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Beyonce` Hated By All Feminists? NOT!!

7/8/2013

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PictureBey 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. 


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Beyonce's FULL 'Chime' Concert & New Charities

6/8/2013

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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 

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Beyonce's New Tour Title Bothers Me

4/7/2013

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Promotional Tour Poster
On the album teaser, “Bow Down,” Beyonce` made it a point to say “I took some time to live my life, but I’m not just his little wife” to remind everyone that even though she’s madly in love with her rapper/mogul husband, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, no one will limit the definitions of her identity or life roles. Over the span of their roughly 12 year relationship, the couple has intently kept their personal life personal and their professional lives as such, only mixing their brands long enough to do a few song collaborations. I find this to be brilliant, as all too often women become so enmeshed with their mates, they don’t know who they are or have a sense of purpose outside of the relationship and have to start from the ground-up should the relationship end. Despite this and all of Beyonce’s many individual accomplishments, some people still attribute her success to the man standing beside her (gotta love gender bias). With Beyonce` clearly being aware of how quickly people will underestimate her based on the ring on her finger, I can’t understand for the life of me why she would name her tour (and, according to rumors, her album) “The Mrs. Carter Show.” After sweating hard to build an empire on her own name since before she was old enough to drive, she’s picked a title that doesn’t reflect that? 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of her 1st solo single, “Crazy in Love,” and album, “Dangerously in Love.” It would be awesome and celebratory to build her promotional campaign around that, especially with Pepsi at the helm, but no, you’re going to put focus on your marital status. Hell, if we’re going to name the tour and album after someone else, let’s call it the “BeyHive Tour,” because after all, that’s who she’s putting the show on for anyway. 

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5 Ways Beyonce` Could End Her Career

4/2/2013

4 Comments

 
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"Uh-oh" would have a new meaning for Beyonce`
By Eddie J., contributing writer
When you’re at the top of your game with few blemishes or scandals, people start to wait for you to slip up. It’s clear that’s the case with Beyonce`, considering the ridiculous frenzy her singing on top of a track at President Obama’s 2nd inauguration caused. Despite that so-called “blunder,” Beyonce` is about to begin a sold-out tour without a new album out. Here are 5 things Beyonce` would have to do if she really wanted to flush her career down her gold and marble toilet. This list started out as satirical, but when you think it about it, it could really apply.

#5 Release an Album of "Bow Down"-esque Music
In light of the new sampler, hype has surrounded the "King B's" name as promo for her upcoming album continues. Although some of the Bees are living, I honestly don't think any fan of hers could endure an entire album or concert of Rihanna-styled club anthems. We know she's gonna have ballads and blah blah blah, but if every other track consisted of something as ratchet as the teaser, people would live for a week, only to live in the glory days of "4" the following week later. But this would only be the beginning of the end. After she releases an album of crappy hood anthems, Beyonce` would have to...

#4 Start Having "Accidental" Body Exposure
Nipple slips on Good Morning America, naked pictures or videos of her and Jay-Z conceiving their next child Red Oak, hell, even Instagram bathroom pictures of her mooning the world would start to build icing on the cake, cake, cake, cake. The snowball would only get bigger, not because we view her as an innocent virgin who gave immaculate birth to Blue Ivy in a lowly Texas manger, but because legends who didn't become such by being trashy don't usually mix well with audiences when their trashiness ensues. Sure, Madonna can flash audiences while on stage, but that's because she's been doing that since she started. Beyonce` couldn't afford to cross over into the depths of "MediaTakeOut chic" as a mother and icon in the making at age 31. Especially since she's now managing herself; without a Mathew Knowles (AKA "Knowl-ivia Pope") figure in her corner, it would probably be impossible for her to turn that into a PR positive. I mean think about it, if someone like Celine Dion accidentally exposed themselves in pictures or onstage, do you think all would be forgiven? Case in point, Janet Jackson. Looking at her album sales after her Superbowl “Nipplegate” in 2004, it appears the answer is no. So now that the queen has lost her “good” image appeal, the next thing to do is...


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Beyonce's GQ Cover a Little Much

1/10/2013

12 Comments

 
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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?


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Why Beyonce's "Take That Mitches" Was Poor Taste

11/8/2012

6 Comments

 
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Beyonce's post-election notice
Beyonce` made me shake my head after election night when she updated her Tumblr and new Instagram account with a photo of a hand-written note that read “TAKE THAT MITCHES” (the photo has since been removed). I was happy to see President Obama re-elected like any other supporter, but I found the posting to be in poor taste. It’s one thing to express elation, but once you use the competitor’s name or image (especially as a replacement for the expletive “bitches”), it becomes personal and more like an attack or insult, versus an endorsement for someone else. Had Romney won and someone posted something similar about Barack Obama, it would be deemed arrogant, disrespectful and perhaps racist depending on the wording. Also, Beyonce` has to keep in mind that she is a public figure with a diverse fan-base. She clearly didn’t consider how her fans who voted for Romney would feel. No, I’m not suggesting that she keep her political views quiet; I’m suggesting that she keep it classy. There was no need to gloat or disrespect the governor in order to celebrate. What do you all think?

