A Thematic Analysis Of Beyoncé's Song 'Formation'
Beyoncé’s “Formation”: A Visual Anthem
Music has been in existence for millions of years, and it constructs a major part of our culture. Many songs are written for entertainment purposes while others are made to explicate an important message. Beyoncé, a highly revered pop star in our society, is recognized for writing brilliant songs with compelling meanings. Beyoncé’s music reaches millions of individuals internationally, and the Super Bowl singer particularly connects with teenagers who encounter a range of challenges. Beyoncé’s new song “Formation” is a great example of a popular hit with a critical underlying message. The famous Queen addressed political injustice, rumors, and numerous criticisms of police brutality and her heritage. …show more content…
Every facet of the video incorporates allusions to race. The majority of the song describes the culture of African-Americans in addition to the police brutality against individuals of color. Beyoncé’s video displays a utopia of black lives and empowerment. It includes black characters who symbolize that black is beautiful and powerful in all forms. There are blacks wearing stylish clothes, African-American girls dancing, a black priest and motivator, and African-Americans walking in rallies. Additionally, there is a picture of the well-known Martin Luther King Jr. in a newspaper which is symbolic in showing a significant figure in black history, especially during the Civil Rights movement. Also, the lyrics explain different traits of Southern black culture. Beyoncé elucidates certain cultural traits such as baby hair with afros, “black noses with Jackson Five nostrils”, having hot sauce in a women’s purse, and cuisine comprised of cornbread and collard greens. These are all perceptual traits of African-Americans. The Queen also makes a reference to the successful Bill Gates, and that many blacks could precede in his
Music has been in existence for millions of years, and it constructs a major part of our culture. Many songs are written for entertainment purposes while others are made to explicate an important message. Beyoncé, a highly revered pop star in our society, is recognized for writing brilliant songs with compelling meanings. Beyoncé’s music reaches millions of individuals internationally, and the Super Bowl singer particularly connects with teenagers who encounter a range of challenges. Beyoncé’s new song “Formation” is a great example of a popular hit with a critical underlying message. The famous Queen addressed political injustice, rumors, and numerous criticisms of police brutality and her heritage. …show more content…
Every facet of the video incorporates allusions to race. The majority of the song describes the culture of African-Americans in addition to the police brutality against individuals of color. Beyoncé’s video displays a utopia of black lives and empowerment. It includes black characters who symbolize that black is beautiful and powerful in all forms. There are blacks wearing stylish clothes, African-American girls dancing, a black priest and motivator, and African-Americans walking in rallies. Additionally, there is a picture of the well-known Martin Luther King Jr. in a newspaper which is symbolic in showing a significant figure in black history, especially during the Civil Rights movement. Also, the lyrics explain different traits of Southern black culture. Beyoncé elucidates certain cultural traits such as baby hair with afros, “black noses with Jackson Five nostrils”, having hot sauce in a women’s purse, and cuisine comprised of cornbread and collard greens. These are all perceptual traits of African-Americans. The Queen also makes a reference to the successful Bill Gates, and that many blacks could precede in his