Proving Stereotypes Wrong
Stereotypes and assumptions about black women are so prominent in today’s society, and much is being done to bring awareness to these negative beliefs. Beyonce’s album Lemonade dedicates much of its meaning to the history of black women’s appearance in society, as well as how they are also currently being treated. Beyonce also makes these topics in her video very interesting as she ties both the past and presents together, showing that the unfair treatment of black women in the past is still happening in today’s society. In comparison to this, Morgan Parker’s 13 Ways of Looking at a Black Girl also addresses stereotypes of black women. She chooses both black women from several years ago and also black women prominent in society today, and all of these women are looked up to and idolized. The irony Parker provides her readers is what makes her poem so unique and phenomenal; she recognizes these famous black women in such a negative sense, addressing the issues of how these women are treated behind the scenes in society. Both Beyonce and Parker do an amazing job communicating the oppression black women experience every day in such unique ways.
Connections of the past and present of black women in society are made by Beyonce throughout the Lemonade video. The way that she decides to do this is by showing historical clips of black women either enslaved or working in the kitchen or yard, and then showing present famous black females looking the same, but in modern times. The video shows clips of the history of black women in black and white, trying to show readers what it was like truly. These scenes contain silenced black women who have looks of defeat and terror on their faces, and it truly makes the audience feel out of their comfort zone, which is exactly Beyonce’s goal. Comparing the present to this, Beyonce shows herself chained up in the video, drowning and looking hopeless. Here, she is representing that she feels like a slave to society and to her husband, who once cheated on her, just as the history of black women were literally slaves.
Beyonce also has an interesting way of displaying the stereotype of anger that black women have because she shows herself throughout the video being very violent. In her song “Hold Up,” she is going around the town slashing tires, beating cars with a bat, and setting things on fire. Beyonce is trying to grasp her audience’s attention by doing this, which forces everyone to question why she would be showing the stereotype she is arguing not to be true. Instead, she is arguing about the “female power” she holds rather than displaying anger.
Another way Beyonce exemplifies the treatment of black women is through her own relationship. She was cheated on, making her feel hopeless and inferior. She writes her song “Sorry” which internally is about feminism and black women reclaiming themselves, meaning proving that they are not the stereotype as they are projected to be.
Parker’s word choice is extremely powerful in her poem as she chooses to use such harsh, vulnerable words that can be very controversial. Words such as “sex, ”slut” and “bitch” that she uses to describe such powerful black women throughout society reveal the truths of how these women are viewed and treated. Parker’s main argument here is that even though these women are thought to be idolized, the reality is that because of their race, they receive immense hatred. Another aspect that makes this interesting is the women she chooses to talk about. Just a few of these include Michelle Obama, Grace Jones, Nikki Minaj, Sally Hemmings, Shonda Rhimes, and many other famous figures. Sally Hemmings, being one of Thomas Jefferson’s slaves, is referred to as a “thot.” Michelle Obama, who is viewed as a strong political figure, is a “thong darkie.” Parker refers to Grace Jones, a model, singer, and actress who is looked up to as a “diva slut.” Parker’s main goal is to make her readers ask why and think about the meaning behind this vulgar language. The word “sex” is also repeated in almost every other line in this poem. This was done to objectify black women, and Parker made it very easy for readers to pick up on this because of how often this word was displayed. On top of this word, Parker uses “kitchen” and “bitch” also objectifying these figures, revealing the hardships these women face that are not seen on the surface.
