Of course there are amazing women all over the planet that one could take on as role models - all ruling in their respective fields and holding it down/making us proud. Maybe it seems lazy to use a pop star as an example, but really - who isn’t familiar with Beyoncé?
Something I find remarkable about Beyoncé or as I’ll start abbreviating her, B, is that she’s about to turn 30 years old and has been famous since she was 15. In all that time, which is always turbulent for women in some way, I can’t recall a story or even a rumor that involved B talking trash about other women or publicly dating a loser. Think about that for a minute. What woman between the ages of 15 and 30 has managed to ostensibly achieve such a goal?
A bad bitch, that’s who. To quote another strong female, Nicki Minaj: “You see a bad bitch gettin’ shine, you should love it, cause every time a door opens for me, that means you - just got a better opportunity to do you.” Ladies like these absolutely need to be in the spotlight. They are larger than life caricatures that represent something every young woman could use a little more of - self confidence. With such a swagger in your arsenal, it’s hard to compare yourself to other women or tie yourself to an unworthy mate.
If her music is to be believed, not only does B respect other women, she supports them fully and wants to raise them up and inspire them. Who run the world, according to B? Girls. I defy you to find a strong woman that doesn’t get pumped up listening to a great Beyoncé song. She tours with an all-female band performing her many female empowerment themed songs, including anthems for “independent” and “single” ladies known around the world. She never stops with her career, taking on more and more with acting, fashion design, and her many charity organizations. She’s the epitome of a bad bitch.
At a certain point in any bad bitch’s life she realizes - I can only be with a strong man. Sometimes, such a man takes a long time to find. B is a great example of someone that wouldn’t settle for less. As evidenced by “Bug a Boo,” Beyoncé, like all of us, has certainly had the occasional run-in with a not-worth-it guy. Has she ever been seen with one near a red carpet? No. B barely even acknowledged that she was coupled up with one of the most powerful men in music until they were engaged. A real bad bitch doesn’t need a man to define her. In fact, she demands recognition as part of his continued success. A lyric from her song “Upgrade U” stands up to a cocky mate - ”I hear you be the block, but I’m the light that keeps the streets on.”
As an ambitious person myself, I understand that ambition and career goals don’t always mix well with romance. For me, at a certain point, I realized I have to be with a man I not only respect, but admire. Be able to teach me something. But every ambitious woman trying to kill it in life has a competitive side. You have to be able to find a successful enough partner with his own goals while somehow keeping yours in line. The right guy will only add to your shine though. He will support a bad bitch and realize she’s not a threat. She is in fact, your best ally. The fact that B and Jay-Z both took on the hyphenate last name Knowles-Carter says it all for me. Equal partnership and a healthy dose of Hater-ade.
I think we all remember a few years ago when Rihanna hit the scene as Jay-Z’s protege and rumors quickly spread that they were having an affair. A lesser, insecure woman might’ve handled it differently or taken the opportunity to shoot down a rising female star. B was even quoted as saying “That just comes with being a beautiful girl and a celebrity. People try to link you up with everybody!” B was understanding and supportive of the alleged other woman, she even called her beautiful.
I think that’s what this rambling thing is ultimately about. For some reason, a lot of women seem to take any and every opportunity to tear other women down - whether it’s to get ahead or to get a man or whatever misguided goal drives them to such an act. The things you’re meant to do in life and the people you’re meant to surround yourself with won’t be gained by hurting others. If you forsake the valuable support of your fellow women, at the end of it all, you’ll find yourself standing alone.
It should go without saying that I (unfortunately) have never met Beyoncé. All of this information has reached me courtesy of the media and song lyrics. However constructed her image might be, as an aspiring bad bitch, I’m buying what she’s selling.
