
Published on 3/23/2009
Sincerely,
The Newest Member of the “I HATE Beyoncé Club”
Before you all start out trying to ring my neck, I better first state the fact that this letter should strictly be filed in a drawer set aside for anything fiction. This letter isn’t true to my situation, but I guarantee you it’s a feeling that’s continually echoed throughout the minds of many women and men out there. We’re no stranger to the fact that people across the board got love for Beyoncé, but lets keep it real since we’ve already entered the sharing circle, and dish a bit on the reasons why people got hate for Beyoncé too.
1)”You remind me of a girl that I once knew.”
Usher wasn’t playing when he sang about his bout with Déjà Vu, but if Beyoncé reminds you of someone in your past, it may not exactly be a pleasant memory. Did any of you go to school with that girl who was balancing Student Council, Track and Field and in her spare time was the head of the Cheerleading Squad, while you were merely hoping to have a chance to at least make Student of the Week? Did I forget to mention that she was also dating the captain of the football team while you were still combing through the school directory hoping to will yourself a first date? Well, Beyoncé may unconsciously remind you of that girl that you hated who with the blink of an eye had and did everything you wanted too.
2) Your man wants her.
Referring to the story within the letter of course, but also enforcing the idea that this letter mirrors so many male opinions. She has landed on many a male magazine polls on who they feel is the sexiest women alive and if that doesn’t further this simple argument, then consider this: In 2007 she became the first and only singer to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
3) Even on her worst day she’s still so damn beautiful, or is she?
Has anybody ever seen Beyoncé without her year round costume on? Of course I’m speaking lightly on the gobs of make up and hair extensions we’re so accustomed to seeing her sporting at every venue and event she attends. Sure Barbie looks good when you first take her out of the box, but after you’ve played with her for a while she loses her luster, her hair goes flat, and she becomes a bit dingy. Without all that makeup and weave, would Beyoncé still carry her torch of defining perfected beauty, or would the flame slowly die at the pluck of each individual eyelash? Just a question.
4) As if she didn’t have enough money of her own, she had to run out and marry Jay-Z, whose got plenty more to add to their ever-growing bank account.
Some people can’t even pay the rent, let alone find a decent man in life who’s willing to contribute to life’s simple and monetary household needs. Beyoncé’s estimated net worth is sitting on a comfortable $350 million; when you factor in her boo’s acquired income, the two love birds are sitting easy on a billi. Can I get some bailout money from them?
5) People constantly revere her as the best, which makes her an easy front-runner for being the most annoying artist on your Top Ten list.
She’s been nominated for more awards than she’s actually ever won, but the fact that she is faithfully considered whether or not she even produces the fruit of worth is a clear testimony to the claim that I’m making here. NAACP recently granted her a trophy for Outstanding Female Artist, leaving artists like Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys to bask in the shadows of her continual glory. If it wasn’t for a shun by The Academy, then I’d say Beyoncé was thought to be the best at everything. Good for you Jennifer Hudson.
6) She’s the reason we no longer have Destiny’s Child.
When “Beyoncé and the Girls” first stepped on the scene under their well-known alias, Destiny’s Child, it was clear for the world to see who was really headlining and who would remain in the shadows: our wonderful Queen B. Riddled with drama, rumored to be a result of a single spotlight on the ever talented Beyonce’, the group went from four to two, back to four, and then down to three and before you knew it, Beyoncé was running things on the airwaves with a flourishing solo career. Coincidence anyone?
7) She could learn to share the spotlight a little, couldn’t she?
A lot of people wish Beyoncé would take a long vacation and let some other talent break the surface of our 24 Play. Maybe have a baby with Jay Z, or continue working on her blossoming acting career. Plain and simply, maybe she just need to keep herself busy and let some other voices crack through the sound of our stereo.
8) For the men… She’s got the world wanting to Upgrade U.
Not like some of you don’t deserve the boot or need a reality check to create a higher standard, but it’s one thing to kick a cheater “to the left,” but it’s another to bring a better man into the picture to replace you.
9) Put a ring on it…
Easier said than done B. I think the ladies of the world have already thought of this. But if I was sitting easy on $350 million, I’m sure I’d be up to my ear in proposals and jumping out windows to avoid them until I had them sign my pre-nup. The anthem makes sense, but it doesn’t take into account the plight of the real single ladies of this world. If we run out and dump our men just because they didn’t pop the question in our matrimonial time frame, then we’ll be “up in the club” feeling unnecessarily lonely. Then we’ll be singing with your sister crying about the plight of T.O.N.Y. Why bother?
