By Angela April
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is widely celebrated for her role as a feminist icon, often for empowering
women and giving them the agency to express themselves freely. I would argue that her brand of
feminism is paradoxical, particularly because she often exploits herself in ways that undermine
the very feminist values she promotes. Her self-exploitation complicates her claim as a true
feminist role model.
Beyoncé’s sexualized image raises concerns about the tension between empowerment and
commercialization. In the Marc Lamont Hill’s Coffee and Books podcast, Brittany Cooper critiques Beyoncé’s brand of feminism, pointing out how, despite her message of women’s empowerment, she continues to
be a product of an industry that thrives on objectifying women. Cooper suggests that Beyoncé’s
success in the industry comes at the cost of perpetuating certain stereotypes of femininity and
sexuality, which are often rooted in exploitation. While Beyoncé may sing about breaking free
from societal expectations, her music and image continue to be shaped by the demands of an
industry that profits from the sexualization of women. Her empowerment may inadvertently
support a capitalist system that benefits from her self-exploitation.
In songs like “Partition” and “Drunk in Love,” Beyoncé sings about her sexual desires and
agency in expressing them, yet these same songs often emphasize her physical attractiveness,
reducing her to an object of sexual desire. It reinforces damaging stereotypes of women as
objects to be desired rather than as fully autonomous individuals. Beyoncé’s ability to control her
sexual narrative is, in itself, a form of empowerment, but it becomes difficult to disentangle
exploitation from empowerment.
While Beyoncé’s feminism is undoubtedly empowering on a personal level, it falls short when
we look at the broader implications for systemic change. Cooper contrasts Beyoncé’s approach to
feminism with that of more traditional, collective feminist movements that prioritize structural
change and social justice over individual empowerment. Feminist movements should challenge
the larger structures of capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy, not simply celebrate
individual empowerment. Beyoncé’s focus on personal agency and success, although inspiring,
does not fully address the collective struggle for gender and racial justice that is necessary for
true liberation. Feminism, at its core, should work to dismantle the very systems that perpetuate
inequality, and Beyoncé’s brand of feminism often focuses more on self-empowerment rather
than confronting the larger societal structures that affect all women.
While Beyoncé has played a pivotal role in making feminism more mainstream, her focus on
individual empowerment often eclipses the need for broader, structural change. Feminist
movements require more than just personal success stories; they demand the dismantling of the
systems that continue to oppress women. Beyoncé’s approach, though influential, risks
reinforcing the very structures feminism seeks to challenge. Her work is a powerful reminder
that while we may be empowered as individuals, true equality requires a deeper, collective
commitment to structural change.
