MEGAN THEE STALLION RULES

BY: Jean Louis

Up-and-coming rapper Megan Thee Stallion teamed up with the New York Times to write an opinion piece about a black woman’s pressures. She has experienced so many highs lately. 

There have been musical collaborations with Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé throughout the past year-plus, plus her skyrocketing fame that includes the “Artist of the Year” honor at the BET Awards. 

She bested others in a contested race for the next-up artist, and like many experiences in 2020, lows have followed the highs. Earlier this year, the award-winning rapper was in a domestic dispute with rapper Tory Lanez. He shot her in the foot, and both ended up in custody. Though he fired at her, many couldn’t believe she acted like such a victim, and they blamed her for the dispute.

The incident coincided with social unrest among black people, sparked by the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. In light of the problems for black women worldwide, Megan Thee Stallion recorded a public service announcement for Vimeo, partnering up with the Times to describe what life is like for black women. They may fail great but achieve greater and, like everyone else, do both right and wrong.

They may be women judged for their sexuality, ridiculed for physical appearance, and victimized at all costs. Yet, at the same time, they are imitated by other women, not of color.

They deal with duress through racial and gender inequality. But by persevering, minority women show a strength that can’t be measured.

However, it is a weight that black women, let alone any of the disenfranchised, shouldn’t have to bear. 

Megan Thee Stallion’s PSA is for black women to reinforce their sexy, bravery, athleticism, and boldness. And for all the unaccepting? Perhaps it is merely for all to face their judgments, admit their faults and grow beyond it. Or maybe, it is to understand the perfectly imperfect: black women. For the next-big female rapper, here’s hoping it continues to ring true in the future.