Beyoncé just dropped that fire... I mean for a while I was NOT a fan. But I guess it's time I dust off my Bey Hive wings and glitter crown because she came out the woodworks with a mean black power trap banger. I won't lie, I thought Bey was vapid and aloof and not paying attention in her glass tower; apparently I was wrong. She let everybody know that #blackgirlmagic is real.
I let my daughters hear the song, which led to the kids wanting to keep it on repeat. Then I showed them the video... Their eyes exploded. And then Big Sister said, "But mom, isn't this illegal?". In my mind, I said what?! Yes. She asked that question with sincerity and innocence.
She said "The stuff in her video, isn't that all illegal". I almost cried. I think I do a decent job of reminding my girls we are black and proud but to hear my daughter say that a 'strong black female affirming, stop killing my people message' is illegal? That makes me sad... Real sad. So fighting back tears I said, "Look... You're black. You're unapologetically black. If someone is uncomfortable with your awesome skin and your twisty hair, that's their problem not yours. So... Don't ever feel otherwise. This video conveys the message that our culture and who we are is not a point of shame or a point we should be annihilated for. You are unapologetically black. Always.". She then asked well, "Why didn't they kill him? [at the end]". (In reference to the little boy doing a stand off with the police at the end of the video). Her question struck a nerve, because I think I do a good job of protecting my kids. I guess the semi-aggressive imagery was a point of confusion for her. I never want her thinking that respecting authority means cultural submission. I never want her to follow the rules so closely that she is willing to be destroyed because of fear. I want her and her sisters to feel empowered enough to speak truth and light if the moment arises. That's my job as their mother. Teaching black children to balance questioning authority with being a good citizen and person. I realized that this video came at a great time for my daughter, who has become more aware of her blackness as she sheds the innocence of childhood and begins to shape her ideology of her life and her place in the greater world.
1 Comment
|
I'm a former teacher and former college athlete, currently working to make life more equitable for all people. My mission is to get parents to partner with their child's teacher.
|