I want to preface this discussion by saying this isn’t about bashing, but rather a historical analysis of an image. I studied history at the University of Virginia so I find the creation of legends very interesting.In fact maybe one day the question I pose will be apart of an AP American History Test or the GRE. But I digress…
Legends remind me of Daoism-there is a little evil in good and some good in a lot of evil. I was reading the article “Why I’m Not ‘Bowing Down’ to Beyoncé’s Dress Size” by Jaimee Ratliff and I was once again confronted with the narrative that Beyonce is a model for women empowerment and strong work ethic. However, as a black woman who values balance, I wonder what part of Beyonce’s (or anyone’s) success is unhealthy workaholism and what part of it is healthy intervention from the men in her life.
I think its the job of scholars to look past the created images of stars and really tease out the reality so we can find practical solutions to what ails the black community. In that vein, I don’t see Beyonce as a prototype for all women, because most black women don’t have healthy powerful black men in their lives. For the record I do, like Beyonce I do have a hard working dad who opened up doors for me (my dad got me a scholarship to Spelman, help pay for my ex’s medical school) and at one time a very powerful husband ( a retired Major and doctor in the Air Force, he now keeps my kids in Benzs and Calvin Klein).
I am concerned that millions of black women from single parent homes who are seeking upward mobility out of poverty are not getting the right blue print for success. I simply don’t buy this whole confused message that Beyonce and her supporters put out about just work hard and be some sort of feminazi slut in order to be successful. Black women need to know that the best way to pull yourself out of poverty is through faith, wise strategy and working in partnership with like minded men. They need to know before you get “Drunk in Love” select a man who brings you value and will put a ring on your finger with the mindset of creating an empire.
So is Beyonce a great entertainer who mixes in empowering messages ? Yes. But is she a model for upward mobility for impoverished black women like some suggest ? No.