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Beyonce, arguably one of the most powerful and followed performers of this generation, is a strong activist towards Black Lives Matter, which has caused controversy towards her even being called a racist towards caucasians and some have even labeled her as a “police hater.” Ever since her 2016 album release of Lemonade, her hit single and music video for the song
Formation has begun the conversation as to whether she is appropriately spreading awareness. In the music video, with over 106 million views on youtube and nominated for Music Video of the Year at the 2016 Grammys, Beyonce is seen standing, sitting, and draping herself over a Police car that is sinking in flood water. Later in the video, the camera pans over a wall that is spray painted to say “STOP SHOOTING US.”
The powerful images Beyonce creates through this video is an artistic yet meaningful way to present the issue and shine light on the oppression black people in America come in contact with daily. Although this video release is by far one of her more direct messages towards the issue, Beyonce also showed her support for Black Lives Matter at the 2016 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Herself and her background dancers were seen wearing “Black Panther” type outfits, clearly expressing their necessary support for the movement. While it is a hard pill to swallow, the confidence and immensity of Beyonce’s spreading of the movement has helped the public recognize the need for change and the hardships the black culture still faces today.
"Formation" Music Video
"Formation" Halftime Performance 2016
Reception
Reception
Former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, said on Fox News Today that This is football, not Hollywood. I thought it was really outrageous that she used it as a platform to attack police officers who are the people who protect her and protect us, and keep us alive."
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Elle Magazine Interview
Elle Magazine Interview
Beyoncé comments on the responses made towards her video and performance in an interview with Elle magazine...
“I mean, I'm an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood. But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken. I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers who sacrifice themselves to keep us safe. But let's be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things. If celebrating my roots and culture during Black History Month made anyone uncomfortable, those feelings were there long before a video and long before me.”
(To read the full article, visit here)
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