Why is Beyonce a feminist?

Because of this--

And this--

But why is Beyonce a feminist? 

Because Beyonce is "among the ranks of women" (Watson's speech) who assumed the mantle of feminist. 

Why did I ask that question, if it can be simply answered? Because it wasn't so clear until Emma Watson's speech on Saturday, September 20th, 2014. Truthfully, the question has been simmering in my mind for quite some time. It crossed my mind in 2013 as I logged thousands of miles traveling through the great American West. 

Without entrenching myself in feminist discussions, I realize that my view of Beyonce was somewhat on par with certain feminist leaders such as Bell Hooks:

I see a part of Beyonce that is, in fact, anti-feminist, that is assaulting... I actually feel like the major assault on feminism in our society has come from visual media and from television and from videos. Just think, where do we even know, as of late, of any powerful man of any color that has come out with some tirade against feminism? The tirades against feminism occur so much in the image-making business, and what we see. 

As I researched more of these interviews I quickly realized that I disagreed with some phrases here, some phrases there, and I agreed with a concept here, a concept there. Let me be clear, I would not use language as harsh as Hooks, who calls Beyonce a "terrorist." However, she brought up points that are valid and worth considering. Earlier in the interview from which the above quote was taken, she alluded to the impact of Beyonce's socioeconomic status. 

I've really been challenging people to think about, would we be at all interested in Beyonce if she wasn't so rich? Because I don't think you can separate her class power and the wealth, from people's fascination with her... If Beyonce was a homeless women who looked the same way, or a poor, down-and-out women who looked the same way, would people be enchanted by her?

My answer to Hook's question is "yes, people would be interested in her because of her talent." Herein, my thoughts diverge from whatever direction the feminist scholars are going. As I have considered the discography of Beyonce's work, I have reasoned that her incredible voice has been a positive platform to express a message. If you listen to the music she has been a part of in producing, writing, and singing over the course of her career, it is apparent that she is rooting for women. 

She flipped the scenario of a tumultuous relationship between a woman and man. This was a brilliant video with powerful lyrics. 

Upon watching Emma Watson's empowering speech, I recalled my question from a year ago. I smiled to myself and answered my own question about Beyonce by writing this blog post. As I have read various blogs and opinion pieces about Emma Watson's speech, I have come to realize there are women who sensitively use the word feminist, going so far as to refer to it as the "f-word." It baffles me that there are women who shed themselves of such a word. Like Emma Watson and Beyonce, I do not eschew the word and proudly write, I am a feminist. I believe in the equality of men and women on a political, social, and economic level. Though Beyonce and I have differing musical preferences (I love rock n'roll), I appreciate her bold stance on the topic. That is why she is a feminist, because she chooses to be one.