_Bizzy Emerson is a junior journalism major at MU. She writes about feminism and pop culture as an opinion columnist for The Maneater._
Beyoncé is the greatest living artist of our generation. This may be a bold claim, but in an attempt to compare her to another pop culture figure, I can’t think of anyone quite as influential. Madonna comes to mind, but she can’t touch what Queen Bey has done for women of color. Perhaps Michael Jackson comes close, but Beyoncé’s fierce female empowerment puts her miles ahead of him. When I think of Beyoncé, I think of a warrior, an ethereal goddess, a social justice champion and a truly one-of-a-kind talent.
On Feb. 1, Beyoncé announced via Instagram that she is pregnant — with twins, no less. Understandably, the world was shook. The photo now holds the record for the most likes on an Instagram photo ever. According to Twitter, half a million tweets were sent about the announcement in just 45 minutes.
It’s interesting that this pregnancy announcement coincides with the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency. Although he’s only been in office a short amount of time, Trump’s executive order regarding immigration has rocked the nation, instilling contempt and fear in the American people. Likewise, Bey’s baby news comes on the heels of the nationwide Women’s March, a movement organized by women wanting, by and large, equity in society and access to affordable reproductive health care.
Considering the political climate America is currently operating in, it’s difficult not to view Beyoncé’s pregnancy as a public symbol for hope. If even for a day, it ignited excitement and joy in an enormous body of people, uniting fans in happiness rather than the horror they’ve been grappling with during Trump’s presidency. It’s uplifting and enlightening that so many people can share in a powerful woman’s pregnancy.
Had this been another celebrity’s pregnancy announcement, I’m not sure it would’ve received the same fanfare. There’s something unique about Beyoncé. She genuinely moves people. She is elegant and strong in equal measure. Though this news is just a tiny distraction from what’s going on in the world, it meant everything to America. That speaks volumes.