The Power of Imagery in Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy"

Beyonce's music video for "If I Were a Boy" is a powerful illustration of the unfairness of contemporary gender roles in relationships.  The female is supposed to remain faithful and at the male's beck and call, while the male is known for taking her "for granted" and does not have the same obligation of fidelity.  Beyonce hits her message home by flipping the gender roles. Now, perhaps this is to give herself a taste of what that power would be like, but it is also an effective way to get viewers thinking.  After all, because this behavior is normal and accepted in today's society, men and women alike may not consider how wrong it is until the roles are reversed.

In the very first scene, Beyonce's "man" has prepared her a breakfast.  As he sits down to the table, she grabs something to eat and leaves him there, clearly disappointed.  Not only has this placed the traditionally feminine duty of cooking on the man, but has given Beyonce a new personality:  she ignores his hard work, leaving him unappreciated.  This has probably happened to many women watching the video, and perhaps rings a bell for some men as well.  Actually being able to see the man disappointed and a woman leaving him behind triggers a response in the viewer, because he or she is so used to it happening the other way around.

The next scene that really catches me is actually a little subtler, but the irony is incredible.  It shows the man at work, smiling and looking at what looks like engagement rings on the internet.  While many a woman has fantasized about what her wedding ring will look like, few men have spent time considering all the options.  Then the camera cuts to a shot of Beyonce at "work," suggestively helping another man shoot his gun at target practice.  So while the man is considering their future commitment, his girlfriend is out flirting with other men.

At the very end, the roles are switched back once more, and we realize that Beyonce has essentially been imagining this role reversal the entire time.  The person who truly doesn't "care how it hurts" to be taken advantage of IS the man, and Beyonce is the one being "taken for granted."

While the song's lyrics are powerful, I think it is the video that gives the audience a better understanding of the gender roles.  When a person can physically see that dynamic change between the male and female, the message is so much stronger.  Through the use of video, Beyonce has effectively communicated her point:  that just because you are a boy, does not mean you can't "listen to her" and "be a better man"; if you are a girl, you should stand up for yourself and not let modern society's views of your place in the world keep you in a relationship that makes you unhappy.