“Cowboy Carter” is the follow-up album to Beyoncé’s iconic 2022 release, “Renaissance.” Some were surprised when she announced a country music direction, along with an album cover featuring her holding an American flag. Despite facing backlash, she remained committed, doubling down on the theme with additional visuals featuring the American flag.
Some viewed it as anticipated, recognizing a creative pattern illustrating the complexities of Afro-American heritage and identity in Beyoncé’s recent artistic ventures. Works like “Black is King,” “Renaissance,” and “Cowboy Carter” showcase a rich and diverse cultural heritage through music, understood by many but often misinterpreted by most.
However, part of the challenge of unpacking the criticism behind a Black woman proudly holding an American flag is due to historical inaccuracies, which lead to gross misinterpretation and distorted assumptions that fuel prejudices and stereotypes.
Here’s what people should be more mindful of and consider when discussing the Cowboy Carter album cover and the American Cowboy/country culture:
Separate Discussions Can Cover Both Suffering And Empowerment, Or Focus On One Or The Other
Centering oppression or shifting the conversation to pain and suffering, even when discussing erased history and misinformation about Black people, can be a form of anti-blackness. This approach reduces the rich and diverse experiences of Black individuals to their struggles and suffering alone. While it’s always important to remember and address historical injustices, periods of pain and egregious acts can intersect with liberation and triumph. Exclusively emphasizing oppression over the other when discussing empowerment perpetuates a narrative that defines Black Americans by their suffering rather than their achievements, resilience, and contributions to society and strips them of their unique identity, individualism, story and heritage.
Dismissing someone who corrects historical inaccuracies about their cultural history further perpetuates this oppressive narrative by silencing voices that seek to present a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of Black history and experiences, which can also have various regional factors as well.
We can acknowledge the complexities of black identity and history, recognizing both the struggles and the triumphs, to effectively combat anti-blackness. It doesn’t have to be an either-or situation.
Beyonce’s New Album CONFRONTS Country’s Discriminatory Roots And Creates More Opportunities For Accuracy And Access
Revolutions can take many shapes. This album cover also ignites a revolution of truth and mindfulness, which in turn leads to liberation and the dismantling of barriers. “Cowboy Carter” confronts the racist roots and historical inaccuracies of country music.
In the early 1900s, Black people were the original creators of country music, blending elements of blues, gospel, and folk music. Enslaved individuals often used folk music to relax and connect with one another, frequently featuring the banjo.
However, according to the research by Penn, Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s, traditional string music was appropriated from slave culture and spread to broader American culture through racist minstrel shows. Country music gained popularity in America and Europe largely due to non Black performers, who learned to play these instruments from Black people without acknowledging their contributions. You can learn more about the history of country here.
White Horses Have Symbolized Status, Freedom, Courage, And Strength In The United States
The visuals of Cowboy Carter remind me of popular portraits of George Washington, securing his victory during the Revolutionary War, where he led the American army to triumph in 1776 and 1781. Interestingly, he lost more battles than he won, but this particular one was the battle that mattered the most. We are taught that the American Revolution symbolized liberty and equality. However, these principles were not applied to the thousands of Black enslaved people who were erased from earlier portraits and excluded from this significant historical narrative. For example, James Lafayette provided Washington with war winning intelligence that helped secure America’s victory.
In 1778, Rhode Island faced a shortage of men and was struggling in the war. The state’s assembly made the decision to recruit enslaved African Americans, offering them freedom in exchange for their service. This group of soldiers comprised 225 men, with 140 of them being Black, the highest proportion in any Continental Army unit. After participating in primarily northern battles, the regiment marched south, where its troops helped secure American victory at Yorktown in 1781 alongside George Washington and James Lafayette. The American Revolution is said to have prompted a shift in societal views concerning slavery and Black people.
In 1786, George Washington wrote, “I never intend, unless compelled by particular circumstances, to acquire another slave through purchase. It is one of my foremost desires to witness the legislature implementing a plan for the gradual, certain, and imperceptible abolition of slavery in the country.”
Beyoncé’s imagery sends a message of our enduring presence: we were here, and we remain here!
It also serves as a reminder to other Black people to also not forget the battles we have won over the last few hundreds of years, even if some believe it’s only a few. Its about winning the ones that matter the most.
Americas Global Influence Has Been Through Black Mainstream Pop Culture And Innovation
Since the post-reconstruction era in the early 1900s, Black culture has been spread through mass media. It helped introduce the English language and Western norms to other countries. Black entertainers, athletes, and musicians were used to also promote tourism and attract and influence people from different cultures, shaping America’s image as a land of freedom, fun and creativity.
Additionally, Black inventions played a key role in global trade, giving America control over many industries and resources from rural Southern Black communities.
Almost A Quarter Of “American” Cowboys That Went Out West Were Black
According to Rancho Cerritos , between 20% and 25% of cowboys were Black Americans, despite common portrayals in films and literature that suggest otherwise.
Cowboys were pioneers and entrepreneurs in the Western and Southwestern regions of the United States. Their contributions continue to impact us today, particularly in states like California, which boasts one of the leading cattle industries, contributing over $413 million to our economy through exports.
Black entertainers have a rich tradition of using their artistry to reshape culture and to educate. It’s inspiring to witness how art can break barriers and evoke empathy. Music, has a remarkable ability to connect with people emotionally and drive action.
Beyoncé, through her platform, courageously challenges deep and covert prejudices and even institutions, sparking conversations often neglected in traditional education.
By challenging perspectives and encouraging dialogue, she is contributing to positive and societal change and is cultivating a sense of unity and solidarity. This is how meaningful impact is achieved.