Summary
1. The song expresses some of the themes of diversity in women's rights in politics, black rights, skin color, and racial areas, and a response to Beyonce's pride in her black identity and skin color, and to her criticism and provocation. The video expresses the song as an ode to women and black power, with Beyonce demonstrating the diversity of skin color, body positivity, and a powerful celebration of black identity, solidarity, and acts of defiance. The video also implicitly demonstrates opposition to police brutality and injustice and former slavery.
2. When I first listened to the song, I could guess from his lyrics that she wanted to express women's rights to stand up in solidarity and Beyonce's celebration of her black identity, color, and region, while also satirizing the current prejudice and discrimination against black people in society.
3. A. Responding to criticism and irony of the camera performance: "Y'all haters corny with that Illuminati mess" she said this line while lying in a submerged New Orleans police car. This symbolizes the treatment of black people in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and suggests police inaction.
B. Proud shots of black identity, skin color: bouncy music and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, shots of her daughter Blue Ivy, her natural, African-textured hair.
C. Expression of the relationship between black people and police: a line of militarized police officers watching an unarmed black boy dancing freely and beautifully in front of them. The graffiti on the wall reads, "Stop shooting at us." The message is fearless and bold in its simplicity.
D. Expresses the collective power that black women possess: the n natural curl pattern displayed by the women dancing on the basketball court, seeing a variety of skin tones, shades, and body shapes dancing instead of the flat white norm we are used to in pop culture. b. Beyonce tells the world to embrace black beauty in all its natural and diverse glory.
4. “I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils”
Rhetorical device: euphemism, sarcasm.
Expresses a fondness for one's black features, again using the outdated word "negro" to promote reacquaintance ("negro" is a satirical reference to the former slavery of black people)
“I've got hot sauce in my bag, swag”
Rhetorical device: sarcasm.
To express that because I have some fierce material (rights? or money?) that people are afraid to do anything to me.
“You know you that bitch when you cause all this conversation, Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper”
Rhetorical devices: sarcasm and euphemism,
"Paper" means bills (as seen in the video), sarcasm about women's rights (have a say when you're rich?)
5. It will raise the issue of gender equality, others will say the song emphasizes feminism and conflicts with racism. and the worsening conflict between blacks and police issues. It will be considered to be against the police, but Beyonce and Matsoukas also mentioned in the interview that they are not against the police, but want to express their dissatisfaction with police brutality and unfairness, which is a proposal for their inappropriate behavior. These are issues that have existed throughout history until now.
These are my opinion. Thanks~:D
3 thoughts on “Xiaohong Li #DB2 Conversation2”
I agree, the song is controversial due to the long conflicts between African Americans and the police. This song brings awareness to the issue of police brutality. They said the video was “Anti Police”. There was also flooding that happened during hurricane Katrina. The victims were ignored after the disaster. There is a lack of support from the police department when it comes to African Americans.
Great post, I agree that this song ties in gender and how it comes into play with race. Black women are typically stereotyped very negatively– and I think this way beyonces way of going against all those beliefs and standing up for herself and for other women who have felt powerless at the hands of our society.
Awesome, Xiaohong! Your explanation is very detailed. The women dancing inside the video really highlight the unity and collective strength of women. The lack of timely rescue and police inaction in the face of a serious natural disaster is really sad and hateful. I believe it is important for everyone to address this incident and actually take action to counter racism and defend people’s rights.