Destiny's Child: Celebration of Independent Women

Destiny’s Child, a girl group formed in the late nineties with Beyonce Knowles as their lead girl, occupied many top spots on music charts. Although they underwent many different changes with group members and managers, the girls remained at the top, earning four number one singles. Not only did Destiny’s Child represent one of the very few female music groups, but they were all black. Being considered the number one female group of all time by the Worlds Music Awards, Destiny’s Child gained success in the most unique ways. Obviously each of these girls has the ability to sing and dance, but what made them even more special was there feminist, independent images. Destiny’s Child upheld an image that dared men to mess with them. They were perceived as strong and they didn’t count on anybody but themselves. This was easily illustrated in their music.

We have discussed a lot about gender issues in society, and how males are represented in the media versus how women are represented. We have learned in texts the ideas of power and culture. This can be directly correlated with the success of Destiny’s Child. The lyrics in many of their songs, including top sellers “Survivor” and “Independent,” both reflect a female superiority and power. For example, the first few lines of “Independent” go like this:

The shoes on my feet
I've bought it
The clothes I'm wearing
I've bought it
The rock I'm rockin'
I've bought it
'Cause I depend on me
If I wanted the watch you're wearin'
I'll buy it

These lyrics illustrate woman empowerment and lessen a woman’s reliance on a man. The refrain continues with

“All the women who are independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who makin' money
Throw your hands up at me
All the mommas who profit dollas
Throw your hands up at me
All the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me”

This segment of the song celebrates woman independence, and seems to be encouraging other women to be independent as well. I think this is one of the biggest assets of Destiny’s Child and what contributed greatly to their fame. Women (a large market aim for the music industry) began to relate to the song, and felt a new found self-entitlement. The song had women across the world shouting in excitement over their strength and ability to be set apart from a male-dominated society.

The song “Survivor” exhibits a similar theme. This song screams feminist values. A part of the song goes:

You thought that I'd be weak without ya,
But I'm stronger,
You thought that I'd be broke without ya,
But I'm richer,
You thought that I'd be sad without ya,
I laugh harder,
You thought I wouldn't grow without ya,
Now I'm wiser

The lyrics express certain feelings attributed to a break up, however it is not sad or depressing. The song does not speak about revenge but rather coming out of the experience as a stronger and better person. Once again, it puts a strong emphasis on independence. The song does not illustrate even a hint of weakness!

Its groups such as Destiny’s Child who make a unique impression on society, that can easily rise to fame. Similar to the “vision regime” theory, celebrities seek to find ways to relate and connect with their fans. Destiny’s Child writes and sings songs that play like anthems for women everywhere. Their music displays a strength that all women desire to have.

Check out their website: http://www.destinyschild.com/