There was the word 'bootylicious' made as an official word by the Oxford Dictionaries, and now this. Beyonce is once again making pop history.
Before you think that this is a hoax, think again, the name of the university is Rutgers University and they are located in New Jersey. They are actually a well-known and respected institution ranking 99th out of the world's 400 universities. The course is officially called Politicizing Beyonce.
According to Kevin Allred, a doctoral student and lecturer in Rutgers' Department of Women's and Gender Studies teaching the class, "This isn't a course about Beyoncé's political engagement or how many times she performed during President Obama's inauguration weekend," In the course, "the performer's music and career are used as lenses to explore American race, gender and sexual politics".
Allred's method is pairing Beyonce's music videos and lyrics with readings from the Black feminist canon, including the work and writing of bell hooks, Alice Walker, even the abolitionist Sojourner Truth. If you plan to study Hip-Hop in general, don't fret because this course isn't really new anymore. There are now over 900 universities in the U.S. offering courses on hip-hop. However, nothing beats a hard-hitting female performer who can hold a whole Super Bowl court on her own.
Some of Beyonce's songs which denotes "politicizing" include Say My Name and, Bills, Bills, Bills, portraying women empowerment. Then of course there's 'Bootylicious', all about accepting and rejoicing in women's assets. She is now a solo artist and appeared in various major motion pictures, with Baby Blue Ivy to boot. Raking in $53 million this year, Beyonce is considered by Forbes as the fourth most powerful celebrity.
Though not a perfect feminist and political icon because of her sexy dance moves supporting most of the world's male fantasies, the superstar is certainly worth all the accolade and attention that she gets. All this complexity is better left for school. College again anyone?
Here's a video of one of Beyonce's latest videos:
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