I recently had a debate about whether or not Beyonce` was a “valuable, good example” for young women. I certainly think so. I’ve learned many invaluable lessons from Beyonce` and Destiny’s Child over the years. When the “Survivor” album was released, I was 16; a usually very confusing and emotional time for a young woman. That album was my soundtrack and motivated me to set certain standards for my life. By the end of the record, I learned that 1) there’s power in self-sufficiency and I should always have my own resources 2) never allow myself to be so immersed in a relationship that I lose my sense of identity 3) require much of myself and 4) no matter what size I am or how I look, I’m “bootylicious” lol (hearing “Bootylicious” got me off an extreme “salad only diet” in high school). I can’t speak for anyone else, but I personally found that album to be empowering and self-esteem building, and I’ve been garnering strength from the girls of “DC” ever since.
There are a host of things I’ve learned from their example, but to list a few specific songs that have inspired me along the way: I bumped “Yes” (Dangerously in Love) every time a man didn’t respect my choice to reserve sex for marriage, I listen to “Me, Myself and I” whenever I need a reminder to be self-reliant and “My Time Has Come” (Destiny’s Child’s self-titled 1st album) comes in handy for the days where I consider letting fear dictate a life decision. I have a lot more songs to add to that list, but you’d be reading all day if I noted them all. The moral to the story is that I feel fortunate to have grown up listening to Bee. In my opinion, there aren’t many current female recording artists suitable for the role of “mentor.” Rihanna mostly only talks about sex these days, Kesha is always bragging about being drunk and irresponsible, Miley Cyrus is always doing something questionable and Lady Gaga isn’t really for younger crowds, despite have their support. Today’s generation unfortunately doesn’t have a Beyonce` to make a hero out of.