Fitting allusion to Jackson's Rhythm Nation for a number of reasons

came of age when black women were emerging as successful pop artists in the 80s
Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson gained iconicity
Decade during which Beyonce was born
Content of the lyrics speak to racial unity and fighting against social injustice
Rhythm Nation
People of the world today are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite, Strength in numbers we can get it right
Course is designed to challenge the relegation of Beyonce to popular culture and even frames as
a political agent
Furthermore, the course frames Beyonce in relation to Southern legacies and histories
The course encourages new research and writing on Beyonce
Where do we begin?
Consider the rapidity of the Beyonce news cycle in the summer months alone
Pregnancy shoots
4:44
Announcement of Formation Scholarship Recipients
Controversy over Beyonce Wax Figure @ Madame Tussauds in Manhattan
Does that not speak more to the perception of the sculpture
Eventually taken down
Dramatizes passion of her fans
Illustrates contestations over her representation
Shows investments in her visualization-for better and for worse
Inflected by politics of race, gender, and various power dynamics