“Primary dysmenorrhea is the more common type of dysmenorrhea and is due to the production of prostaglandins. These are natural substances made by cells in the inner lining of the uterus and other parts of the body. The prostaglandins made in the uterus make the uterine muscles contract and help the uterus shed the lining that has built up during the menstrual cycle. If excessive prostaglandins are produced, the woman may have excessive pain or dysmenorrhea with her menstrual cycle. Prostaglandins can also cause headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”
http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/menstrual_cramps.html

“What we eat appears to have a profound influence in balancing the various types of prostaglandins synthesized in our body.”

“In very simplified terms […] the series 1 prostaglandins reduce pain and inflammation and are called the ‘beneficial’ or ‘good’ prostaglandins, while the series 2 prostaglandins are called the ‘bad’ or antagonistic’ prostaglandins” and cause “inflammatory action.”

“Antagonistic prostaglandins are made from the fatty acid, arachidonic acid, obtained from animal products – meat and dairy.”

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=AGfx1BpvriIC&oi=fnd&pg=PA40&dq=prostaglandins+PGF2+Alpha+PGE2+dairy+dysmenorrhea&ots=OeHp8jZgIO&sig=DzYbY8LjNgPadw1kdAnShhWvg1g#v=onepage&q&f=false

First of all, the MOST shocking thing about Beyonce’s video is its astounding creativity, both the song AND the visuals. I haven’t heard anything like “Girls” since Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” I can’t find a single reference point in it anywhere! It’s just SO original, which is why so many people are having love it/hate it reactions. That’s what happens when someone does something entirely and completely new.

As for the video, there are obvious references to “Mad Max,” but I love most of it. Beyonce took a lot of creative chances with the visuals as well, and sometimes she looks a little ridiculous. But I’m ashamed of myself for mentioning the minor flaws, considering how much hard work went into this.

All that said, I must say that I’m inspired by the feminist rant as well. Upon first listen, she did give me food for thought that of COURSE Beyonce would speak about women’s power, as she has just so damn much of it, to a freakish degree. In her world, women earn staggering amounts of money and have SO much power that they get major corporations to back wildly creative projects like this. I suppose one can forgive her having a skewed vision of feminism.

But is it fair to take her to task about all feminist issues just because she put out a “girl power” anthem? As Alejandra said, putting positive female visuals into our heads with a rockin’ tune and killer video is nothing to sneer at. Isn’t that what art is all about? Changing us all from the inside?

Kudos to BOTH Beyonce and the ranter, I say. I watched the videos back to back and enjoyed each tremendously.