When Beyoncé posed in "blackface" for a fashion shoot in France last year, I figured she was simply pushing the envelope, expanding her vast empire, "twistin that cabbage," and otherwise exercising her artistic prerogative. After all, she's young, hot, talented, and she's paid her dues. Although many harshly criticized her for "coonery," "buffoonery," and "21st century minstrelsy," she got a pass from most of her loyal fans. I mean, it's only entertainment right? Right.
However!!!! She recently released the first single/video from her new album. The track is entitled "Bow Down." On this track, Queen B seems to assert her dominance over other females by commanding them to "Bow down, bitches!..Bow down, bitches!" Hmm...not exactly what I would have expected from a heretofore first class pop icon. I understand...it's only entertainment!!! I get it...I get it!
But, is it feminism? I digress.
It's not that she uses the word "bitch." There's a time and place for everything, I suppose. Perhaps even a proper time and place to use the word "bitch." But, wow...intent, tone, tenor, and temperment means everything. Rather than talk about it, check this video by Lupe Fiasco. He uses the word "bitch" while serving as an exemplar of "edu-tainment" rather than mere entertainment...a thoughtful take on a scandalous word. The video is entitled "Bitch Bad." Hit it!
"Bitch bad...woman good...lady better...they misunderstood. Bitch bad...woman good...lady better...greatest motherhood." Entertaining, Educational and Enlightening "at the same damn time!"
But, is it feminism? I digress.
Mind you, I'm not here to pit one artist against another. I've got "mad" respect for Lupe and I greatly admire Beyoncé. One could argue that she rivals Michael Jackson as the ultimate "pop entertainer" of her generation. Throw in her acting chops and her modeling portfolio, and it's an interesting comparison. So, this is not a Beyoncé bashing session. I'm disappointed...in the same way one might be disappointed in a dear loved one. But, couple this new single "Bow Down" with her questionable French fashion shoot in "blackface," and the peeps are mimicking the quizzical looks on the blackened faces above. Maybe Beyoncé is "crazy like a fox" or maybe it's time for a serious intervention.
Beyoncé is at the top of her game right now, but success brings "hate." Being crowned Queen of "pop music aristocracy" carries with it a heavy burden. So, Queen B would do well to remember the words of Shakespeare's King Henry IV, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown," or the words of the Bard of Brooklyn (Notorious B.I.G.), "Mo money, mo problems."
But, if that's feminism...do we regress?
Until we rendezvous...
Peace
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