10) She’s a sellout.
A lot of people were deep in the fold when she rocked the mic with a passion on her solo debut Dangerously In Love. When she told us it was her B’Day, we stood in line ready to celebrate. But when she commercialized her music and offered us I am… Sasha Fierce, sure the album sold millions, possibly only off the name Beyoncé, but compared to her previous two offerings, the musical quality pales in comparison.
11) She’s overrated.
To say the least in some peoples eyes. When you put a spotlight on depth and substance, Beyonce’s catalog of music is about as sturdy as a House of Cards. Sure she’s standing on the mountaintop, looking onward at a sea of counterparts, but did she make that ascent on merit, or does the fact that she fits the criteria of what the media considers “The Total Package,” carry her past the masses and gain her a position in the top spot? From song lyrics, to originality, to embodying everything it takes to be a real X-Factor, compared to other artists like Jill Scott, Sade’ or India Arie in some people’s opinion, she doesn’t really measure up. She’s got “the look,” “the sound,” “the style,” the worlds been waiting for, right? Marketing comes down to dollars and sense, even when at times it seems to make no sense. Mathematics. Unfortunately for us, we’re not the ones formulating the equations. It’s all about the Cha- Ching.
12) The “Blacker the Berry” isn’t always the “Sweeter the Juice”.
We all know Beyoncé is a red bone, but even being that light isn’t enough to satisfy the media. In 2005, Vanity Fair denies rumors of lightening her image on the cover of their magazine, but now L’Oreal is currently under the radar for doing the same skin altering. I don’t know about you, but I love my brown skin.
13) She’s a hypocrite?
She’s a devout Methodist, raised in the church and very strong in her faith, and when speaking out about the criticism towards her raunchy clothing and behavior, she has been quoted in saying, “I honestly believe [God] wants people to celebrate their bodies so long as you don’t compromise your Christianity in the process.” Is that so. Now she’s singing about feeling her Halo and finally finding her angel in Jay Z, yet last time I checked her man was an ex drug dealer. That might be viewed as a little contradictory when you consider the good girl image she continually tries to show us.
14) Jay Z is not that attractive.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but when you’re a high profile celebrity society tends to think you should be dating a handsome man like the Rock or the next LL Cool J. Beyoncé chose Jigga, who probably doesn’t stand a chance to becoming the next Mr. Universe, but because Beyoncé could have whomever she wants, people feel like they should have a say so in her love match also.
15) Jealousy.
It’s easy to make a list of all the reasons why you could possibly hate a person, but if that list comes to you a little easy, then you may want to consider the real answer: jealousy. Beyoncé’s a great artist and I think people secretly wish they could be her. But if you work on being “you,” then you won’t have time to have a reason to hate on her.
These are all just possible ideas, and not something I personally hold as doctrine. I believe you have to personally know a person to truly have a reason to hate on ‘em, and since I have yet to be invited for tea at Beyoncé’s, none of these bulletins personally reflect my opinion. Instead of focusing so much on B, you should consider a quote by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays,
“Whatever you do, do it so well that no man living, no man dead or no man yet to be born can do it any better.”
That’s the philosophy we see in Beyoncé. She does it to the best of her abilities and her talents have led her to the top of the industry. So I’ll leave you with this — don’t hate, just step up to the plate.
I did. But I was 19 when we met and um...unexperienced. We married when I was 23 after graduation. And he's also very Christian and told me...
asking about men won't do anything. we all know that men aren't held to any standards at all really when it comes to appearance. all they...
Right? These categories aren't going anywhere. Honestly, we will forever have gender expectations. I also feel it's a false myth that not...
Oh good, am glad am not the only one that thought that was a bit of an over-share.





Beyonce is everybody’s idol!!! I love her!!! Never hate her!!!
Beyoncé is the sugar honey iced tea and everything she touches turns 2 gold. All of her haters are just so overcome with jealousy they can’t see straight. The only way you can hate on someone, especially someone you don’t even know personally, is if you hate youself. Get over your insecurities and shortcomings, step your game up and celebrate Miss Beyoncé’s hard work and accomplishments.She puts her heart and soul into all her projects, even her performances are phenomenal. You have to hand it to her, any and everything she sets her sights on she gets it eg. Getting the worlds most renoun bachelor to put a ring on it and get a bangin prenup out of the deal. When my man watches her videos in awe n comments on how perfect she is I agree, why? Because I’m secure within myself not to belittle a woman who is doing the damn thing and is the closest thing to perfection out there. So instead of hating and bashing and acting like crabs in a barrel commend her for being the amazing accomplished woman she has grown to be.
