Writer, activist, and feminist bell hooks (born Gloria Jean Watkins) has taken a pop at Queen Bey, labelling the singer an ‘anti-feminist terrorist’.
Hooks was speaking at The New School in Manhattan’s panel talk “Are You Still a Slave?” when she let rip on Beyoncé.
When Janet Mock, a trans advocate also speaking at the event, was praising the singer for empowering women when she stated that aspects of the singer’s latest music (such as Jay Z’s ‘Drunk in Love’ lyrics), didn’t align with her female empowerment message she regularly sings about.
hook jumped in to offer her opinion on Beyoncé’s role, saying the feels there is “a part of Beyoncé that is anti-feminist—that is a terrorist, especially in terms of the impact on young girls”. She went on to label the singer as part of the anti-feminist problem, which she believes stems from “visual media and TV and videos.”
hook goes on to argue that Beyoncé’s image is “a construction…of a slave,” and that we probably wouldn’t be interested in her if she didn’t have money. The activist also claimed that our fascination with Beyoncé is a product of our addiction to celebrity and imperialism rather than real admiration for the star.
We’re not sure we agree with hooks on this one, but we’re thinking The Beygency might have something to say when they hear her alternative views.