By Niki McGloster
Since bombing Billboard’s charts with her phenomenal self-titled visual album just a little over a month ago, Beyoncé–and the modern-day feminism she so flawlessly boasts on the LP–has been subject to polarizing waves of opinion. One side metaphorically burns Bey at the stake, dubbing her the leader of “Bottom Bitch” feminism, while the other praises her for, as Pharrell explained, setting caged women free.
But the women she so adamantly advocates for–those fighting for gender equality, combating daily misogynistic behavior and finding the right work-life balance–are condemning her as an oversexed and/or boring, thoughtless being. Case in point: last night’s Grammy performance.
Related: 2014 Grammy Awards: Red Carpet Fashion Recap
Showing off her assets in a black, thong-style Nichole de Carle body suit and powering through “surfboard” alongside her huzzband, Bey stripper-kicked her way through “Drunk In Love,” opening the 56th annual ceremony. Sure, the performance was unusually stripped down and bare for the biggest night in music’s opening act, but it was strong nonetheless. As you can guess, however, that didn’t stop droves of people who tuned into the 8 o’clock show from throwing stones (in glass houses, I’m sure). Ill comments ripped through Twitter: parents rallied that it was too early for “Peaches” to writhe burlesque-style on a chair and music heads, well, some thought her act was a notch below “meh” compared to past shows. (Note to those living under a rock: She’s done those shiny, sweaty, earth-shattering performances already.)
The real problem here is that there is no problem. People would complain that water is wet if they had the chance, and the same, somehow, always applies to King Bey. A lot of the flak she receives simply isn’t warranted because she’s flawless, in the sense that even her shortcomings are painfully relatable and human. What woman doesn’t get jealous over her man? What woman hasn’t seen something in the mirror she doesn’t like? Any woman wants to say she’s an angel?
t’s time to trust Beyoncé and the method to her madness, as a leader of feminism and as a musical genius. We’d been e-screaming on social media about her giving us an album when, little did we know, she’d been crafting this remarkable surprise package for over 365 days. (I mean, come on, she was filming the music videos between cities on her massive Mrs. Carter World Tour!). With it, she’s effortlessly motivating women to be bosses, to demand respect from men and to take their talents, whatever they may be, to the No. 1 spot. And what’s great is that’s all just a byproduct of Yoncé’s God-given awesomeness.
Take notice of what’s most important here: We’re watching Bey at her finest hour. The 32-year-old icon is celebrating her marriage publicly (and happily), rejoicing in her role as a mother and blossoming as a grown woman. So allow her a moment on a world stage to hug her rapper hubby and liberate her sexual prowess. She’s earned it, and there ain’t no shame in that.
Related: 2013 in Review: The Year of Beyonce