Hi, Hotties!
If you don't know, "hotties" is what Megan calls her supporters so I decided to take a page out of her playbook for this post. Did you smile when you were referred to as a hottie? Let me know so I can refer to you all as such more often! Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's get into the article.
Let me start this off by saying that I do not identify as a "hottie" though of course, I am a hottie (don't get it twisted). I write this as someone who doesn't know much about Megan and who hasn't followed her career closely. I first found out about her when she put out "Hot Girl Summer". Though let me be real, I didn't even listen to the song fully until the Winter after it was released. Buuuut, when I did, I was struck by her confidence, pride in her sexuality, and her bomb body. Then, Beyonce hopped on "Savage" and gave Megan legitimacy in addition to killin' the game (just stating facts). I really started to pay attention when she was featured on Cardi B's "WAP". I was impressed with the timbre of her rapping voice and the fact that my fave lyric {"Paid my tuition just to kiss me on this..."} was delivered by her. Hey, I have student loans too, what can I say?
All of this was enough for me to like Megan, but then, she performed on SNL. If you haven't seen it yet, you can watch it here. During the performance, she had "Protect Black Women" plastered behind her. In the middle of her set, she paused and Malcolm X's words were played. She did it in honor of Breonna Taylor and to celebrate all Black women. It was moving, to say the least. What I really love is that she still shook her butt, danced, and rapped full out. She didn't compromise her sexuality to express her political beliefs. In doing so, she illuminated the many facets of Black womanhood. We don't have to be sad or mad to be purveyors of justice. We can be joyful, soft, and vulnerable while also being strong. It doesn't have to be one or the other. In that one performance, Megan embodied the fullness of her Blackness and taught us to do the same.
For this instance alone, Megan Thee Stallion is an American treasure. Of course though, she didn't stop there. Megan published an op-ed in the New York Times titled "Why I Speak Up for Black Women"; and I highly recommend that you read it. In the article, she discusses her motivations and thoughts in regard to the Black Lives Matter Movement, the shooting that she endured, and her hopes for what Kamala Harris represents. Once again, Megan has told us how to see her: a whole human being. Let's learn from her and walk through life with the confident expectation of being seen as whole and multi-faceted. First though, we have to see ourselves as such. But, that's a different blog post...
As a culture, we must do better at allowing people to be more than one thing at a time. I am more than just a blogger and podcaster, the same way that you are more than just a reader. Here at ColorFull Commentary, we are cultivating a safe place for all of your colors and facets to be celebrated. Please check back often and make yourself known. In the meantime, I suggest you listen to Megan's new single "Body" and shake your booty while signing some petitions. It's all about balance!
Stay ColorFull,
CC
Sources~
•Cover Picture: www.megantheestallion.com
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