With all the influence Beyonce has had in the music industry, it’s hard not to say she doesn’t have the power to make a significant change in today’s culture. Comparing her to Thanos in search of the Infinity Stones, GQ Magazine interviewed the “Single Ladies” singer to ask her about her perspective on “the business.” For one, Beyonce believes there to be “a huge contrast between the business journeys of men and women,” especially as a black female.
Beyonce claims that success isn’t about “leaning on a name” of fame or “being perfect;” rather, “it’s about being revolutionary.” With a strong “focus on the quality,” the “Texas Hold’ Em” musician claims to be “here to change that old narrative” of men dominating over women in the industry.
“Men often have the luxury of being perceived as the strategists, the brains behind their ventures. They’re given the space to focus on the product, the team, the business plan. Women, on the other hand, especially those in the limelight, are frequently pigeonholed into being the face of the brand or the marketing tool.”
Beyonce, GQ
While haters and trolls might argue that Beyonce is just complaining about the perceived power gap between men and women, her father, Matthew Knowles, was recently quite vocal about his daughter’s exclusion from the Country Music Awards, claiming it was “a white and black thing [issue]” — not to mention, Beyonce is a black woman. Republican Donald Trump has also tried to take advantage of the Cowboy Carter artist by using one of her songs for his campaign. Of course, she didn’t take this kindly, as Trump received a volley of public criticism and copyright threats.
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Beyonce on Motherhood and Introducing Kids to Family Business: ‘Raising Three Kids Isn’t Easy’It should be noted that Beyonce’s goal isn’t out to criticize men for being successful in the business world compared to women. During the interview, GQ also inquired as to why the “Crazy in Love” singer didn’t use Cowgirl Carter instead of Cowboy Carter. Her answer to this question:
“The cowboy is a symbol of strength and aspiration in America. I wanted everyone to take a minute to research the word cowboy. History is often told by the victors. And American history? It’s been rewritten endlessly. Up to a quarter of all cowboys were Black. These men faced a world that refused to see them as equal, yet they were the backbone of the cattle industry.”
Beyonce, GQ
Clearly, she is defending black men in this example, but her main objective is to “do her research” and “craft something genuine.” She believes that, through her music and influence, she can point out what’s wrong in the current society, which will, as a result, “continue to open more doors” for people to see and hear the truth.