This article needed to be wrote. I personally know of 5 women who can’t stand Beyonce for very stupid reasons. There are sites out there that are dedicated to hating her. Hopefully they will read this article and LET it GO – cause B is doing her thing and is not going to stop!
Here’s one of the blog’s here: hateonbeyonce.blogspot.com – it’s SAD!
Great article Clutch!
PLEASE READ: Before this gets out of hand – please read the beginning of the article – which states…
“Before you all start out trying to ring my neck, I better first state the fact that this letter should strictly be filed in a drawer set aside for anything fiction. This letter isn’t true to my situation, but I guarantee you it’s a feeling that’s continually echoed throughout the minds of many women and men out there. We’re no stranger to the fact that people across the board got love for Beyonce’, but lets keep it real since we’ve already entered the sharing circle, and dish a bit on the reasons why people got hate for Beyoncé too.”
—
This is not how WE at Clutch feel- this is an article and discussion about women and men who dislike Beyonce. In the article, we give potential reasons why this is so.
xoxo,
Clutch
This Hate on Beyonce site is TERRIBLE – LOOK AT THIS! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwTKcRzY9OQ
I find this article a bit dissapointing and contradictory. Why should you write about hating, that is so negative. And all the reasons you point definitely show A LOT of jealousy. I think that we should be positively jealous in the sense that people like Beyonce should serve as an inspiration for us, to have more drive, to work hard to achieve all our dreams, to be multitasked and to strive for excelence in everything we do.
I read a book called “Nice girls don’t get rich” and this line is so true. We are raised to be nice, to not be ambitious and to asociate money with greed. But what is wrong with that. We all are made with talent so we might as well use it and get the best from it.
We shouldn’t have space in our heart for hate, it’s just negative energy. We should be happy for the success of others and that will make us successful too.
@ Alice – why not look at both sides. It’s a underlying issue here. Women and men who dislike or hate people for unnecessary reasons. Why not discuss? Even if you don’t think they should this convo is going on daily in somebody’s circle.
I think this is a great discussion starter on why we as women “hate” on each other for no apparent reason. And Beyonce is the perfect model to talk about it. For some reason Beyonce brings up such jealousy among and anger among women for ridiculous reasons. The reasons the author listed are so real and pretty close to why people dislike her – it’s jealousy.
Let’s have the convo….
LOL – it’s so funny when people take writing literally – especially when the author clearly states “this is some HOW SOME WOMEN FEEL and it is NOT of the authors or Clutch’s — Uptight folks read the 1st and last paragraph please….
This is crazy cause I was just with someone last week who hated Beyonce and the young lady reasons why was because of her accent. I was like that is so dumb. And the sad thing is she wasn’t the first one. I truly think it’s jealousy as the author suggest. If you are self-confident and happy with yourself then you shouldn’t dislike someone for reasons of vanity. I have never heard of another artist that evokes the kind of emotions Beyonce does.
This is def a great discussion piece! I can’t wait to hear what other women think. I think the author did a great job listing reasons and “ideas” as she states on why women, especially black women have these issues.
This is too funny!!! Always keeping it authentic Clucthettes!!
yes, beyonce is the epitome of WORK! she shows that hard work really pays off, and being beautiful doesn’t hurt. when you’re at the top of your game, people are bound to hate. so sad, so sad lol
As the author of this article, I must state to all the readers… all the reasons listed in the TOP 15 weren’t and aren’t something that either I or the people at clutch hold as doctrine. The list was actually compiled of the responses that I garnered by reading a few websites that discussed the topic of why people have hate for Beyonce’ which is why I summed the entire 14 up in the last statement by saying all the hate is attributed to people’s JEALOUSY. Writing the article was a challenge and not something that came to me with ease, but as I writer I do my best to get the point across so it flows. I think it’s important that people look beyond it being entirely about Beyonce’ and realize that aside from her, we dish that same kind of hate to our other Clutchettes and sisters at times. I think it’s good we opened the topic, but instead of just discussing it, lets take action and find away to extinguish the hate towards ANYONE.
PS. I REPEAT…. I personally LOVE BEYONCE’!!!
I think this is a great article, it is important to discuss why the hate flows so freely for a woman that people don’t even know and probably never will. Hating on Beyonce or any woman that you don’t know for that matter for superficial reasons is shallow and a huge time sucker. I think instead of wasting your time hating, you should step up your game and get your own.
