Renaissance Parents Guide

Beyoncé's new concert film "Renaissance" was just released and has quickly become a huge hit among teenagers. The film gives fans an inside look at Beyoncé's creative process and some of the behind-the-scenes work that went into her recent album "Renaissance."

With its themes of female empowerment and sexuality, provocative choreography, and Beyoncé's signature style, "Renaissance" is striking a chord with young fans.

As a parent, it's understandable to have questions about the content and messages in "Renaissance." While Beyoncé's work encourages confidence and self-expression, her unapologetic approach to sexuality requires guidance for teenage viewers. 

Before allowing your child to view the film, it's important to have an understanding of what it contains so you can address any concerns. This guide will provide a brief overview of the content, highlight key themes, offer age recommendations, and suggest constructive conversations to have with your teen after watching.

What is Renaissance?

Renaissance is a 2023 concert film by Beyoncé that chronicles her Renaissance World Tour in support of her seventh studio album Renaissance. The film provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the creation and execution of Beyoncé's ambitious stadium tour. It features rehearsal and production footage as well as the full-length concert performances from the tour.

According to Wikipedia, Renaissance "documents the road from the creative process in the recording studio, to the grand finale of the tour." Fans get to see the massive coordination required to pull off Beyoncé's stunning visuals, choreography, and arrangements. The film showcases how iconic songs like "Break My Soul" and "Cuff It" translate from the studio to the stage.

While Renaissance the album exudes confidence and empowerment, the film provides a look at the tremendous hard work and preparation underlying Beyoncé's flawless performances. Through rehearsal clips and behind-the-scenes footage with her talented crew, Renaissance the film offers an inside view into Beyoncé's artistic vision and work ethic.

Parental Guidance Issues

While Renaissance celebrates themes of empowerment and self-expression, parents should be aware there are some profanity, sexually suggestive choreography and costumes, and references to LGBTQ relationships that make the film inappropriate for very young viewers.

Profanity is intermittently used throughout Renaissance, with words like "sh*t", "a*s" and "b*tch" audible in songs and occasionally in behind-the-scenes dialogue. Parents should anticipate hearing strong language at times.

Many of the performances feature provocative choreography and revealing costumes, with dancers dressed scantily in lingerie, fishnet stockings, and other sexually suggestive attire. Beyoncé's outfits often feature sheer fabrics and high cut bottoms. There are erotic dances and sensual touching between dancers.

The film shows support for LGBTQ relationships, including scenes with dancers of the same sex embracing and touching intimately. Some songs also reference sexuality in their lyrics.

While these elements reflect Beyoncé's artistry and personal expression, parents may wish to preview the film first before deciding if it's appropriate for their child. It's recommended for mature teen audiences.

Major Themes

Beyoncé explores many empowering themes on Renaissance that relate to womanhood, sexuality, racial identity and creative expression. As described in articles on Time and The New Yorker, the album celebrates feminism, queerness, and Black culture.

Lyrically, Beyoncé embraces feminine sexuality and freedom. Songs like "Cozy" and "Alien Superstar" promote confidence and self-love. There are references to LGBTQ culture as well, described as a "tribute to queer cultural touchstones" by The New Yorker. Empowering messages about being comfortable in one's own skin permeate the album.

Additionally, Renaissance explores racial identity and pays homage to Black music history. The album is inspired by Black dance genres like hip hop, soul, bounce, and Afrobeats. Beyoncé honors her Southern Black roots and incorporates samples from pioneering Black artists. As a creative work, Renaissance represents Beyoncé's self-expression and artistry.

Age Recommendations

The visuals and content of Renaissance will likely be inappropriate for children under 13 years old. As reported by Common Sense Media's review, Renaissance contains many sexually suggestive images and costumes. There are also allusions to the LGBTQ community that parents may wish to avoid exposing younger children to.

For children aged 13-15, Renaissance may be acceptable for viewing with guidance and active discussion from parents. The themes of sexuality and empowerment can lead to constructive conversations about adolescence and identity when parents help frame the content. 

But more impressionable tweens likely lack the maturity to properly contextualize some scenes. Establishing expectations and watching together can make the film a shared positive experience for teenagers and involved parents.

Conversation Starters

Renaissance provides an opportunity for parents to have important conversations with their teens about topics like womanhood, sexuality, and identity. The themes of female empowerment and feminism seen in the film can open the door to discuss gender roles, equality, and what it means to be a woman in today's society. 