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Bey's Wax: The Discography Analyzed

7/28/2012

7 Comments

 
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Beyonce’s artistic strengths & weaknesses.

I initially was going to do a comparison article on Beyonce’s four solo albums (see the concert DVD’s compared here), but after heavily listening to Destiny’s Child records recently (DC4LIFE!), I decided to include the group work as well. I wanted to write this article after an interesting discussion with a die-hard Mariah Carey fan who claimed to love Beyonce`, but described her as an artist he primarily seeks to “shake his ass” or release anger with. This minimizing comment stunned me, considering “King B” has inspired me and I, of course, find her to be a substantial artist. However, after pondering the Mariah fan’s criticisms of Beyonce`, I could see why he had the opinion he did. Coming from the school of Mariah, any shortcomings Beyonce’s music has seem massive.

In short, Beyonce’s lyrics are simplistic and arguably immature compared to Carey’s emotive, reflective pieces, clever puns and expansive vocabulary and the fact that Beyonce` primarily targets women seems excluding in comparison to Carey’s wider appeal (the keyword being ‘seems’).

This discussion highlighted what I feel to be an important central issue in Beyonce’s work: her projects aren’t always a testament to her ability and talent. As bees, we’ve paid close attention to every performance and song and are keenly aware of her abilities. We know she can SANG; we know she’s a skilled technician with a wide range. We know she can write great songs; she penned the beautiful and romantic song, “Dangerously in Love” as a teen. We know she’s a great performer; most doubters become believers after seeing a live performance (see “10 Live Signs Beyonce` is Everything” here). We know she’s studied from all the right musical bibles, claiming to be heavily inspired by Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Prince, Josephine Baker, Broadway musicals & the aforementioned Ms. Carey. The problem is that we know this as BEES and dedicated fans. From the outside looking in, Beyonce` can and has been deemed as just another beautiful, fairly entertaining pop singer with nothing to offer but catchy songs.  By breaking down her discography with constructive criticism, I hope to be able to give insight on why some people aren’t all the way sold on our queen diva.

The Destiny’s Child Era
First, I would like to say that it grinds my gears when people disrespect or disregard the members of Destiny’s Child or this portion of Beyonce’s career. One’s past is just as important as one’s present. To fully understand an artist’s growth, all must be taken into account. The ‘DC’ era was a pivotal time in Beyonce’s career. Part of the reason why her solo debut was so successful was because audiences were already acquainted with her and she, along with her group-mates, had established herself as a positive role model for youth and an advocate for female empowerment. We’re talking about one of the biggest-selling girl groups of ALL TIME here. Vocally, Destiny’s Child’s harmonies were flawlessly gorgeous and shined even more during acapella performances. Considering their age at the time of first album (17), their vocal cohesion was particularly impressive.

Destiny’s Child (the self-titled debut, 1998)

This was a great, classic, 90’s R&B album. By classic, I mean timeless. I can listen to this album now in 2012 and it sounds just as great; not dated. What’s fascinating, hilarious and somewhat uncomfortable is the see-saw between mature and age-appropriate content; for example, the sultry “Second Nature” (which uses an Isley Brothers sample) versus the youthful “No, No, No Pt. 2.” The production sounded a little cheap, by the harmonies were great and the writing was there. Fantastic debut.
Grade: A, Favorites: Second Nature, Bridges, My Time Has Come
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The original DC at age 18.
The Writing’s on the Wall (1999)
The highest-selling DC album in America, “The Writing’s on the Wall” is clearly everyone’s favorite. With successful hit-singles like “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name,” WOTW put DC on the map, but that’s where the issue with the record lies for me. Featuring every hot R&B producer on the block then, it was obvious WOTW was designed for commercial success. There’s nothing wrong with seeking such out, but it’s a problem when that’s the primary goal and artistry is second. The album was so over-produced; beat heavy and noisy with too many effects. Lyrically, the ladies had more creative input, but struggled to keep the balance the first album presented between mature and youthful. It was like they wanted to sound grown up (ex. The scandalous, soap-opera storylines in “Confessions” & “If You Leave”), but just couldn’t help but be 18 (whining about your boyfriend ‘taking too long to call you’ on “Hey Ladies”). With the album centered around “dating commandments,” the quartet quickly got (unfairly) pegged as ‘male-bashers.’ The vocals were still on point; the arrangements were slightly more intricate.
Grade: C+, Favorites: So Good, BugABoo, Where’d  You Go, Sweet 16

