does she record so many feministic songs to the point that she's accused of having too many? Why does she constantly mention female solidarity, empowerment and being an example of female-owned/operated business in her interviews? Why do many of her philanthropic efforts involve providing support for women and girls in crisis? Why has she purposely had an all-female band since 2006? Yeah….she's not a feminist at all.
Any questions? Comments? Loves, hates or fears?