A gorgeous, wealthy pop star
without impressive traditional credentials – like an Ivy League degree
has never been embraced
by conservatively valued members of our community
as a worthy role model
to influence the beliefs and actions of our young people
– or even ourselves.
So, why should Bey experience anything differently?
Image: vulture.com via Beyonce/YouTube . View “Formation” at Beyonce.com.
I am not surprised at the antagonistic comments I’ve read on social media over the weekend. Defiant even. “She will not take the place of my Jesus!”
I chuckle at comments like that – for a couple of reasons.
1.
I don’t know Beyoncé, but I seriously doubt that she’s interested in becoming anyone’s savior.
2.
I believe such adamance is an expression of a shamed and uncomfortable attraction to her work.
“Thou doth protest too much …” ~Hamlet
Even for women of faith who have great relationships with their moms and love the lessons that they’ve passed down still can find other voices beyond family and the bible, church, etc. to be relevant and valuable to their experience and goals.
Bey brings to the table an unapologetic sexy sense of empowerment that we sorely need. One Facebook friend posted that we’ve been looking for a black leader to rise up. We thought it would be Obama and it turned out to be Beyoncé.
Mrs. Carter is all of who she is. Surely, we can say that her wealth allows her to be, but she wasn’t always this financially wealthy. This daring and confidence began developing long before she had paper. In fact, these intangible qualities make what we can see and feel happen. In this way, Beyoncé is a worthy model for us to follow. “I see it; I want it. I stunt, yeah, little hornet. I dream it; I work hard; I grind ‘til I own it.” (sung by Beyoncé)
We don’t have to dress like she does or dance like she does (though that would be great if my body could still absorb the intensity of those moves), but we can certainly allow her witness to inspire us to be unapologetically free in who G~d created us to be. She’s leading in ways that traditional interpretations of G~d are not, do not. She’s able to say what most moms don’t feel free enough to articulate to and for their daughters – than we are able to pronounce for ourselves.
That’s why we listen to Beyoncé, sing with her and do our best to keep up when dancing with her.
“OK, ladies, now let’s get in formation!”
*mom – While we know that dads are present in our lives, for the purpose of this post as a response to online comments about how Beyoncé doesn’t trump a mother’s advice, we are only referring to “mom” as the parent.
© 2016 candi dugas, llc – Featured image: spin.com.
sexNspirit 