Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton declared this past Monday to be “Beyoncé Day,” and the state’s residents aren’t happy, with some baffled as to why she was recognized on the calendar before Prince — who is actually from the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
The official proclamation signed on May 23, the same day as Beyoncé’s “Formation World Tour” stop in Minneapolis, noted the singer “has influenced many young girls women with powerful, positive messages in her songs.”
When Fox 9 posted a copy of the document on their Facebook page, angry Minnesotans expressed their outrage.
“You’re kidding right? 4/21 is going to be declared Prince day right? Because you know, he’s FROM HERE!” one person commented.
“Seriously? A Beyoncé day? I am appalled and embarrassed. What about Prince? I think of anyone, he deserves a day in Minnesota,” commented another. “He’s done more for this state than any other musician.”
“I have never in my life been so embarrassed to be from Minnesota,” added another, whose comment attracted nearly 5,000 “likes.”
Many called into question Beyonce’s controversy surrounding her Super Bowl 50 halftime show performance as well as her song “Formation.” The accompanying video, released the day before the Super Bowl performance, also featured provocative imagery, including a New Orleans police cruiser submerged in a flood.
“Is this the same Beyonce that promoted violence against police during the Super Bowl Halftime? Is this the same Beyonce that is being blamed by sheriffs and police departments across the nation for attacks against police stemming from her ‘Formation’ video?” one user responded on Facebook. “Governor Dayton, I respectfully call for your to withdraw your proclamation honoring Beyonce like this. It is not in the states best interest.”
People on Twitter weren’t too happy either. See some of the negative reactions below.
So apparently Minnesota declared a Beyonce Day. I think it's time for Minnesota to leave✌?️?
— Shawnee (@ShawneeLeigh22) May 24, 2016
I hope this #Beyonce day in minnesota is a lie. What does she know about minnesota and why is it a day for her?
— Kat mae (@KatDemoss2016) May 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/cosmic_frownie/status/735131604683743238
https://twitter.com/cpark1776/status/735125871577726977
https://twitter.com/Winger_23/status/735129697500028928
https://twitter.com/_JackOlson/status/735129440968052736
How did we make a Beyoncé day before a prince day? WTF is wrong with MN…. Smh
— Boomer Kingsley (@A_BATHING_ADAM) May 24, 2016
wtf, beyonce day.?? She bigger than MJ now or wah.??
— Charles Parker (@kentparker007) May 24, 2016