All Women Are Flawless

If you haven't watched Beyonce's "Flawless" music video featuring Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's speech titled "We should all be feminists": I highly recommend it. Not only is Beyonce one, if not my favorite artist, her album Beyonce includes multiple songs with deeper meanings about sexism. In the music video Beyonce seems very angry, yet holds a strong personality that comes alive through the lyrics. The song was written to defend women's rights in a sense and also tell all the women out there that they can do whatever they want. She wants women everywhere to know they should breakaway from stereotypes, talk about feminism, and gain the confidence to speak their mind in society. Also included is many samples of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED talk that defines feminism and the way women continue to be looked down upon for wanting to breakout of ordinary roles.

Sexism is an extremely prominent issue that affects women on all over the world. From the workplace, to getting higher education, to things as simple as the way women dress. It is absolutely absurd to think about how little times have changed. That is exactly why this video connects to my values and congruence. Even though it speaks to my personality and the type of artist that I listen to, it also reflects on my value of equality for all. Being a Latina and a women I've seen the difficulties many individuals face from racism to sexism. If it wasn't from personal experience, I saw family members, friends, or even public figures experiences backlash for speaking their mind. The video specifically shows the way society wants to box all women up and ignore their potential. But I love it so much and wanted to share it because it can easily connect to anyone that feels trapped by the standards society has and just wants to be able to be themselves.

Attending an all girl school I would say completely influenced why my value of equality and respect are ranked so high on my list of values. Beyonce sees these values to be important as well and used her fame to bring awareness to the topic. I feel so connected to the clip because of the way I see myself living my life. Because of my and my family's experience and struggles my goal is always to do the unexpected and breakaway from the norm. From high school, to now in college I was a part of student government and worked to be the voice for those who might have not felt as confident to do so. I've had a job from a young age, and have just learned to become involved in any extracurricular activity that I was passionate about. Some girls are as fortunate to be able to say that they can do what they love. And for women that don't feel capable of standing up for themselves: "Flawless" lays down a platform for the start of something better for women.

"Flawless" is sort of my anthem whenever I feel sad or unconfident in my abilities. It is so power and I'm glad more artists like Beyonce are using their talents to globalize social justice issues through the media. As I mentioned before I try to do what makes me happy and pursue my passions in whatever endeavor I choose to take on. I recommend for everyone to simply ask themselves if whatever they are doing truly makes them happy. At the end of the day if one feels happy and blessed to be where they are; it just makes the world a better place for all to come together. I hope that I can continue to do what makes me happy while never forgetting the values of equality and respect for all no matter where they come from.