"It's called 'convenient racism'"- Internet debates on whether Beyoncé sporting blonde hair can be considered cultural appropriation

In a debate sweeping social media, fans and critics are debating whether Beyoncé donning blonde hair should be considered cultural appropriation.

On December 26, 2024, political strategist Joey Mannarino took to X to question whether Beyoncé's choice to wear blonde hair could be considered cultural appropriation. His tweet, referencing the hairstyle, stems from her NFL Halftime Show performance.

The discourse escalated after a viral post labeled the situation as "convenient racism," prompting broader discussions on X about race, beauty standards, and cultural identity. One user said:

"It's called "convenient racism". One side chooses whatever is convenient for them and label anything they don't like as racism."

Moreover, some users on X shared similar sentiments regarding Queen Bey's blonde hair, with some labeling it hypocritical.

"I was just was wondering the same. I don’t care but Justin Bieber caught all kinds of shit when he put in dreadlocks, but being blond and black is okay?" a netizen commented.

"Yes, it's hypocrisy. I remember the reverse when white women wanted to wear corn rows," one more commented.

"Pretending to be white is cool pretending to be black is not and we all know why," a third commented.

However, some users on X countered Mannarino's statement, highlighting that Black women can naturally carry genes for blonde and red hair.

They argued against categorizing race based on physical traits such as hair color and emphasized that Beyoncé has the right to wear whatever she chooses to express her personal style.

"babe i hate to break it to u ... black ppl have natural blonde hair as well - just like there are black redheads ... u cant appropriate a hair color," a user on X commented.

"Her choice to wear blonde hair wouldn't be seen as cultural appropriation because it's part of her personal style and artistic expression as a Black woman," one more on X.

"Because black women carry the gene for blonde and red hair as well as every other color you see on people, naturally. Blonde hair is also not part of any culture. It’s a color. Not a texture like an Afro. Only thig I’ll call you is ignorant cuz you easily could’ve asked Google," one more wrote.

Currently, neither Beyoncé nor Joey Mannarino have publicly responded to the ongoing debate.

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Beyoncé takes center stage at Netflix's NFL Halftime Show

Queen Bey at NFL Halftime Show (Image via Getty/@Alex Slitz)

On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Beyoncé delivered a captivating halftime performance at the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

The singer was dressed in a shimmering white bodycon suit with matching cut-out detailed trousers, heels, and a blonde crimped hairstyle, complemented by a cowboy hat in homage to her new album Cowboy Carter.

Online videos show Queen Bey making her grand entrance riding a white horse while performing 16 Carriages. She was later joined by artists Tiera Kennedy, Tanner Adell, Reyna Roberts, and Brittney Spencer for a rendition of The Beatles' Blackbird.

According to The Independent, the halftime show, produced by Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment and Jesse Collins Entertainment, is part of a three-project deal with Netflix that she signed in 2019.

Beyoncé’s setlist featured 16 Carriages, Blackbird (with Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy, and Tanner Adell), YA YA (with Blue Ivy Carter), My House, Spaghetti, Riverdance, Sweet Honey Buckin' (with Shaboozey), Levii's Jeans (with Post Malone), Jolene (featuring a voiceover by Dolly Parton), and Texas Hold 'Em.