It’s undeniable: Beyoncé is one of the biggest stars in the world. Thanks to the BeyHive, her group of rabidly loyal fans, the singer is able to set the internet on fire with the drop of a single Instagram post. Back in 2013, Bey unleashed a surprise, self-titled visual album that upended the model for releasing such projects and ignited a conversation about Beyoncé’s brand of feminism.
[quote position="left" is_quote="true"]Black feminism can provide an alternative to white, European feminism, and introduce new ways of thinking.[/quote]
Many young women embraced the pop star as a feminist icon, cloaking themselves in Bey’s message to be a boss, while others were critical of the singer, accusing her of borrowing the label just to appear edgy. Black feminist scholar bell hooks even called Bey a terrorist because of her willingness to engage in capitalism and express her sexuality, and because of her outsized impact on young girls. The debate only intensified after the artist released her Grammy-winning follow-up “Lemonade,” an album many black women considered a love letter to #BlackGirlMagic and resilience.
While the debate over whether Beyoncé is a feminist will no doubt rage on, this fall the battleground will expand to the University of Copenhagen, where students will explore the topic in a new class aptly titled Beyoncé, Gender and Race. Professor Erik Steinskog will be teaching the course, which he hopes will serve as an introduction to black feminist theory.
“Academically, the course is built on two pillars: Beyoncé as a performer and black feminism,” Steinskog told the university’s magazine, Uniavisen. “She’s a controversial feminist, which is crucial. She makes us consider what it means to be a feminist – or what it can mean, but her feminism is addressed to a non-academic audience.”
Steinskog has studied and written extensively about Afrofuturism and hopes the class will serve as a primer on black feminism for his Scandinavian students.
“Black feminism can provide an alternative to white, European feminism, and introduce new ways of thinking about feminism,” he explained. “Theory written by black women presents a different point of view and a different frame of reference that can expose us Scandinavians to new ideas.”
Beyoncé isn’t the only music superstar to have her own university course this fall. Earlier this year, Georgia Tech announced it was offering students Engaging the Lyrics of Outkast and Trap Music to Explore Politics of Social Justice, while a Georgetown professor is teaching The Sociology of Hip-Hop: The Urban Theodicy of Jay-Z, featuring Beyoncé’s husband.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.