Tracey L. Rogers
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"Formation" Is Not My Anthem

2/29/2016

12 Comments

 
“She woke up every morning with the option of being anyone she wished. How beautiful it was that she always chose herself.” ~Tyler Kent White
 
I should preface this by saying that I think Beyoncé is fierce. Her body is fierce. Her singing is fierce. Her dancing is fierce, and her video for “Formation” is fierce. But this song does not speak for me. Maybe it’s because I did not grow up down south, nor did my parents. Maybe it’s because I do not carry hot sauce in my “bag swag.” Maybe it’s because I never rock Givenchy – it is too expensive. I appreciate that Beyoncé empowers herself with her latest release. But this song does not speak for me.
I have to admit that I was irritated by all the hype around the song. Not because it did not deserve the hype; the song is controversial, and Beyoncé is an entertainer, after all. What irritated me was how the media responded by proclaiming this song to be the “Black Women’s Anthem,” generalizing/stereotyping us like they always do. There was so much analyzing and Beyoncé bashing and attempted protesting as well, all of which was unnecessary. Beyoncé definitely did what she set out to do with “Formation,” and many people fell for its shock value, including some of us black women.

I do not deny that Beyoncé serves as an inspiration for many of us. I, myself, am inspired by the way that she fully embraces her sexuality. Beyoncé will always be remembered for her talent and celebrity, and the confidence that she exudes is admirable. But I want to make something clear – Beyoncé may be “a black Bill Gates in the making,” but that is not something I aspire to (another cliché). Beyoncé may be able to seek revenge with her "paper," but I can’t. I do not have her net worth. We can not all be like Beyoncé. Beyoncé does not define what it means to be an empowered woman, you do. Beyoncé is not the standard; you set the standard.

Empowerment is born of women (and men) who contribute to this world using their unique gifts and talents that make them a celebrity in their own right. What empowers me is different from what empowers you, which is different from what empowers Beyoncé. My hustle to break barriers as a black woman does not involve wealth (as defined by the institution) and dirty lyrics. But still, Beyoncé and I do have a few things in common, one of which is the recognition of what makes us stand out – what makes us women of color and worth, period.


Do you recognize what makes you a woman of worth? Please share your comments below, and don’t forget to read your horoscope for the week ahead.
12 Comments
Luann
2/29/2016 08:38:30 am

Tracey, I certainly agree with you about Beyonce, her shit is tight all around. I always wanted to be urban and earthy with a spicy twist. I am none of those, and like you am constantly recalculating my center, worth, and swag. I rock what I've got, and acceptance and love for myself are slow as blackstrap molasses in coming....Anyway, as usual, I love what you write❤️and thank you. Luann P

Reply
Tracey
3/5/2016 05:11:03 am

Thanks Luann! Who I am changes, always, and it never fits in any kind of mold. And I like it that way :-) We're two of a kind!

Reply
Rochelle
2/29/2016 09:39:27 am

Refreshing post, as always : )

While I am from the south (born and raised) and I do serve "hot sauce in my bag swag. I can't say I feel any particular connection to this song other than the visuals...which Queen B never fail to deliver.

I did feel an instant soothing energy...Prompting us that, trends fade, "so called" anthems fade, but what will sustain us is once we crown ourselves Queen/King over our immediate sphere whether you have an audience of 100000000 or just your mirror : )

Reply
Tracey
3/5/2016 05:11:25 am

Thanks Rochelle!

Reply
Vilisia Johnson
2/29/2016 10:34:18 am

I truly understand what you are saying and thank you for speaking your truth, for a minute I thought I was the only one who could not relate to her song yes she is very talented but me personally I've made a point to not fall in line with everybody else and just be me.

Reply
Tracey
3/5/2016 05:14:02 am

Thanks Vilisia! It's not you - the song didn't resonate with me too strongly, either! Thanks for just being you :-)

Reply
Teena Boyd
2/29/2016 07:56:32 pm

Yessssss, I Have could not have said it better.

Reply
Tracey
3/5/2016 05:14:24 am

Thanks Teena!!!

Reply
Aala
3/4/2016 04:01:38 pm

I agree.....we women regardless of color need to set our own standards.

Reply
Tracey
3/5/2016 05:15:14 am

"Regardless of color, we need to set our own standards!" That is some truth, Aala! Thanks for your comment :-)

Reply
Aala
3/10/2016 06:31:35 pm

You are welcome.....keep being you :)

Vicky
3/7/2016 03:59:20 am

Tracey, all I can say is "Wow" and thank you! I will forever be the pupil......

Reply



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