Do non-feminists make statements like this?
I’ve heard different arguments proposing reasons why Beyonce` cannot be classified as a feminist. The two reasons I hear the most are: 1) She has a sexy image and 2) She sings about love too often.
She Has a Sexy Image
To say that someone isn’t a feminist because they have sex appeal implies that feminists aren’t or can’t be sexy, reinforcing the stereotype that feminists are bitter, ugly lesbians. I can see why one would factor sexual image into labeling someone as useful (or not) to feminism, however. The sexual personas of some female public figures arguably feed into the objectification of women. In Beyonce’s case, I don’t feel she has a detrimental or counteractive sexual persona. There have been moments where I’ve found her behavior to be questionable, but those moments are very rare. Majority of her music is G-Rated (PG-13 at most), her interviews have yet to be sexually provocative or explicit, she’s never been nude in a film or photo and most of her performance costumes aren’t incredibly revealing. If Beyonce` is guilty of anything, it’s being sexually appealing. Of course men would ogle at her; she’s a beautiful, alluring woman. Is that a crime? No.
She Has a Sexy Image
To say that someone isn’t a feminist because they have sex appeal implies that feminists aren’t or can’t be sexy, reinforcing the stereotype that feminists are bitter, ugly lesbians. I can see why one would factor sexual image into labeling someone as useful (or not) to feminism, however. The sexual personas of some female public figures arguably feed into the objectification of women. In Beyonce’s case, I don’t feel she has a detrimental or counteractive sexual persona. There have been moments where I’ve found her behavior to be questionable, but those moments are very rare. Majority of her music is G-Rated (PG-13 at most), her interviews have yet to be sexually provocative or explicit, she’s never been nude in a film or photo and most of her performance costumes aren’t incredibly revealing. If Beyonce` is guilty of anything, it’s being sexually appealing. Of course men would ogle at her; she’s a beautiful, alluring woman. Is that a crime? No.
Sexy nurse or kitten? No. It's SpiderMAN.
She Sings About Love Too Often
A friend of mine said “I don’t think Beyonce’s a feminist. She’s a hopeless romantic.” After a performance of “Run the World,” my father asked “If girls run this motha’, then why is she married to Jay-z? Why does she need Jay-z?” What does one have to do with the other? Feminists can’t be in love now? My friend and father’s comments stem from yet another stereotype about feminism: feminists are against marriage and procreation. Some people believe that feminism is about being anti-childbirth and eliminating men and the institution of marriage. Some feminists are indeed against those things, but that isn’t a central tenet. Feminism is about freedom, equality, support and opportunity for women. Feminism fights the objectification, exploitation and mistreatment of women. Beyonce` can be an empowered, feministic woman and STILL be a wife and mother who’s happy to be one. One does not eliminate the other, nor is it related.
If Beyonce` isn’t a feminist, why does she record so many feministic songs to the point that she’s accused of having too many? Why does she constantly mention female solidarity, empowerment and being an example of female-owned/operated business in her interviews? Why do many of her philanthropic efforts involve providing support for women and girls in crisis? Why has she purposely had an all-female band since 2006? Yeah….she’s not a feminist at all.
Any questions? Comments? Loves, hates or fears?
A friend of mine said “I don’t think Beyonce’s a feminist. She’s a hopeless romantic.” After a performance of “Run the World,” my father asked “If girls run this motha’, then why is she married to Jay-z? Why does she need Jay-z?” What does one have to do with the other? Feminists can’t be in love now? My friend and father’s comments stem from yet another stereotype about feminism: feminists are against marriage and procreation. Some people believe that feminism is about being anti-childbirth and eliminating men and the institution of marriage. Some feminists are indeed against those things, but that isn’t a central tenet. Feminism is about freedom, equality, support and opportunity for women. Feminism fights the objectification, exploitation and mistreatment of women. Beyonce` can be an empowered, feministic woman and STILL be a wife and mother who’s happy to be one. One does not eliminate the other, nor is it related.
If Beyonce` isn’t a feminist, why does she record so many feministic songs to the point that she’s accused of having too many? Why does she constantly mention female solidarity, empowerment and being an example of female-owned/operated business in her interviews? Why do many of her philanthropic efforts involve providing support for women and girls in crisis? Why has she purposely had an all-female band since 2006? Yeah….she’s not a feminist at all.
Any questions? Comments? Loves, hates or fears?
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