Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Beyonce: Feminist or Mysogynist?

I saw on social media that Beyonce Knowles Carter put on a performance recently that lauded performing oral sex and other disturbing S and M topics, complete with herself and back up "dancers" doing what is typically reserved for strip clubs (I didn't watch it, but I've read the transcripts).  Interesting side note, Beyonce's child was in the audience watching this entire performance.  CLASSY!

I saw the following picture from the "performance"



















First of all, if you have to tell yourself you are a feminist, that is a pretty good sign that you are not.



Secondly, I think this may be more accurate:

















If a "feminist" is a woman who puts on some sort of stripteaze act, how does one do feminist things at the age of, say 70?  Can you only be a feminist in your 20's and 30's?  Is an older woman supposed to be a "feminist" at the nursing home dances?

As the performance was happening, I saw tweet after tweet from young girls praising Beyonce's self-anointing herself a feminist, and I just couldn't help but think that we are getting so close to the point where words in our country have begun to mean the complete opposite of their actual definition.

Authentic feminism is a defense of the feminine, whereas Mrs. Carter (and a lot of her disciples) seem to think that feminism means - "the ability to be as sexually explicit as the foulest man who exists"


The archetype feminist is, of course, our Blessed Mother:

Feminism is not being a glorified prostitute stripper, but is rather having the strength to say:

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord"



20 comments:

  1. Did you hear about Nicki Minaj's performance at the VMA and/or her Anaconda video? Same issue as above with very crude dance moves. It is disgusting and very misleading to the young. I pray everyone be freed from thinking that is "sexy". It screams "Use me! Objectify me!" Women are settling for being lusted after instead of loved, honored, and cherished. We need some self- R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

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  2. The Blessed Mother was a feminist. Strippers can be feminists. Handmaids can be feminists. Stripping 70 year old grandmothers most certainly can be feminists. Beyonce is a feminist. What's your point? If you want to have a dialogue about feminism, I'm interested to understand the Catholic perspective on it. Defining feminism only as a defense of the feminine is very narrow.

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    1. A feminist would be a person who fights for the right of women to be able to be women. What is your understanding of a feminist?

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    2. I mean classic another man behind a screen wants to police women on being feminist. If anyone is misogynist here its definitely you. She was expressing and telling women that it's okay to be sexual because that isn't a right only granted to men, and also she did this because a lot "allies" faux-feminists were critiquing her feminism too. Beyonce being sexual doesn't take away from her feminism, it doesn't take subtract points. I'm sorry this article is another reason why women need feminism even more now. Lastly I'll say that Beyonce is a strong for black women and a cis white male degrading her.......NOT HERE FOR IT AT ALL

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  3. Anon, very interesting comment. Father, your definition of feminism now forces you to define the word "woman". Are you referring to simply biology or a set of behaviors?

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    1. I asked you a question first. As to yours, yes, biology

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    2. I am not the 1st aonymous who did the initial question, but I will give you my definition. I would say a feminist is someone who belives in equality (social, political, financial, ect.)for females, which is more in line with the actual dictionary definition. I would have to say that you are closer to being a misoginist than Beyonce given the fact that you would reduce a woman to reproductive organs. Are you not being the one to sexualize women? Because what you are saying is very degrading. I would also go further and say that a woman who is Catholic could never be a feminist due to her support of a male only priesthood. The Catholic Church as a whole is misogynistic.

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    3. given the fact that you would reduce a woman to reproductive organs.

      There's an old joke that goes, "If you want to know what Leftists are up to, listen to what they are accusing you of". The fact is Fr. Hollowell has never said or even remotely implied that women are reduced to reproductive organs. And yet Beyonce's act, obvious to anyone not ideologically addled, is ALL about the genitals.

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    4. No, Hollowell defined feminism as a woman being a woman, and a woman is defined by her biological body. Reread the comments. By your logic, if Beyonce's act is all about the genitals than she meets the definition of feminist according to Fr. Hollowell.

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    5. He started with biology, but that does not remotely imply ending with biology, but I think you know that and are being deliberately obtuse.

      P.S. Consistent handles would really help, Father.

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    6. If people want to hide behind false identities, I let them. I'll happily take them on, whether I know their name or not

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    7. "Take them on"? Yet Scott is the one putting words in your mouth to cover you. Well, 2 Scotts actually unless Scott W and Scott Waddell are the same (So much for consistent handles if they are). And, No, Scott W (or Waddell, or both) I am not being obtuse but taking Fr. Hollowell at his word. If he implied something different he should speak up and clarify himself. My name is Tara, btw.

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    8. When arguments are sufficiently answered, I don't feel the need to reaffirm said arguments.

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  4. I'm not sure why my ID is going between Scott W. and Scott Waddell, but I am one and the same. In any case, I'm not putting words in Father H's mouth, I'm reading him fairly. To read his words and come away with the idea that Fr. Hollowell thinks what a woman is is biology and nothing but biology isn't a reasonable inference, and to insist upon it indicates someone less interested in a discussion and more interested in scoring cheap rhetorical points.

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    1. No, Scott. He reaffirmed. It seems as if your issue is with him, yet your calling me names. Tara

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  5. lol a white MAN preaching about what feminism is. Back off, you're a MAN. you shouldn't be telling WOMEN who IS or ISN'T a feminst. just like you, a MAN, shouldn't be telling women what they can or cant do with their bodies. No vagina = NO opinion.

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  6. Did I really hear you say if Catholics disagree with the churches doctrine they should find another church? You are a leader of the flock Padre , do not chase your sheep away. Is it possible one may not have reached your level of intellect or understanding and one may need more time or guidance to truly understand the complex issues of Doctrine?

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  7. my approval is from the Lord.... do not chase the flock away... nurture and build the body of Christ.... I do not wish to be approved or visible my message is for you and only you build my church ....do not lose one of my children. Understanding my friend takes time, be patient with those that can not receive fullness of enlightenment... they are our crosses to carry to the finish line... some will walk many you will carry says the Lord

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