‘I see a part of Beyoncé that is, in fact, anti-feminist-that is, a terrorist-especially in terms of the impact on young girls,’ claimed hooks. Either way Beyoncé comes across as a puppet of the media, and as not the powerful businesswoman she claims to be. Either she chose this image, with all the negative, sexist connotations it bears, or she didn’t, and is not in control of her own management. hooks argues that Beyoncé probably had little control over that photo and what she would be wearing, but with Beyoncé’s infamously strict control over her public image, this is very unlikely. There were 40 other inspiring, incredible women on the list, yet Time chooses an entertainer for the cover, then puts her in her underwear.ĭuring a panel discussion titled Are You Still a Slave? at New York’s New School on, which included bell hooks, trans advocate Janet Mock, filmmaker Shola Lynch and author Marci Blackman, the discussion unsurprisingly turned to Beyoncé, and her role in the publication of this particular image. Accompanying this image is the underlying message that the most influential aspect of you as a woman is your body. Time Magazine also released alternate covers featuring other men and women from the 100 Most Influential People List, all of whom were fully clothed, and striking various powerful, intelligent poses, whereas Beyoncé looks somewhat nervous and intimidated – hardly the symbol of power and influence she is being celebrated as. Beyoncé recognised the significance of this honor, ‘because it’s not about fashion or beauty or music it’s about the influence had on culture.’ Sorry Bey, but donning your unmentionables doesn’t really serve to flaunt your cultural achievements… Beyoncé was featured in the Time 100 Most Influential People List, as well as being chosen for the cover photo, for which she posed in her underwear. Women have the right to be in control of their bodies, and to be sexual.īut by doing this, are you in control of your own sexuality, or using the most base, unoriginal way to gain fame and fortune?Ī recent example of Beyoncé failing to live up to the symbol of feminism she has become can be seen in the recent Time Magazine debacle. Of course, this argument isn’t a new one, and Beyoncé’s reply is always the same – female empowerment. But being a global superstar in Western patriarchal culture also seems to involve wearing skimpy clothing, dancing suggestively and doing other things that serve to blur the line between feminism and anti-or-postfeminism. The global brand of Beyoncé is all about empowering us to be strong, independent women, who recognise our inner beauty and don’t need men to succeed in life. But, as they say, with great power comes great responsibility, and when a global superstar labels herself a feminist, that responsibility is often difficult to uphold. Beyoncé could announce tomorrow that she will only perform from now on in a Godzilla costume, and people would just roll with it. Sure, there was a time when she undoubtedly had to go through this charade, but those days are long gone. But do we blame the industry for this, or the individual? The vast majority of performing artists are told what to wear, what to say and how to act in order to get ahead, but Beyoncé is not one of them. But like every woman in the entertainment business who names themselves a feminist, there are times when the pointy bra and raunchy lyrics don’t quite live up to the ideology. Singer, mother and self-proclaimed feminist.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |