Watching Beyonce’s Grammy performance, I nearly wept. We’ve seen stylized photos of pregnant celebrities before–they’re hardly controversial at this point. But I can’t remember seeing a pregnant woman on stage at a mainstream cultural event, doing her thing–being an artist, interpreting, performing, working–instead of hiding her “delicate condition.” (Vanessa Williams immediately tweeted:“They never showed my pregnant belly when I sang my nominated ‘Save the Best for Last.’)
It’s more than that though. This wasn’t just another day at the office. Beyonce’s Grammy performance was a sophisticated reflection on womanhood and matrilineal descent. Reverent, even.
Jessica Mesman 