There are many reasons that people deem pop-culture icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as the beloved "Queen B." From her chart-topping music and record-breaking career to her cultural and social impact as a public figure, Beyoncé has made waves in history for this generation.
In 2014, Forbes declared Beyoncé to be the world's most powerful celebrity. Using this power, Beyoncé has leveraged her fame and pushed for several social movements. In doing this, many who adore the celebrity turn their attention to what she's doing, following in her footsteps as many adolescents and dedicated fans tend to do. So what is Beyoncé's impact?
To start with more recent events, this past Monday, Feb 8th, Beyoncé announced she was using her #BeyGood fund, which will aid United Way, an organization whose goal is to promote safe and healthy communal living, in tackling the Flint, Michigan water crisis. This fund will help those in Flint obtain filtration pitchers, faucet filters, and shipments of water to the residents. However, her actions speak louder than just a charitable deed. When an icon such as Beyoncé makes a bold statement to combat such a serious issue, her actions create a chain reaction. Those who idolize her want to join in. Creating this fund will propagate the crisis in Flint and precipitate change, hopefully leading to the issue being resolved at a quicker rate.
In addition to her charity work, Beyoncé turns heads with her fierce feminist stance, utilizing her global power to support gender equality. For example, one of her hit-singles, "Flawless," takes excerpts from Nigerian authors Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED Talk titled "We Should All Be Feminists." Notably, feminism seems to be a distinct theme in Beyoncé's recent work. The potent feminism of her Super Bowl performance was another clear example. As she paraded out on the field, her figure silhouetted, the sight was one of pure power. Also, her all-woman back-up dancers represented the community of womanhood. Though the performance has received backlash for racist undertones, her influence is irrefutable – her power, unmistakable.
Lastly, Beyoncé has broken racial barriers numerous times. Last Saturday, Beyoncé released her "Formation" video, a statement which mobilizes the movement for body positivity and diversity. She also represents her pride in her heritage throughout the music video, referencing her mixed background. At one point, the camera cuts to a shot of her daughter where Beyoncé then goes on to talk about how proud she is of her child's hair that is claimed to be "unruly". She goes on to celebrate her own features, affirming her pride in her racial identity.
The video makes other bold statements that make references to slavery and police brutality. It is clear that Beyoncé, in this one video alone, has taken several political stances in hopes to open the eyes of the public while also blatantly stating her ethnic pride.
Whether it be on stage or in the press, Beyoncé is nothing shy of fierce feminine force. She dominates the music charts but is also an incredible political figure. Shocking many with her overtly political and social productions, Beyoncé is impacting the minds of our generation, opening our eyes, and expanding our views. Let it be known that her sheer power can move millions, and it is worth noting that her influence upon the masses is one of which is able to reform issues and cause conversation.
And in a world that is still so in the dark about numerous issues, conversation and critical thinking is what this generation desperately needs. So without further ado, it is properly questioned: Who run the world? None other than Queen B herself.
