Free Custom «Times Controversial Image of Beyonce» Essay Paper

The Time magazine is in its own right a social-cultural magazine that presents to its readers the most influential people in the world. The presentation of these people in the magazine portrays who they are, what they stand for, their values, attitudes and principles. In light of this, the presentation of Beyonce in her underwear as the cover picture presents a negative image not only to Beyonce personal image, but also to all the women that identify with her. Beyonce has been described as an exemplification of the ultimate successful woman both in her professional and personal life. Therefore, the image in the Times magazine not only contradicts her role as a role model to young women but it also contributes to the objectification of women (Joshi).

Beyonce’s work both in music and film has been geared towards empowering women through the presentation of various scenarios. She presents women as people who take control of their lives and emerge successful irrespective of the hardships. Therefore, the manner in which she is presented in a magazine that is considered as not only a forum for presenting cultural and social issues is questionable. More so, the manner in which those issues impact the entire society and not a select demographic, the presentation of the ideal person, role model or a person that one can aspire to become is also questionable. While each woman has the right to look the way she wants and feels most comfortable, the image itself negates this ideal. Beyonce is portrayed literally in her underwear with a somber and un-happy countenance. The image is not only disagreeable, but also the singer herself does not appear happy either for the most influential person.

 

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This argument has validity because Beyonce is considered by a significant majority of women and men as a role model, a person that one can aspire to become. Young girls wish to become Beyonce or be likened to her, not because of her vanity, rebellion or defiance but because of her success and because she is championing the power of women. Through her songs Beyonce portrays women as independent, self sufficient, strong and successful in spite of economic and social challenges.

She depicts herself as her own boss and does not become intimidated or compromised because men are characterized by the society to have superiority and control over women. Rather Beyonce presents women and girls as members of society who are capable of leadership and success both in their private and professional lives. Therefore, the Time magazine image presents a contrary image to Beyonce’s stature, image and characterization as a role model.

While a significant number of celebrities and singers presents themselves to the public in nudity in order to gain popularity, Beyonce does not need to wear underwear to gain recognition or popularity. “99% of people really like her and think she’s an amazing goddess” (Beck); therefore, she should present herself in the stature that people across the world hold her. While it is true that she is among the most influential people and has earned the right to appear on the cover of Times magazine, she did not have to do so in her underwear.

It is demeaning and eroding on the morals and values that her music work has aspired for so long to present. Furthermore, any parent who wishes to her/his daughter to be morally upright may think twice before letting the picture be seen. Essentially, Beyonce is not only influential in the music world or in the powerful circles of celebrities and stars, but her influence extends into millions of households across the world. She not only appeals to women and young girls to become strong in their endeavors, but her music presents a moral context that encourages fidelity, truth and trust in relationships. Hence the image is of Beyonce but it does not represent Beyonce.

It may be argued that Beyonce’s image on the Times magazine is merely an extension of her music career in an industry that requires her to “perform a specific sort of prettiness in order to succeed, sell records and make money”; therefore, she is the “product of the unrealistic standards women are subjected to” (Buchanan). While this argument has merit to some extent, the forum within which she chose to present herself in the “specific sort of prettiness” is wrong. The Times magazine should not be the place to pose in her underwear, but it is a forum where she should present herself in the stature that the entire world holds in view of the context of the “most influential person”.

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It is not uncommon for a popular musician to appear scantily dressed or in candid pictures that anyone would shy away from in the presence of children; however, in the case of the Times magazine cover image, such a picture is misplaced. Beyonce is an embodiment of the ideal women, successful in her career and a parent looking to raise her child in a morally upright society. As such, she should consider the impact of her actions.

Therefore, it was inconsiderate for Beyonce to pose for such an image for the Times magazine which can be described as a family magazine. Her image is used as an object that is strategically placed to increase sales, especially among men. It is evident that the Times magazine used the image as a marketing strategy to attract more sales; however, the question is, did Beyonce allow such an image to appear on the cover of the Times magazine? Has her principles and message to young women changed? She should be aware that the manner in which she presents herself to the public irrespective of the medium has an impact on her fans and as a consequence the entire society.