So this is a bit of a Beyonce overload after having written about the drama surrounding Beyonce's Grammy sweep, but I couldn't help but point this article out by Ian O'Doherty of Ireland's The Independent newspaper regarding Beyonce and her race games.
The virtual clean sweep enjoyed by Beyonce at the Grammys was proof of one thing -- modern music is in bad shape.
Okay, a white, 30-something Irish bloke probably isn't the exact target market for a black woman who purveys a blend of soulless, poptastic R&B and while, in fairness, some of her songs are infuriatingly catchy, let's get real -- we're not exactly talking about Ella Fitzgerald here.
But she seems like a pleasant enough modern pop creation who is careful not to say anything that would alienate her fanbase.
So, you would think that after her success at the Grammys, she is an inspiration to black women. But you would be wrong. And quite possibly a racist as well.
Beyonce had blonde hair at the awards and this prompted black commentator Teshima Walker of National Public Radio to fume: "I know that blonde hair is associated with white women and beauty. I saw how men respond to girls and women with golden hair ... But now I think maybe black stars should help African-American women release the hold that blonde hair has had on us."
Hmmm....Definite food for thought. I would say that the clean sweep by Taylor Swift AND Beyonce at the Grammy's indicates that the music industry, and pop culture consuming society, is in trouble. Period. And for an "Irish bloke" he seems to have hit the nail on the head. He's not saying anything most of the black intelligentsia in these blog streets hasn't been saying for years now. Welcome to the party, Ian!