If you have your own knowledge and success nobody can take that away from you.
Great article!! Love it.
@ Elle DPC I don’t think Beyoncé is EVRYONE’S idol? but yes, a lot of people love her and a lot of females hate her.
I’m not a fan of Bey, i bump to her songs from time to time, i prefer the DIL Beyoncé. But one thing I learned form my short time on this earth (I’m 24) is that most of the time, when we start hating on someone we don’t know, it means that somewhere, we are insecure. I appreciate Mrs Carter’s work and whenever I see her,it makes me want to “Upgrade” myself and to celebrate me and my accomplishments. My parents always told me to rea
This article is really good, but you could easily substitute it for any woman. It definitely reminds me of an article on Essence.com right now about Black women loving each other. I encourage everyone to check it out.
Great article!! Love it.
@ Elle DPC I don’t think Beyoncé is EVRYONE’S idol? but yes, a lot of people love her and a lot of females hate her.
I’m not a fan of Bey, i bump to her songs from time to time, i prefer the DIL Beyoncé. But one thing I learned form my short time on this earth (I’m 24) is that most of the time, when we start hating on someone we don’t know, it means that somewhere, we are insecure. I appreciate Mrs Carter’s work and whenever I see her,it makes me want to “Upgrade” myself and to celebrate me and my accomplishments. She is reaching for the sky and saying that she needs to go away to let others shine is bogus coz no one does that in real life. But she should let us miss her a bit, she is overexposed. Keep doing you Bee!!
I love it… could have added how everything is always so over the to and very drag queen esque, oh and how she lies and says she writes songs that she doesn’t, or the fact that she needs to stop acting because its really terrible.
With that said… the game still wouldn’t be the same without her. So love her or hate her, the game needs her right now.
I don’t hate Beyonce but I don’t like her as an entertainer. What about not liking someone because of what they represent? Not everything is for everybody. She is a beautiful woman and you take that away. You take away the fact that she always grinding and rolling around the floor, what are you left with. Have you listen to the lyrics of her songs. I don’t have any of her albums but I have to say you listen to the lyrics of her songs and they lack substance. Soldier, Bootylicious, Check up on it, Got me bodied, Freak’um dress. Just to name a few. What about respecting those who just don’t like her music or her work? I don’t like Jessica Simpson but people won’t call me a hater. I feel once you don’t support someone who is black then you are a hater. Why is that?
@DL
Exactly. These ‘writers’ who attempt to write on deeply complex social issues really do not have the depth of knowledge to do any justice at analyzing popular culture.
While there are many people without a ‘socially responsible’ background whether with regard to advancing civil rights, human rights, womens rights, childrens rights…there are LOTS of people in America from such backgrounds. And these types of people who are TRULY interested in social change are DEEPLY turned off my the image that Beyonce projects, the sexed up, weaved up, gyrating, no commitment to EDUCATION (which women and minority groups fought HARD for) it is really hard to EMBRACE her, as what exactly is being embraced. Did you see the ads for children by her clothing line…again, for those at the forefront of the childrens rights movement….thousands of Americans…Beyonce ‘sexing up’ the kids just is a big turnoff.
I think that Beyonce ‘fans’ really need more DEPTH and then perhaps they could grasp and understand the SPECIFIC and VALID reasons why she isn’t manys cup of tea, heck even the more conservative countries completely ban her performances for some of these very reasons, are they ‘hating’ to or are they CONCERNED about their FRAIL youth, a concept that many African Americans don’t seem to get as they expose their children to ANY and EVERYTHING (some of them ofcourse).
The recently released study on the intellectual level of Beyonce fans truly has merit as I haven’t heard ONE Beyonce FAN touch on any societal issues, it seems as if the furthest their MINDS can go is to say that everybody is HATING on BEYONCE, shakes head. For those who have attended university, graduate programs (which are many) our brains have been cultivated to analyze issues in terms of their effects, irrespective of how subtle and when on looks at Beyonce alongside issues of feminism, education, children (keeping them children as long as possible), self esteem (in a natural sense not through material and other artificial accutrements), social activism…..she really becomes not relevant at all and if anything counterproductive to what a lot of people are looking to see in society:
-women not defined by their sexual appeal
-decrease in illiteracy
-children not being prey or behaving older than they should be
I could go on, but I know this isn’t the forum, and please keep your ‘hater’ and expand your mental and intellectual horizons.
The letter to Beyonce is unfortunately all to real! The EXACT same thing happened to me. very funny.
… i don’t know bout those 15 reasons to hate on her though. that was kinda lame.