Written by: Ciara Celeste | Journalist
Treasing the tent on a bare bodysuit, wrapping the black head and an excessive bottom area was the icon -rykah Badu itself.
The audience had mixed reactions: some interpreted the uniform as a playful piercing in the BBL culture, while others – such as Tiktoker and fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie – believe that it was a bold statement on how society continues to police the bodies of black women. Let’s analyze it.
On March 29, Erykah Badu accepted the icon award at the Music Women’s Award Ceremony. He was wearing what the band was called “Begysuit that causes thought” created by designer Myah Hasbany. The nightclub “costume” caused a wide discussion in all social media, with many assuming Badu ran in the fun of the BBL culture. For the frame, a BBL, or Brazilian lift edge, is a cosmetic surgery process that enhances the size and shape of the buttocks.
But some spectators, especially in Tiktok, saw something deeper. Shelby Ivey Christie shared a fascinating piece of think, suggesting that Badu’s look does not fool – reflects. A reflection of the way society controls and controls the appearance of black women.
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This issue is not new. It dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, with the tragic story of Sarah Baartman, a South African woman who appeared publicly and took advantage of Europe because of her naturally large bottom. After her death, her body remained on the screen until she finally returned home in 2002 – centuries very late.
Shelby also mentioned the Tignon laws adopted in 1786 by the governor of New Orleans, who forced black women to cover their hair with scarves. This law was aimed at suppressing self-expression and controlling the visibility of black beauty, as natural hair was regarded as “excessively enticing” or threatening. But even under these limitations, black women found ways to regain their dignity – reinforcing their ticks with live designs and cultural pride.
Fast forward to the present day and the story continues.
In 2018, Serena Williams talked about how her curve, a strong bodybuilding, was polarized on the tennis court. She began designing customized bodysuits and sports tools to support her shape – only to ban her cat from the US Open.
And then there is Megan You Stallion, whose curve figure became a cultural point of speech. The violence she suffered was publicly downgraded by many – over -sex, her trauma was minimized.
So yes, Badu’s outfit could be a nod for BBL culture. But the biggest picture? It is a mirror that reflects continuing pressure black women to comply, accumulate and hide their bodies. The same characteristics that are born with our lips, our hips, our hair, our nails-are healed “ghetto” to us, but “vigorously” or “fashion-in front” to others.
Black women are not the trend. We are the plan.
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And the sooner society accepts this truth, the better.
