As a young African American woman today and a huge Beyonce fan, I looked
forward to the song Formation, by Mega pop star Beyoncé Knowles. When I first heard the song it
gave me hope that the world may have more successful black women in the
future. Beyoncé released the song to the public February 6, 2016 and ever since
then it has raised major controversy. Although, anyone who knows me would
probably think I only liked the song because she is indeed one of my favorite
artist.
After I listened to the song the fist time I automatically knew that she was about to receive major attention. In my mind I was expecting that attention to positive. I thought everyone would be happy and if nothing else, surprised that Beyoncé was finally becoming more personal in her music. Beyoncé has always been known as a more private artist compared to other artists and movie stars. In this song, Formation, she seemed to have decided to let the world see her culture and how proud she is of it.
Fans all around the world became offended with the song because of her use of symbolism throughout it. Symbols suggesting, "black power," or the the fact that she lacked any white races in her video. Then when the song seemed to come to life at the Super Bowl many people were disappointed with her decisions of dancers and her choice of costume.
Although her costumes reflected African American history in lure of black history month. For and example her back up dancers wore what looked to be like black panther outfits.
After I listened to the song the fist time I automatically knew that she was about to receive major attention. In my mind I was expecting that attention to positive. I thought everyone would be happy and if nothing else, surprised that Beyoncé was finally becoming more personal in her music. Beyoncé has always been known as a more private artist compared to other artists and movie stars. In this song, Formation, she seemed to have decided to let the world see her culture and how proud she is of it.
Fans all around the world became offended with the song because of her use of symbolism throughout it. Symbols suggesting, "black power," or the the fact that she lacked any white races in her video. Then when the song seemed to come to life at the Super Bowl many people were disappointed with her decisions of dancers and her choice of costume.
Although her costumes reflected African American history in lure of black history month. For and example her back up dancers wore what looked to be like black panther outfits.
The song seemed to be misunderstood in my opinion. I didn't understand why it made so many people mad. Beyoncé was simply celebrating not only black women but black people in my mind. In my opinion it is explained in the line, "I like my negro nose with my Jackson Five nostrils." She was simply embracing who she was.
She also encouraged black women,in particular, the only way to get around this fixed world was to be successful. Her advice was for black women to get their selves together by getting in "formation," I.E the name of the song. A formation is defined as a structure or arrangement, in the dictionary. Black women need more order and order with their moves in life.
Her comparison to choreography when she stated, "prove to me you got some coordination,' and later said, 'slay trick or you get eliminated." Beyonce basically challenges black women to either use what they already have efficiently or take the chance of loosing.
At the end of the song she stated, "Always stay gracious best revenge is your paper." This was an intended message in order to encourage black women to always stay pleasant and graceful because becoming successful is the best way to get back at those who try to destroy you.
Some other races look at some black people and see them as a threat because of the way they may come off. Beyoncé gave a reminder to be extra careful when tensions are high to be extra sweet especially when its hard.
(lyric quotes and some explanations cited
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