Beyoncé Gets A College Course, Possible Houston Monument
(Is baby Blue Ivy Carter a part of the discussion too?)By Sowmya Krishnamurthy
"Bootylicious" meets "The Color Purple" in a new college course based upon the musical repertoire and career of Beyoncé. Taught by Kevin Allred, a doctoral student and lecturer in the Department of Women's and Gender Studies, the class “Politicizing Beyoncé" aims to showcase how the superstar's music and career can help students understand race, gender, feminism and sexual politics in America.
“This isn’t a course about Beyoncé’s political engagement or how many times she performed during President Obama’s inauguration weekend,” Allred says. He juxtaposes Beyoncé’s music videos and lyrics with readings from notables like Alice Walker and Sojourner Truth and according to Rutgers' Focus, "Course topics include the extent of Beyoncé’s control over her own aesthetic, whether her often half-naked body is empowered or stereotypical, and her more racy performances as her alter ego, “Sasha Fierce.” In-class discussions often lead to other vocalists, including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Lady Gaga, and contemporary musicians who embrace the soul singing tradition like Adele and the late Amy Winehouse."
In more Beyoncé world domination news, plans are underway for a monument to be built for the singer in her hometown of Houston, Texas. My Fox Houston reports that Marcus Mitchell and Washington D.C. native Steve White are the ones behind the loving tribute.
“We wanted to construct, like, a massive hall so as the doors open, if you donated to the monument, you'll have a separate nameplate,” Marcus said. “There will be clips of Beyonce with Destiny’s Child and wardrobe like a mini museum.” He continues, “We’ve gotten support from the city of Houston, from the mayor. We’re waiting for a very nice letter from the mayor right now.” The duo's company, Armdeonce Ventures, is currently looking for private donors for funding.
Per the company's website , the proceeds from this project will go towards several charities including Music for America, the Grammy Cares Foundation, Hurricane Katrina victims, flooding victims in the states of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, and other disaster and hunger victims around the world.