Parents may want to ask their daughters how the portrayal of strong, independent women in Renaissance makes them feel and if they find it inspiring. This can lead to broader conversations around pursuing your passions and not being limited by traditional expectations.

The sexually suggestive choreography and costumes also allow parents to talk about sexuality, modesty, and self-expression with their teens. Renaissance brings these issues to the forefront, so parents can have constructive discussions around appropriate sexual behavior, consent, and comfort with one's own body. 

Rather than shy away from these topics, the film's overt sexuality provides a chance for open dialogue in the home.

Furthermore, references to the LGBTQ community in Renaissance give parents an opportunity to discuss gender identity and sexual orientation. The film's themes of acceptance and empowerment help frame conversations around supporting LGBTQ teens, combatting discrimination, and creating open-minded attitudes within the family.

Parents can emphasize the film's positive portrayal of gender fluidity and same-sex relationships.

Overall, parents can utilize Renaissance's captivating subject matter to bond with their teens over important life issues. The film's boldness enables constructive communication and learning within the family unit.

Takeaways for Parents

One of the most important takeaways from Renaissance is to have open and honest conversations with your kids beforehand about what to expect in terms of content. 

While Beyonce is hugely popular and the film provides great opportunities for discussion, there are scenes with suggestive choreography, profanity, and references to sexuality that require guidance from parents. Set clear expectations upfront about what kids will see. For ages 12 and under, preview the film first before deciding if it is appropriate.

Though the content requires vigilance, Renaissance also provides a prime opportunity to bond with kids over a shared love of Beyonce's music. Ask them about their favorite songs and why they admire Beyonce. Let them know you want to watch the film together so you can understand what excites them about it. 

This shared experience can foster important conversations about womanhood, relationships, and identity. Ultimately, with the proper expectations set, Renaissance can be a positive way to connect.

For more perspective, see this guide on setting expectations and having developmental conversations.

Addressing Backlash

Beyoncé's unapologetic displays of sexuality and feminist themes in Renaissance have generated some backlash from more conservative viewers. Songs like "Pure/Honey" and "Alien Superstar" feature overtly sexual lyrics, while the empowerment anthem "Cuff It" celebrates a woman's freedom and independence. Some critics have argued that these themes make the content inappropriate for kids and teens.

As a parent, it's important to help your children process different viewpoints on sexuality, feminism, and empowerment. Explain that many find Beyoncé's expression of these themes inspiring and affirming, while others may disagree based on personal values. 

Convey that there are diverse perspectives on what's considered acceptable in music and art. Use the dissenting opinions as an opportunity for thoughtful discussion with teens about sexuality, gender norms, and relationships in a healthy context. Make space for them to share their own views as well.

Most importantly, communicate that your children have agency over their own values and what media feels comfortable for them. Renaissance can be a chance to help them develop personal discernment over content, instead of shielding them from opposing views. Keep lines of communication open without judgment.

The Positive Impact

While Renaissance contains mature themes, it can provide an opportunity for important conversations between kids and parents. The messages of confidence, self-love, and expression can lead to constructive discussions around identity. 

As Beyoncé told Vogue in an interview, "It's about feeling confident in your own skin" (Vogue). Parents can use the film to talk to their children about loving themselves, pursuing their passions, and standing up for what they believe in.

Seeing a strong, successful Black woman proudly embracing her identity can empower young girls of all backgrounds. Beyoncé's music and performances highlight themes of feminism, equality, and finding your voice. Parents can discuss these inspirational messages with their kids to promote confidence. 

While monitoring content, Renaissance's core ideas around self-expression can positively impact teens. As reported in Time, the film showcases "a vibrant tableau of Black life" (Time). By weaving in personal stories about her childhood and family, Beyoncé creates a moving portrait of identity. Overall, Renaissance sparks conversations that allow parents and kids to bond over shared interests and values.

Conclusion

Beyonce's Renaissance film provides an opportunity for important conversations between parents and kids about themes like feminism, racial identity, and creative expression. However, the content requires active guidance and participation from parents.

By having open discussions about the empowering messages as well as some of the more challenging content, parents can help their children process the film through a constructive lens.

Renaissance highlights the importance of allowing kids to embrace art, culture, and creative pursuits as they find their voices and identities. Though supervision is key, the film can lead to growth, mutual understanding, and stronger bonds between parents and teens. 

This musical journey can be a shared positive experience with the right perspective going into it.

In the end, Renaissance acts as a conversation starter. While parental discretion is advised, its themes can resonate powerfully when families watch and unpack it together.