Tina Lawson Says “Beyonce Is NOT Your Enemy”, As She Defends Daughter: Stop Being Social Media Terrorists To The Wrong People! 

Beyonce, Tina Lawson

Tina Lawson Says “Beyonce Is NOT Your Enemy”, As She Defends Daughter: Stop Being Social Media Terrorists To The Wrong People!

Tina Lawson is shutting down claims that her daughter Beyonce is appropriating African culture. Ms. Tina took to her Instagram on July 3 to hit back at critics who claim that Beyonce is using her upcoming project ‘Black is King’ to appropriate African culture. The film project is described as,

“the story of a young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love and self-identity, his ancestors help guide him toward his destiny, and with his father’s teachings and guidance from his childhood love, he earns the virtues needed to reclaim his home and throne, Black Is King is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture. The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence.”

Beyonce

However, some critics have taken to social media to claim that the use of African garb and the imagery of African royalty is cultural appropriation. Tina Lawson caught wind of the criticism and quickly responded to the claims. She posted a tweet she saw that said,

“‘Lmao the annoying thing about the capitalist argument with Beyonce is Lemonade, her ‘black’ album, is one of her lowest selling albums, so if we’re talking profit, she wouldn’t continue to make music highlighting blackness if it was solely for profit.”

Tina Lawson agreed with the tweet and shared her own response, which she later deleted. She writes:

@_alphaa_ (Twitter handle) you could not have said it better. It’s really sad that the women who shout the loudest “protect the black woman” that they are the ones that are trying to tear her down. Sisters wake up!!!! Beyonce was taught from a little girl to lift other women up not to tear them down. She minds her own business , does not criticize anyone, Gives of her time and money , and dedicates her art to Boldly show the Royalty and beauty of our heritage and journey ! Her work is to change the narrative! To show that we did not start off as slaves , but that we were kings and queens before we were forced into slavery . Don’t you want to see something that shows that ! Aren’t you sick and tired Of seeing us as slaves ! She employs African and African-American people , fights for many “first” in the fashion and film world . Take an inventory of yourself and your hate . Where is it coming from ? I ask you to examine your heart and really take a look at what your motive is and what it’s fueled by! Then take that energy critiquing, and tearing down and put it to into an action that is fighting against the systemic racism that is going on right now and has been going on forever . The time that you take to tear her down you could be using that time to do that!! Critique and tear down the systems that hurt and suppress us. Use your social media platform to work on getting people out to vote to change the laws critique the frigging laws!! Stop being a social media terrorist to the wrong people ! Redirect that passion for change in that !!! Use your energy and great intelligence to fight people who choose to be oppressors. Beyonce is not your enemy!! But you would swear that she was! I love what this post said which is the honest to God truth. She sold more records before lemonade. I have one question for you too that I’m confused about “how do you appropriate the black culture when you are black?? “She has a right to her heritage as well as anyone else in the world. Just consider young sisters i love you and brothers thank you for your balance and speaking up.”

What are your thoughts on the claims that Beyonce is appropriating African culture? What are your thoughts on Tina Lawson’s response? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Authored by: Chelsea Adjalla