It never fails. Every year around, let’s just say, September 4th, for reference, I see the same post via social media.
It reads, and I quote, “Beyoncé doesn’t acknowledge y’all on y’alls birthday.”
Just in case anyone needed confirmation, this is indeed factual. Beyoncé does not acknowledge any of us on our birthdays. Happy, now? I’ve always thought the statement, though it’s true, was equally bitter. In the words of Mama Tina, “Why are you mad at that?”
Like you would an MJ, Kobe, Lebron, Tupac, Hov, Kendrick, Floyd Mayweather or whomever it may be, we all, at some point or another, acknowledge greatness. In other words, girls love Beyoncé, we’re allowed to and it has a lot more to do with the following four things than it does with her impeccable vocals (which tasteless souls love to criticize) or her appearance. That, my friend, is the icing on the cake.
If you don’t like girl power type femme rants, exit stage left. If the Beyhive disgusts you and you just can’t deal with Beyoncé, my sarcasm or thoughts of the illuminati, exit stage right. If, however, you enjoy intellectual perspectives, viewpoints and open discussions on women, culture and society with a dash of ratcheteer, keep reading. It’s these FOUR things that make women, and girls all over the world, celebrate Beyoncé on days like her birthday!
1. She’s not new to this, she’s true to this.
Seriously, she’s been singing since birth. She’s been present since before I was even “allowed” to watch music television. I can even remember physically holding The Writing's on the Wall CD and jamming out to "Say My Name" with cousins when we were really supposed to be cleaning up. As millennials, kids who grew up primarily in the '90’s, we are a generation who geeks over classic cultural moments and anything nostalgic. This is why we’re still into things like Space Jam, Nintendo 64, Mario Kart, Easy Bake Ovens and anything else that makes us feel like kids again. Present day Beyoncé is so awesome because she still reminds us of Destiny’s Child Beyoncé, which reminds us of classic BET days, which reminds us of performances and memories like, the "Bootylicious" video, Beyonce’s "Crazy In Love" choreography and the iconic "Cater 2 U" performance on the awards show. Destiny’s Child was a foundation for black beauty, sisterhood and strength in women, a platform that Beyonce has continued to build her career upon. When we were kids, she was the on-screen big sister we always wanted. Now that we’re adults, she’s the mogul we all strive to be.
2. She’s more than an entertainer. She’s REVOLUTIONary.
And I quote, “I’m not bossy. I’m the boss.” *inserts feminism rant here*
Sadly, we live in a world where the woman is often known for being the secretary or limited to positions like the assistant who does all of the work. Generally, in terms of society, the woman isn’t supposed to be in control or running companies or being anything outside of a dinner plate. She’s supposed to give all that she can give and take what she’s given. It’s rare to see women being powerhouse women, and still being respected or taken seriously while doing so. Girls love Beyoncé because she creates another narrative and another lane for women. Because no, we’re not all the same nor do we all want the same things. She shows us that we are allowed to be unapologetically black, woman, sexy, confident, outspoken, sometimes ratchet, emotional, feminine, strong and still be leaders. Anyone who wants to be a leader can be one because power isn’t limited to one gender, race or class of people. Power is open to anyone who’s willing to see it, work damn hard for it and grind until they own it. Girls love Beyoncé because she shows us that women are allowed to be more than just women.
3. She don’t gotta dance, she makes money moves.
I probably could have snuck this in with reason number two, but money is another realm that changes the whole game. It’s one thing to earn respect as a woman and be a figure for change. It’s another thing to make hella money while doing so. To [mature/grown] women, it’s attractive and appealing to see another woman be able to buy whatever she wants, make investments and financial decisions without the help of a rich male figure. Seeing Bey rake it up aids in our overall desire for independence and encourages us, not only as women, but as black people in general, to make strides towards financial freedom. Because simply put, money makes the world go ‘round.
4. She has amazing energy.
It’s no accident when girls get really excited even about the possibility, or hear a whisper, about Beyoncé performing, coming out with new music and/or going on tour. Her energy is just undeniable, unexplainable even. Like right now, the more I write, the more I understand how important she is to women and the culture. She is culture. Quotes and sayings like, “put on some Beyoncé and handle it,” are a real thing. Women have crappy days, OK? Sometimes, we need a boost and a reminder of how we’re unicorns and fairies and goddesses. Her music, whether it makes you twerk, cry or pretend to be Sasha Fierce while you’re getting dressed, is necessary when you’re a girl. She enhances the magic in us all and compels us to forget our problems and dance.
Celebrating Beyoncé, or any woman for that matter, is never a bad thing. If anything, it creates more room for more women to be celebrated overall. I, for one, am never against women embracing other women because we need to be uplifted and appreciated for our work, talents, grace and abilities to simultaneously sing, dance and carry babies. So again, why are you mad at that? For women and Beyoncé, love to you all!
Comment about your favorite Bey moments below!
