Boards
Beyonce uses the word “bitch” occasionally, but it doesn’t mean she isn’t a feminist. | Source: WENN
Beyonce, the beloved Queen Bey, came under fire as not being a feminist because she uses the word “bitch” in her song “Bow Down.” Here’s why that’s sort of stupid.
Beyonce, like it or not, is a bit of a modern day feminist icon. She empowers women through her songs. Seriously, this is the same woman who sings “Run the World (Girls)” and we’re arguing about this? She is living proof that hard work, humility and graciousness will get you anywhere and will especially make you rich–it was reported yesterday that she actually earned more this year than her hubby Jay-Z did. (Though to be fair, the entertainment industry is, unfortunately, a lot different from others where there’s still a pay gap between genders.) And she does so while showing that it’s okay to be vulnerable, too.
Maybe that’s why when Beyonce released “Bow Down,” in which she instructs bitches to do just that, it made so many waves. But here’s the thing: in this song, “bitches” is essentially a stand-in word for “haters.” She’s not telling all women everywhere to bow down to her, she’s speaking generally to critics and, frankly, bitches of both genders.
What’s more is that the use of the word “bitch” has little to do with feminism as a whole. You know why? Because feminism is the belief that women should be treated equally and have equal rights, pay and opportunities as men. That’s it.
I doubt that any one of us, let alone Beyonce, who uses the word “bitch” doesn’t think we should be able to vote, drive or get a job without a glass ceiling. In fact, she–and a lot of the rest of us–use “bitch” to dismiss those who try preventing us from achieving just that.
Unless, of course, “bitch” is preceded by the words “sexy,” “fierce” or “hot.” Then maybe we’re just talking about you. Or about Beyonce.
Do you think the word “bitch” is anti-feminist? Do you think Beyonce is a feminist? Do you think Beyonce is setting a poor example by using the word “bitch?” Tell us in the comments!
10 tips to be a diva like Beyonce and get what you want!
And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!
Not really ‘bitch’ is a female dog. if we were dogs, we’d all be bitches.
Pingback: West Texas Fertilizer Explosions Injures 100s Of People : CollegeCandy – Life, Love & Style For The College Girl
I am not a feminist. Not because I do not believe women should be treated with fair rights and equally as human beings. It’s because the stereotype of being a feminist seems to mean that you cannot be too feminine at the same time. Meaning that if you want a guy to pay for dinner, hold the door open for you, or you really like wearing skirts and heels and makeup. It seems wrong to me. I don’t really know the exact rules of feminism, but that’s what’s been shown to me.
Nevertheless, I refuse to let words offend me as a female or human being in general. I can only be offended by people and their intentions. I know to stay away from them, not because of their words, but their implications.
Feminism isn’t disallowing femininity, feminism is only about rights and equality- we are all human so we should all be treated as equals. Who cares about a penis or a vagina? Whether our genetics are the same or not, we are human. People have made the whole fuss about feminism being about not wearing girly things and not shaving and stuff but that’s not true. We just don’t want to be objectified and discriminated against. I hope that clears it up
Yeah, it does. Thanks!
By saying that “being a feminist seems to mean that you cannot be too feminine at the same time” is just further acknowledging those stereotypes that have been put unfairly put on and against us feminists. Like the article said, all being a feminist means is that you believe in equal rights for both women and men. Tons of people think that we’re all lesbian vegans who don’t shave our legs. And some of us are and there is nothing wrong with that. However, it doesn’t mean that we’re ALL like that. When people think these things, it’s just making general assumptions about a group of people, which, to me sounds similar to racial profiling. if you’re a feminist, than you can pretty much dress however, let boys hold the door for you, so on and so forth. Just because you have prominent femininity doesn’t mean that you can’t be a feminist and just because you’re a feminist doesn’t mean that you can’t be feminine. Just because you shave your legs, eat meat, like boys (and/or girls), wear make-up, paint your nails, or whatever, doesn’t mean that you can’t call yourself a feminist. I don’t really believe in gender-specific sterotypes, yet I would still be classified as “girly” (whatever that means) I love dressing up and shaving my legs and doing whatever, but I’m still proud to call myself a believer in gender equality.