By Montrel Spencer/reporter
With “Irreplaceable” at No. 1 on the charts seven weeks and counting, Beyoncé has an entire generation chanting, “You must not know ’bout me.”
Some people, including one South Campus teacher, believe the music mesmerizing young people may not be sending the right messages.
Dr. Staussa Ervin, a five-year teacher of Introduction to Psychology on South Campus, led “You Must Not Know ’bout Me,” a discussion Feb. 13 on societal issues plaguing young black women.
“ Twelve year olds and under live by music,” the assistant professor of psychology said.
As evidence, Ervin referred to the “notorious” video look worn by young women.
Just look at how the music is affecting our kids,” she said. “It affects the way they are choosing to promote themselves.”
The presentation became a discussion among women of all races and ages. Ervin played songs by Beyoncé, and the group discussed the interpretations the youth are getting.
The group listened to “Upgrade You,” Beyoncé’s current radio offering, and “Cater To You,” “Girl” and “Independent Women,” all by Destiny’s Child.
“ The kids have no business singing about catering to men, running bath water and taking off do-rags,” one of the women said.
Ervin said people need to learn to respond to music in a different way.
“ We don’t need to just listen, but interpret, reflect and connect to the songs,” she said. “Move outside of yourself and stop being a sucker.”
A lot of children do not think about the songs’ meanings, Ervin said. Instead, they just listen to the music and get lost in it.
“It is important that we as women connect globally and move beyond race and ethnicity,” she said.