Survivor (2001)
Post being burned at the stake for allegedly being misandrous and legal troubles with 2 original members who left the group (Letoya Luckett & Latavia Roberson), DC had their engines revved up. Beyonce` had the opportunity to write and produce on all the tracks. Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams only had writing credit on one song, which didn’t help diffuse the perception that Beyonce` was a diva favored by her manager/father. “Survivor” added fuel to the group’s commercial fire, being a core-pop crossover album. Again, commercial curiosity kind of killed the cat. The production was still beat-heavy with cartoonish, theatrical effects. The writing was great in that it was full of positive messages about self-esteem, identity, independence, cherishing life and healthy relationships, but the approach to these messages only gave room for young people to identify with them.
Grade: B-, Favorites: Bootylicious, Independent Women I/II, Emotion, Happy Face, Dangerously in Love

Destiny Fulfilled (2004)

You know, it’s quite sad that “Destiny Fulfilled” was Destiny’s Child’s last album, because the group was just starting to get good artistically. With a clear platform (female empowerment), a trademark sound and personal growth (all 3 ladies had done 1 solo project, 2 were in serious relationships at the time), DC delivered their best album yet. A musical illustration of a woman who emerged whole after losing her identity in a crumbling relationship, “Destiny Fulfilled” was an enhanced version of their debut. Smooth vocals and dramatic, sexy production was matched with sophisticated, adult and expressive lyrics. Listening to this record, I really wonder how they would’ve progressed afterward. Sometimes I think they disbanded too early.
Grade: A, Favorites: Free, If, Girl, Gots My Own (Japanese bonus track), Lose My Breath


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Beyonce` Isn't a Feminist?

11/10/2011

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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.

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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?

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Only Fans Under/stan/d 8/18/10

8/18/2010

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Stop Trying to Be So Hard!
The importance of language and image.

“Only Fans Understand” is a feature here on “Seriously, Beyonce`, WTH?” in which I discuss things that really only fans understand LOL. I put dashes of the part that spells “stan” because some use the term “stan” to describe “stalker-fans” or hardcore fans lol. Anyhow, today I wanted to talk about the importance of language and image for Beyonce`. Recently, I heard “See Me Now,” a Kanye West song in which Beyonce` is featured. She uses “niggas” in the song, and I found that beyond tacky. Similar to how I felt about Beyonce’s use of “bitch” in the song “Ego” (see Stop Reinforcing the B.S. 10-21-09), I think Beyonce’s use of the n-word is reinforcement of negative practices within the African-American community and furthers a negative image of African-Americans mainstream media. That’s just the 1st reason why Beyonce` shouldn’t have used the word. The 2nd is that the word carries too much controversy, and in order to keep a graceful or clean-cut image in the industry, it’s best to avoid controversy. 3rd, at minimum the word is “street” and Beyonce` needs to uphold her classy image in order to become the Barbra Streisand-esque icon she claims to want to be.

Here lately, Beyonce’s been dabbling in tacky fairly frequently. From the borderline skankola clothing in “Video Phone” and her performance costume at the European Music Awards, to the expletives sprinkled all over “I Am…Sasha Fierce” and the language used during her  “I Am Yours...” Vegas show. The average person might ask “why is this is important?” and feel that Beyonce’s language or performance costumes aren’t a big deal. To average person it’s not, but to the hardcore fan (“stans,” “bees”, Beyonce` ninjas, whatever you call them), it crucial. The hardcore fan cares about Beyonce’s success, longevity and iconic status, and image (for better or worse) is a large factor in that. Beyonce currently has a great public image that’s founded on how clean-cut and classy she is. One media sourced referenced her as “the last lady in pop music.” Some people find it refreshing how poised Beyonce` is. Tacky clothes and coarse language can take away from that.

I think Beyonce` has been TRYING on purpose to be a little rougher and edgier. I’m not sure what she’s trying to prove or do by going in that direction, but it’s not necessary and it won’t be helpful to her if she continues in that direction. She’s at a point in her career where she can either become icon, or the just the leader of this current time. Everything has worked for her so far; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s irritating to me when I see her trying to be street, gangsta or “hard” for 3 reasons. #1 it’s sooooo typical- it’s what everyone is and does. Everyone else is the “bad girl” or the “edgy girl” and uses “pushing the envelope” to get attention. Not that Beyonce` has had a “push the envelope” moment; I’m just putting that out there. #2 it doesn’t work for her. It’s just plain not believable. #3 it can be perceived as inconsistent. Who are going to be? Ok, I think I’m done fussing for now.
Please head over to the “Entertainment” section on this blog and check out “The Curious Case of Beyonce`: How to Become the Queen of Pop.” It’s a career analysis in which I detail what steps I think Beyonce` should take if she wants to be the next chick on the throne. Enjoy.
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    Seriously Beyonce`, WTH?!?

    Most people figure out pretty quickly that I LOVE Beyonce`. She is my queen diva of choice. But every now and then, she does something that irritates or perplexes me. Here, I tell what's been buggin me about the Bee lately (with reviews and love for the Queen Bee in between).

    Note: Occasionally, other individuals will be writing posts and they will be marked as such. Want to be a contributor for this section? Click the "Contact/Info" tab and fill out the form to apply.(Please only apply for this section if you are a genuine Beyonce` fan; thank you.)

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