GWSS Blog Post #3

Monique Sternik

Beyoncé is the idol of many American music fans. She is a symbol for much more than music, she is the queen of empowerment. Her anger and passion against racism and oppression are shown through her current "protest music". (Brooks, 2016) She is an inspiration to all women of color in society showing that stereotypes cannot hurt them any longer. With her album "Lemonade" she showed the importance of being a woman. She embraces her blackness and the importance of self-awareness. This album is very reflective of our history and how today changes need to be made due to the oppression many black women face on the day to day. Even within her performance at the Superbowl, Beyoncé expresses her issues with current oppressions. With an all-woman drum line, Beyoncé passionately sang her black is beautiful anthem. She like many other musicians wanted to shed light on the issues that are often not addressed in the media. Childish Gambino in “This Is America” addressed the violence that many black Americans suffer through each day. Death by the police and yet it is gone overlooked. Gambino even addresses specific instances such as the 2015 Charleston shooting. Dylann Rood killed nine African Americans in a church basement, however, as society, Donald Glover begins to run and dance as if nothing occurred. Society hides oppression through media and the entertainment industry. However, people like Beyoncé and Childish Gambino are breaking those barriers. It is time to not hide but to fight for those that are constantly fighting to live. With music, we can spread the word so that oppressions are finally addressed. 

Two Songs: J Cole: Middle Child: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WILNIXZr2oc
                    J Cole: GOMD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WILNIXZr2oc

J Cole is a very amazing artist I love deeply. In both these songs, he addresses racism and how it affects individuals in society. I highly recommend listening to these songs and watching these videos because they are very empowering.