Oh coming of age in a digital world... What are the tests, the hurdles that we must overcome? For me, one large hurdle is coming to terms with Ms. Beyonce Knowles her influence on media.
Beyonce is an interesting case study in Artist Responsibility.
I read this this morning...
http://www.bossip.com/2791/columnist-compares-beyonce-roboho-comment-to-don-imus/
and frankly didn't think that the "Roboho" accusations were too far off... Columnist Jasmyne A. Cannick is apparently quite upset at the racial aspect (a racial aspect which I do not see as relevant) of this accusation. However, black artists being held to a higher standard of morality is nothing new. I am relieved that someone actually did call Beyonce a "hoe" because I would rather have it be clear that this sort of behavior is not innate to our people.
On the topic of Beyonce and all other black entertainers. Was anybody else incredibly offended by the comparison of Diana Ross and Beyonce laden in the camera shots and statements at the 2007 BET Awards? A true diva doesn't need to shimmy nearly as much as Beyonce... in fact, Ms. Ross set a respectful and relatively tame image.
Sure, its may not be fair that Beyonce is held to a higher standard than someone like Christina Aguilera or Shakira, but as I have learned this year, works by black artists are inherently racial. There is no separating Beyonce's womanhood from her black womanhood: they are intersectional. Do i think it is fair? Absolutely not. Do I hold Beyonce to a higher standard because she is one of the few black women who is fortunate to have some modicum of influence over society? Absolutely yes. If you can't handle the heat stay out of the game; and if you lack artistic responsibility, stay out of the biz.
I just want a little more singing and a little less gyrating and I don't think that is too much to ask. I just want to be able to watch a video without cringing a bit.
