It’s no secret that Michelle Obama adores Beyonce, as does most of the world. We hang on to her every move like it’s gospel and even attempt emulating her, whether we admit it or not. Beyonce has surpassed queendom and become a king to many. Does King Bey ring a bell? Huffington Post writer, Rakhi Kumar had enough of the Beyonce worship and wrote a letter to Michelle Obama, urging her to use her influence for good, instead of perpetuating this myth that Beyonce is a role model.
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I couldn’t agree more with Rakhi. I’ve never thought of Beyonce as a role model, but once the FLOTUS claimed Beyonce was the “ultimate example of a truly strong African American woman,” I knew that young girls everywhere would rather cash in their string of pearls for a sparkly and see-through corset a la Sasha Fierce. Therein lies my issue with Michelle Obama regarding Beyonce as a standard of a Black woman.
Rakhi’s open letter to Michelle Obama makes several great points and I wanted to share those points with you:
“I’m writing because everything you do is admired and emulated by so many; but when you endorse a recording artist like Beyonce, I see the most misogynistic aspects of the music industry (that prefers girls to be no more complex than dolls) interpret your comments as a seal of approval for the thoughtless cultural currency that they flood the youth market with. I’m writing because I think it’s time to stop suggesting to very young girls that ultimate feminine success – in the music industry or anywhere else – comes with the need, or the expectation for them to undress.”
Young girls are impressionable and when they see Beyonce gyrating on stage with her nipples displayed to the world, they want to do the same thing! It’s funny that Michelle Obama would regard Beyonce as the “ultimate example” of being a Black woman, because we only ever truly get to consume one side of Beyonce and that’s the scantily clad Sasha Fierce side of her.
“Variations of Beyonce’s body suit can be found in brothels, strip clubs, and red light districts across the world – where sex is for sale and it happens to be dispensed through a woman’s body. In those surroundings a suit like Beyonce’s would look far from glamorous. Maybe just downright heartbreaking as a woman somewhere becomes an object, available for the gratification of a desire – at a price dictated by her ‘managers’. Next time you’re presented with a shortlist of people in popular culture who you should spend time with or commend, think about how many young girls want to be just like Beyonce: Beyonce who sings ‘Bow Down Bitch’ and wears sheer bodysuits and high heels, singing about making money and being independent.”
What we fail to realize is that beyond the glamour, Beyonce is an object, just like the women who sell their bodies for sex. Beyonce is not the independent woman she claims to be. She relies on a team of people to create her image and maintain it. Her life is not her own. She is here strictly for our entertainment. And because we are entertained, we forget the tragic women who are dressed just like her, who’s lives are dictated by the streets.
“Beyonce, performing in sheer body suits, nipples displayed, mouth open, high heels and sheer tights, shaking her butt on stage, can no longer be held by world leaders as an icon of female success.”
Remember when we used to regard women like Oprah, Rosalind G. Brewer and Ursula M. Burns? All women who have paved the way for Black women to make major waves as CEO’s. What ever happened to that tangible pride? It’s been overshadowed by just how fab Beyonce looks in box braids or listening to her latest anthem and claiming the derogatory lyrics as gold for social media status updates.
“Beyonce is a singer and a songwriter. She doesn’t need to wear see through clothes or body suits to sing. We know that because we’ve seen her singing accapella in a hospital in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and – and she sounded like a celestial being from a different dimension. She doesn’t have to do this. She’s choosing to. And she’s not the first or only one woman to do it. And like the many women who have played this game the way they have, her reasons may be economic, artistic, personal or even misunderstood. But whatever her reasons, her influence cannot be underestimated or misunderstood.”
I don’t know much about the inner workings of the music industry and forgive my naivete, but hasn’t Beyonce gained enough success to dictate her own image? It seems that if she had more say about what she wears and sings about, she’d tell her team to give her a bit more modesty and cleaner lyrics, considering she’s now a mother. But Beyonce wants to keep her confusing image going, despite having the talent to dress like a lady and sing like one.
“It’s time that young girls were sent a different message. A more refined, intelligent message. A message that engaged them at the level of their intellect and potential because implicit in our message to them should be the acknowledgement that they are naturally brilliant and that we believe that they are capable of everything – without ever having to undress to achieve their success. Instead, call out those who deliberately allow their sexual identity to eclipse the genius of their spirit and sacredness of their soul. Tell young girls that they are more than that. Engage with artists who sing, dance, write, design, perform – but whose presentation centers on showcasing the brilliance of their brain, not their body.”
This is the part that I think that is the most important. Michelle Obama has a responsibility as the First Lady to influence. It’s weird that she only ever mentions Beyonce when she’s asked who she admires. What about the other women working alongside her in politics? Or better yet, the women within her circle who we don’t know, but should because of their political power and influence? There are also artists like Janelle Monae, who have the talent, but refuse to strip for mass consumption.
What do you think about this open letter? Read the entire letter here and sound off with your opinion.
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