They were led by the former mayor of New York (who has become a wingnut of incredible proportions) who, along with others, declared that the song was anti police.
"I thought it was really outrageous that she used it as a platform to attack police officers who are the people who protect her and protect us, and keep us alive,” he said. “And what we should be doing in the African-American community, and all communities, is build up respect for police officers. And focus on the fact that when something does go wrong, okay. We’ll work on that. But the vast majority of police officers risk their lives to keep us safe.”
My lord! Calm down man! It is a song for crying out loud! This is what artists do, they create art to make you think. Frankly, I wish they would do more of it. Artists should write and perform socially conscious songs that generate conversation and open dialogue. It shouldn't be all dancing and love songs all the time.
So why is she being ripped and offending certain people for trying to incorporate a little social consciousness into her performance?
Imagine if Rudy Giuliana heard Johnny Cash singing the following lyrics at a Super Bowl halftime show: "Early one mornin' while makin' the rounds I took a shot of cocaine and I shot my woman down I went right home and I went to bed I stuck that lovin' .44 beneath my head.."
Or Eric Clapton singing the following: "I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy All around in my home town
They're trying to track me down They say they want to bring me in guilty
For the killing of a deputy For the life of a deputy, but I say..."
Rhetorical question. I know what would happen. Nothing. There would be no outrage or calls for a boycott of their music.
And let's be clear, Beyoncé is no Nina Simone. In fact, I am not even that big of a fan. Ironically, for me, her persona often comes off as being more black girl trying to be color neutral than staying true to her roots. As a result, she has been widely accepted by white folks who see her as beautiful when judging by Eurocentric standards.
Her music is alright, but I never considered her a musical genius, and I certainly didn't see this coming.
Still, she must have known that white America would not be pleased. And now they are calling for a boycott of her music.
Oh, and don't forget the nasty comments.
"Where were the white dancers in Beyonce's troop?"