In the Formation video, there are a lot of different messages, however, the theme would be black empowerment and what comes with being black. There are several messages in the video, one that I believe is commonly missed is her telling herself to love herself and everything that comes with it. Another message is on police brutality. This video was done in 2016 after the killings of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice. When the hands up, don’t shoot protest started making waves. In the video, Beyonce is demonstrating that by being surrounded by water, on top of a police car with her hands up. Again, this video has many messages geared to being black in America.
Matsoukas helps Beyonce convey this message by showing small snippets of being black in America is from a historical but urban & modernized perspective. From slavery, protests, and being in the heart of Louisiana where it was flooded. This shows the historic treatment of blacks. Matsoukas also shows another view of Beyonce being on the police car with her hands up, surrounded by nothing but water has another meaning. It demonstrates how no matter what as black people in America we still feel as though we may be left to die or not survive.
When it comes to emotive language as positive when she explains how she likes her daughter’s hair. This is so important because the media paints Blue Ivy’s natural hair (Beyonce’s daughter), as undone and unkempt. In the line where she says she loves her “baby hair with baby hair and afros,” she is showing positive language in saying no matter what she likes it. That’s all that matters! You can suggest negative emotive language when she states get in formation or you will be eliminated.
This video was controversial because most conversations about the treatment of black people, especially with police almost always have people up in arms.
One thought on “Anastasia Jones Convo #2”
Yes, I agree with self-love and empowerment and rights. and of course, I agree with what you say and what you say about police abuse or police brutality. To this day, they continue to see the abuse that some officers do and take advantage of a uniform and an authority that should be to protect and not to abuse. And I say it doesn’t matter if they are white, black, Latino, Asian, or any race, religion, or gender.
In the end, police brutality continues to be seen in the streets, and there are abuses from their races or communities.
It’s just an opinion with facts. But I loved her music, and your comment was particular and brief.