Beyoncé’s feminist essay sparks debate
After releasing her ode to feminism in the form of a self-titled album, Beyoncé is speaking out on the importance of gender equality again, this time via an essay. The self-proclaimed feminist, who was inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and other women’s rights advocates, penned a piece for Maria Shriver’s new Shriver Report about the reality of gender inequality in America. Titled “Gender Equality Is a Myth!” Bey writes about the disparities between men and women in the workplace.
“We need to stop buying into the myth about gender equality,” writes Beyoncé. “It isn’t a reality yet. Today, women make up half of the U.S. workforce, but the average working woman earns only 77 percent of what the average working man makes. But unless women and men both say this is unacceptable, things will not change,” she adds.
“Men have to demand that their wives, daughters, mothers and sisters earn more — commensurate with their qualifications and not their gender. Equality will be achieved when men and women are granted equal pay and equal respect.”
Beyoncés The Shriver Report excerpt can be read here.
And while Beyoncé devotees are elated to receive wisdom from their fearless wig shaking leader, others aren’t buying into the idea of the songstress who was home schooled throughout high school and did not attend college penning an intellectual piece.
The only picture I could find of Beyonce reading a book …not saying this is conclusive of anything… pic.twitter.com/2cqFHr3HxC
— El Cosby Esq… (@TheCosby) January 13, 2014
In addition to doubting that she actually wrote the essay, others are wondering why Beyoncé is being painted as the new face of feminism.
I don’t understand why some of y’all so desperately need Bey to be this enlightened feminist spokesperson.
— The Kitchenista (@MissAngelaDavis) January 13, 2014
Check out more Twitter reactions to Beyonce’s feminist essay below. -danielle canada
