3-D Review

 

Song/video: "Naughty Girl" by Beyonce

Beyonce - Naughty Girl.jpg

 

Background/summary: This single release from Beyonce Knowles, the reigning queen of pop divas and member of Destiny’s Child, is off her Dangerously In Love album and featured on her Live At Wembley DVD. The video is in heavy rotation on MTV and other music video networks, and has been on both the Billboard and TRL Top 10 charts.

 

Discover: What is the message/worldview?

·       This repetitive pop/dance song/video features a simple tune and straightforward lyrics in a song that’s become a staple at school dances everywhere.

·       The song opens with Beyonce recycling the chorus from Donna Summer’s equally repetitive ode to sexuality, “Love To Love Ya Baby,” originally released by Summer in 1976.

·       In the opening visual sequence, a seductive Beyonce dances and sings on the stage of what appears to be a strip club. The camera catches the lusty looks of male patrons seated at the tables. Beyonce retreats behind a screen as onlookers watch her silhouetted figure take off her skirt.

·       Beyonce then appears in three additional outfits/characters throughout the video. First, she walks into the same club and catches the attention of a guy, who proceeds to engage in “dirty” dancing with her. Next, she is shown writhing in an oversized champagne glass while covered in bubbles. Finally, she poses as a lounge singer on top of a piano.

·       The song confesses her state of “feelin sexy” and “kind of n-a-s-t-y,” and her confession, “I might just take you home with me … Tonight I’ll be your naughty girl” because “I know you want my body.”

·       The song is a straightforward celebration of sexual lust and conquest, all culminating in a desire for a one-night stand.

 

Discern: How does it stand in light of the biblical message/worldview?

·       The Scriptures are clear that the lust of the flesh/eyes, fornication and adultery are wrong. In contrast, “Naughty Girl” takes the God-given gift of sexuality and promotes it in a fashion void of boundaries.

·       Females are encouraged to forsake modesty and generate visual appeal that culminates in a “mating dance” that is purely physical. God’s Word calls us to exercise modesty so as not to cause others to fall into sin.

·       “Love” is erroneously defined in purely physical terms. While the Scriptures celebrate sexual intercourse as an expression of committed marital love, “love” itself is defined by its Maker as self-sacrificing “commitment,” rather than self-indulged pursuit of sexual gratification and pleasure.

·       Males and females are both portrayed as sexual predators. In addition, females are objectified “boy toys.” Both of these portrayals distort God’s image, intent and purpose for humankind.

 

Decide: What do I do with it?

·       “Naughty Girl” offers compelling evidence of the “Christianity confusion” that exists in today’s youth culture. Beyonce continues to trumpet her personal faith while sending contradictory messages through her stage presence, songs and videos. This is one example of dis-integrated faith that can be used to spark discussion among parents and teens about what it means to integrate faith into all of life.

·       This song and its popularity-particularly among a younger female audience-should serve as a compelling kick to get us to address issues of modesty, self-respect and biblical sexuality with our students.

·       Beyonce has commented in the past that she sees no discrepancy between who she is when she’s not on stage (more quiet and staid), and who she is when she’s behind the microphone (the crowd gets her going and she has few inhibitions). This song and her story could serve as the foundation for a discussion about consistency and integrity.

·       While this song/video has no redeeming qualities and we should direct our kids away from its visuals and messages, chances are they will still be listening, watching and dancing. Consequently, we must evaluate the song with them by filtering the music and message through the framework of God’s Word.

 

 

Click here to view more 3D Reviews

 

 

The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding grants permission for this article to be copied in its entirety, provided the copies are distributed free of charge and the copies indicate the source as the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

 

For more information on resources to help you understand today?s rapidly changing youth culture, contact the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

 

©2004, The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding