ONLY) (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Beyoncé performs on stage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at PGE Narodowy on June 27, 2023 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)WireImage for Parkwood
Beyoncé has been in the headlines since the release of her new concert film “Renaissance.” The singer's eponymous tour has been the talk of the summer, and the pop superstar recently made headlines for her appearance at the premiere of her film in Los Angeles. Beyoncé is no stranger to controversy — over the course of her nearly three-decade career, she's been criticized for almost everything, from her music to her skin to her activism (or seeming lack thereof). Recently, Beyoncé, along with a number of other celebrities, was criticized for not speaking out about what is happening between Israel and Palestine, with many blaming the star for allowing her film to be shown in Israel amid the current situation. As the debate about celebrity responsibilities revives, it is important to question what role, if any, celebrities should play in combating injustice and societal oppression.
Like many other celebrities, Beyoncé is held to unrealistic standards and when she fails to live up to the public's ideals, she is vilified and belittled for it. Watching what unfolded should be a reminder that no celebrity, including the almighty Beyoncé, should be so revered that they are above criticism. Many musicians have been criticized for their silence on Israel and Palestine, including Rihanna, Taylor Swift and DJ Khaled. But when thinking about the idea of celebrity responsibility, it's helpful to analyze it through the lens of Beyoncé: someone who has been in the industry for some time and has faced, and continues to face, a mountain of praise and criticism . Criticism of the megastar has become increasingly louder in recent years because the singer has positioned herself as an activist and revolutionary in her art and music.
during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)Getty Images
At the 2016 Super Bowl 50 halftime show, the singer performed in an outfit that paid homage to 1960s Black Panther Party clothing, and the same year she released her innovative visual album, which Billboard described as a “revolutionary work of black feminism.” “ referred to. In 2020, the singer shared a heartfelt message to the Class of 2020. In part of the message, Beyoncé stated, “For many years, one of the primary purposes of my art has been to show the world the beauty of Black people. our history, our depth and the value of Black life.” In 2020, the singer also released a concert film called “Black Is King,” which was created to “celebrate Black resilience and culture” and “the beauty Black Tradition and Excellence.”
Fans were excited to see Beyoncé engage more deeply with politics, social issues, femininity and her Blackness throughout her art, and many may have assumed that this new era would reveal a different side of the singer – a side that is more vocal speaks out about issues that plague most marginalized communities. Considering how dedicated Beyoncé has been to honoring and celebrating Blackness and Black culture in recent years, many have been disappointed to witness the singer's seeming silence when it comes to issues affecting Black communities. Some expected that Beyoncé's newfound openness, particularly when it came to black issues, would lead to the singer lending her voice to various social issues impacting the African diaspora locally and globally.
Commemorating the one-year anniversary of #EndSars, a protest against a military attack on demonstrators at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria on October 20, 2021. Men of the Nigerian Police disperse youths holding a commemorative protest in Lagos to commemorate a military Attack took place during the protest against police brutality on October 20, 2020.NurPhoto via Getty Images
In 2020, Beyoncé was asked to speak about #EndSARS, a movement that was initially launched in 2017 and gained traction in 2020 to end injustice and violence by the Nigerian police force, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS ), to highlight). Most recently, the singer faced backlash for not speaking out about the situations affecting various Black communities; particularly what happened in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, the Tigray region of Ethiopia and Sudan. Critics argue that Beyoncé can use black and African culture as an aesthetic when it is useful, but holds back when it comes to addressing issues that directly affect black people.
“We need to see Beyoncé for who she is,” said Candace Parrish, Ph.D. Who is the founder of Textured Eight PR? “She’s a pop star… not a politician. She hasn't really commented on things… she uses her art as a vehicle for activism. This is their contribution to the world. With her non-profit organization BeyGOOD, one of her philanthropic areas is giving back to Black businesses and ensuring Black businesses are equipped with what they need. They've donated millions of dollars…in grants, in business accelerator training…they're now on their way to Brazil and they're on their way to Africa…so she's giving in the way and Way that feels most comfortable to her and we just have to look at it from that perspective…we need to get our local politicians together…reach out and support the celebrities who talk like Amanda Seales…go there and support the people you know will talk, rather than hopping online and jumping down the throat of someone you know will talk about it.”
Onstage at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 24, 2014 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)FilmMagic
In a 1963 interview, civil rights activist Malcolm discussed In the interview, Malcolm stated that Beyoncé and other celebrities have to deal with higher expectations about when and how they use their voices, and must constantly deal with accusations that they are using their power, privileges and do not make sufficient use of access options. But those who take on the role of activist must be willing to use their voice, their art and their influence to create change.
“I think we as a public need to recognize that Beyoncé is a capitalist enterprise,” said educator Lisa V. Betty. As much as we may admire all the attachments that make Beyoncé who she is and that she seems to represent (radical politics, be it the Black Panther Party/Black Feminism, Black is King, or the black queer movement with a focus “Renaissance”), Beyoncé's radical black politics is part of her business model of selling clothing, music, films, etc. It is not her embodied politics or her daily reality, especially as a billionaire. Legends like Miriam Makeba, Nina Simone, Harry Belafonte and even Aretha Franklin always appeared at important historical moments for human rights, against apartheid and for black activists and activists. There was always a lot at stake and it was censored and doxxed [was] a looming reality. I think we need to invest in artists who put human rights at the center, not as a catchy anthem, but as an embodiment of their practice and artistry. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t push for black celebrities and billionaires to be better, but it also means we should lower our expectations and move away from the concept of celebrity altogether.”
A representative for Beyoncé was contacted for this story but did not immediately respond for comment.
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