It is undeniable that Lizzo has had one hell of a year. Her 2017 song “Truth Hurts,” hit No. 1 on the charts, she was the musical guest for Eddie Murphy’s acclaimed SNL return and she scored eight Grammy nominations, proving that she is indeed 100% that bitch. Yet because she is a black woman thriving, embracing her sexuality and living her life how she so chooses, there has to be a clown on the sidelines telling her that she’s wrong.
Enter Hotep and Bill Cosby apologist Dr. Boyce Watkins. Yesterday, he decided to go to on Al Gore’s internet and write this headass take.
That’s right, y’all. Lizzo’s popularity isn’t due to her choice of production, excellent voice and energetic performances. No, she’s popular because she’s plus sized. In a country that has a history of favoring the bodies of skinny, blonde white girls and where misogyny against black women is potent, it makes sense that Lizzo is only popular due to her weight. This, despite the fact that anytime she embraces her body or makes an outlandish fashion choice, Twitter is right there to go “hey, maybe not.” Those same people didn’t have nothing to say when Lady Gaga did this at the Met Gala, though. (Not that they should have. Just pointing out a double standard. I’ve only been here a week, please don’t hurt me. )
Now, Lizzo has made self-love a notable part of her brand and it cannot be denied that it has helped draw people to her art. I fail to see how this is a bad thing, though. In a world where black women are judged by their demeanor, skin tone, weight and hair, is it wrong for someone to encourage self-love? At the end of the day, her body and her health is her business and her business alone. Lizzo eventually clapped back later that same afternoon.
I mean, the woman said all that needs to be said. I’m just hoping that going into next year, we see less dumb-ass takes about Lizzo. I highly doubt it, though.