Awesome Article on Women Undefined (also found @ Feministing) about my Lady Beyonce! I'm just going to go ahead and put this on the table: I have always loved Beyonce. I had EVERY Destiny's child album growing up, and I have a huge portrait of her in my bedroom. Beyonce is a badass. When I examined other popstars, I was always disturbed by the suprising lack of agency that such powerful women could have. While they are hugely successful, rich and famous, they often lack the power to sing the songs they want to sing, wear the clothes they want to wear, or be the person they want to be, as they are controlled by wealthy white men who tell them what to wear and how to act in order to make a profit. But I never saw Beyonce this way. Although her act is often extremely sexual, it always seemed as though it was on her own terms. In fact, when I looked at over-sexed popstars, I absolutely denied putting Beyonce in the category for YEARS. I saw Beyonce's sexuality as not forced or grotesque, but as simply part of her whole being. I didn't see Beyonce using her sexuality to make a profit for someone else.. I saw her using it because she simply wanted to, and knows the power she holds. While some feminists probably don't see it this way, I really liked the way "Women Undefined" presented both sides in a totally fair way. In particular, I like this paragraph (which basically sums up the point I want to make, and how I see things):
"By examining her use of the exact stereotypes historically constructed to dehumanize, oppress and suppress women of color, as her main manner in achieving success; it appears a reversal of sorts has occurred , the power of the stereotypes gender and racial constructs now belong in the hands of Beyonce, not the other way around. She has readily displayed the difference between her more “real” self and her “stage” self, revealing that she is fully aware of the power she has. For Beyonce has strategically used both her intelligence, shrewd business practices, independent and hardworking drive, feminine strength, and her unique sexuality to become one the most recognizable figures in pop culture."
Also, I would like to address the controversial crotch grab on stage at the Grammys. I LOVED it. (Of course I would, haha.) I thought it was a powerful statement on gender stereotypes. Essentially in the song, she was saying "If I were a boy, I would be a better boy than you are." The crotch grab, while originating with Michael Jackson (I am assuming) has been used by rappers to annoy me. Haha, but seriously, rappers use this move, and excuse the pun, but it is soooo cocky. To grab ones crotch is like saying "Hold me back, I'm a big tough guy with a big tough..." And I think for Beyonce to purposefully, and not so subtlety grab her crotch while saying "I swear I'd be a better man (than you!)" is powerful and hilarious. To say that Beyonce has no agency and power and is a puppet for men in the music industry would be false. Clearly she thinks she is a badass, she knows her power, and she knows that men do not control her... and she demonstrates it on stage for EVERYONE to see. So grab your crotch Lady B! And continue to be ridiculously talented and beautiful and powerful. P.S.-- Beyonce has an all girl back up band. ROCK IT.
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