‘Don’t Cry When It’s the Other Way Around’: White Critics Slam Beyonce’s Tribute to Baywatch ‘Icon’ for ‘Cultural Appropriation’ and ‘Double Standards’

Megastar Beyoncé’s latest video is sparking plenty of conversation as she pays homage to ’90s icon Pamela Anderson by recreating some of her most famous looks. Many are saying the 99 x Grammy-nominated singer is white fishing, purposely dressing up like a white woman and thusly culturally appropriating. However, she leaves the question: can a naturally light-skinned Black woman help if she has Eurocentric features, or is there something truly to be said by her mimicking the look of a popular white woman? In a series of scenes inspired by Anderson’s “Baywatch” lifeguard persona, her 1996 role in the movie “Barb Wire,” and her memorable 1999 MTV VMAs look, the Houston native channels the bombshell vibe that made Anderson a pop culture phenomenon. Many people on social media accused Beyoncé of “white face,” after her tribute to Pamela Anderson rocked the internet. (Photo: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images) Though it was part of her Halloween look, the video marks Beyoncé’s long-awaited return to music visuals after a three-year break. However, while fans celebrated her comeback, the tribute hasn’t been without controversy. The music video made its debut on Nov. 5, Election Day, and had the thumbnail...