In the music video formation, Beyonce wanted to show the historical impact of slavery on black love and the empowerment of black women, which can be challenging to balance because black women have to advocate for women’s rights while supporting black men against racism.
The message of the music video is very clear. Even without having heard the song’s lyrics, by watching the first scenes of the music video (references to police brutality), we know that the music video and the song will be about black empowerment. Matsoukas is a very talented and clever director. She was able to convey the message of the song by including the culture and the struggles of the black community. One of my favorite scenes was when Beyonce stood on the sinking police car and raised her hand; this is a significant scene that shows a black powerful woman defeating police brutality. Matsoukas describes this scene as a way to show how black people stand on top even when the police have failed them.
Rhetorical devices
- Y’all haters corny with that illuminati mess – Dysphemisms
- I twirl on them haters – Hyperbole
I think the video became controversial because some people feel uncomfortable when minorities speak up about their truth and show empowerment.
One thought on “Conversation #2”
Your comment really analyze the messages and themes of Beyonce’s music video. About the rhetorical devices you find both of them well. “Corny” is derogatory word and criticize the facts that the “haters” associate her person with some “illuminati mess”.Secondly the word “twirl” seems like she doesn’t care much about what her “haters” as she twirls on them with confidence and amusement.