Describe and analyse the ideologies conveyed through the representations in this music video (Formation)
Describe and analyse the ideologies conveyed through the representations in this music video (Formation)
Beyonce offers a bottom up ideology of black and female prejudice and how all people cannot be categorized into one group by visuals that signify discriminatory moments in black history such as the slave trade and hip hop era. Certain individuals such as black females have faced more than others. An image of Beyonce in an old fashioned white bodice holding an umbrella is followed by a similar image of multiple black women donning old fashioned gowns, bodices and petticoats in a timely setting typically worn by upper class Caucasian women during the 1600's, judging by the context of the video, is possibly set during the slave trade era. This is done to contrast the two races and spins history on it's head. She delves into the deep seated roots of racism and offers a subjunctive and almost aggressive perspective as it is accompanied with the lyrics "I slay". bell hooks feminist theory possibly suggests this image is stating that white upper class white women have not had to endure the hardship and prejudice black women have had to face and cannot be categorized into the same form of feminism they are part of as both have had vastly different experiences with black women needing to seek more rights. bell hooks feminist theory is further applicable as the video features a partially objectifying sequence with black women dancing and revealing certain body parts that adheres to the male gaze. This is done on purpose as it symbolizes the objectification of women in hip hop as the sequence itself was reminicent of the hip hop era.
Another of Beyonces ideology specifically speaks to African-Americans who have developed a sense of "otherness" as they do not feel American due to the prejudice they face but who also are not accepted as pure blooded Africans. Paul Gilroys theory on diaspora is heavily evident in the video as Beyonce brings in her personal life to promote a new belief for all those who who feel like "others". Beyonce's lyrics consist of "My daddy Alabama, momma Louisiana
You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bamma". The south is heavily mentioned in the lyrics suggesting she has strong southern roots but has black heritage, she is a mix of "Creole" and black but is a full "Texan" at heart.
Beyonce tackles social issue African-Americans face including beliefs that all black people who dress thuggish are "dangerous". A shot of a black boy dressed to look like a racially stereotypical "dangerous" thug (Alvarado stereotypes of the black community) is seen dancing in front of armed Caucasian police officers. The image may be symbolic of white police brutality towards innocent black males who on the exterior are stereotyped to be "dangerous" but in truth do nothing of violence as shown with the boy dancing - a harmless activity.
- consider how representations convey ideologies (gender and race/ethnicity)
- make judgements and draw conclusions about how far social and cultural contexts affect the representations.
- make judgements and draw conclusions about how far social and cultural contexts affect the representations.
- bell hooks' feminist theory
- Paul Gilroy's theory
- Paul Gilroy's theory
Formation's music video is performed by Beyonce and directed by Melina Matsoukas, It raises awareness on the struggles of certain social groups ranging from the black community and black females.For example The lyrics "I like my baby hair, with baby hair and afros
I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils" acts as a message towards all African-Americans who face cultural racism to embrace and feel empowered by their appearance by associating themselves with some of the most renowned black figures in history such as the the "Jackson five". Her ideology Beyonce offers a bottom up ideology of black and female prejudice and how all people cannot be categorized into one group by visuals that signify discriminatory moments in black history such as the slave trade and hip hop era. Certain individuals such as black females have faced more than others. An image of Beyonce in an old fashioned white bodice holding an umbrella is followed by a similar image of multiple black women donning old fashioned gowns, bodices and petticoats in a timely setting typically worn by upper class Caucasian women during the 1600's, judging by the context of the video, is possibly set during the slave trade era. This is done to contrast the two races and spins history on it's head. She delves into the deep seated roots of racism and offers a subjunctive and almost aggressive perspective as it is accompanied with the lyrics "I slay". bell hooks feminist theory possibly suggests this image is stating that white upper class white women have not had to endure the hardship and prejudice black women have had to face and cannot be categorized into the same form of feminism they are part of as both have had vastly different experiences with black women needing to seek more rights. bell hooks feminist theory is further applicable as the video features a partially objectifying sequence with black women dancing and revealing certain body parts that adheres to the male gaze. This is done on purpose as it symbolizes the objectification of women in hip hop as the sequence itself was reminicent of the hip hop era.
Another of Beyonces ideology specifically speaks to African-Americans who have developed a sense of "otherness" as they do not feel American due to the prejudice they face but who also are not accepted as pure blooded Africans. Paul Gilroys theory on diaspora is heavily evident in the video as Beyonce brings in her personal life to promote a new belief for all those who who feel like "others". Beyonce's lyrics consist of "My daddy Alabama, momma Louisiana
You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bamma". The south is heavily mentioned in the lyrics suggesting she has strong southern roots but has black heritage, she is a mix of "Creole" and black but is a full "Texan" at heart.
Beyonce tackles social issue African-Americans face including beliefs that all black people who dress thuggish are "dangerous". A shot of a black boy dressed to look like a racially stereotypical "dangerous" thug (Alvarado stereotypes of the black community) is seen dancing in front of armed Caucasian police officers. The image may be symbolic of white police brutality towards innocent black males who on the exterior are stereotyped to be "dangerous" but in truth do nothing of violence as shown with the boy dancing - a harmless activity.
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