Men and women have been butting heads with each other since the beginning of time. I mean this fight has literally dated all the way back to when Eve ate that got damn apple. Not very often are the two sexes on the same accord, especially when it comes to societal norms--all rooted in reasons that attribute to the other, of course. And what's wild to me, is that both men and women often raise the opposite sex to be exactly what they despise.
For example, women are usually lenient with their sons and often raise them to be "mama's boys", but yet they hate grown men who are used to being coddled and that expect women to pick up behind them all day. And men are often tough on young girls and encourage them to never date, when meanwhile, they're out here slinging D from LA to New York City.
Make it make sense!
With social media becoming a major part of our lives, these norms are becoming challenged in a way that many aren't used to (I'm talking to you, Clifford Harris). And that's why when Erica Campbell, who is half of popular gospel group, Mary Mary, questioned her followers about the basis of how we raise our sons and daughters, it immeeeediately caught my attention.
Erica Campbell took to her morning show, 'Get Up Erica' to ask:
Captioning the photo:
"The poll question on @getuperica #getupmorningswithericacampbell today was: do you teach your sons what you teach your daughters? We should prepare both our sons and daughters for real life!"
Whew, a word.
Needless to say, after she posed the question to her social media, her comment section went up in flames.
Some felt the convo was long overdue:
Immediately, the ladies weighed in:
And so did the fellas:
Sis, hit the nail on the head:
While others admitted to working on it:
Grandma was present in a few responses:
And so were future wives:
--
Since posting, this debate has taken to other social media sites, proving that this conversation is one that needs to be had. So, we have to ask:
Do you teach your sons the same lessons that you teach your daughters?
Featured image by Erica Campbell/Instagram
With a multi-layered approach to her artistry, just as she did on that winter day in December 2013 with the infamous digital drop of her self-titled album, she changed the game again on February 1, 2023, when she announced her world tour in support of Renaissance, her seventh studio album. Her cultural impact set the internet ablaze, with everyone trying to gather their coins, barter for presale codes, and figure out which cities to attend. The group chats were lit, and the Beyhive was stressed trying to get their hands on tickets.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
Unfortunately, I was in that number. As the concert dates passed by and the one in my city drawing near all roads led to disappointment. With time ticking on the day of the Miami show and less than two hours to spare, my wallet bit the bullet, and I purchased three last-minute tickets, costing roughly $700.00 a piece (including fees) for me, my 9-year-old and 16-year-old nieces in Section 121 at the Hard Rock Stadium. With 10 minutes before showtime, we eagerly awaited the Queen to take the stage. A sea of metallic fringes, cowboy hats, disco fans, and western boots were in full effect and filled the entire stadium.
As the lights dimmed, a flood of emotions instantly overtook my body. It continued with each note she belted, along with nearly 50,000 roaring fans. The reverberating sound of the music through the stadium transported me from one era of my life to the next. As a teen girl in her bedroom daydreaming about her first love to blossoming into an unapologetic Black woman who is still on a road of self-discovery while learning to lean into the power anthem of "You won't break my soul." For over two hours, and with each set, I felt joy, love, peace, and a commanderie with fellow concertgoers. It was therapeutic as I danced like no one was watching and sang as if I were alone in my bathroom mirror.
There were no bars held, and I realized at that moment, "Nobody can judge me but me." The "Renaissance World Tour" proved to be so vast, and my Black girl joy was re-invigorated. It was magnetic and liberating, and I had to attend again, but this time, I needed to be up close and personal; I needed to be on the floor. In the days that passed, I watched more social media clips in different cities and asked myself if I would really splurge again to attend another Renaissance show.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
After all, this would be my thirteenth time (maybe more because I lost count) seeing Beyoncé live, whether she was on tour with Destiny's Child, as a solo artist, or doing a live appearance. I contemplated for a while, but it worked itself out on its own. I was gifted two tickets and the next thing I knew, I was off to LA to attend another Renaissance show with floor seats at SoFi Stadium during Beyonce's 42nd birthday weekend! This time, things were different: no kids were allowed. It was adults only this go round.
Although the energy at the Miami and Los Angeles shows was empowering, infectious, and a celebration of life, happiness, and identity, they each provided their own unique experience. However, both concerts were what I needed for my well-being, leaving me with sore feet from dancing the night away, on vocal rest for the next few days from screaming at the top of my lungs, and on an indefinite high on life.
My introduction and love for Beyoncé began in 1996, while my older sister lived in Houston, TX, right before Bey hit the scene in 1998 with "No, No, No" as a budding R&B member. Her evolution twenty-seven years later as an international superstar and into womanhood has been an incredible journey to witness. As Mrs. Carter reminds each of us in the audience every night before the curtain closes, "I want you to remember this moment, where you're standing, who you came with, and take it with you. I hope you feel inspired."
I truly felt inspired, so thank you, Queen Bey. You awakened my inner child, and I will definitely remember these moments and take them with me.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
