Beyonce s Formation Anti Cop Or Pro Black - 965 Words

Beyoncà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s â€Å"Formation†: Anti-Cop or Pro-Black? Speaking out against controversial issues, musically, is usually followed by harsh criticism, because it pushes the boundaries of artistic expression. In Beyoncà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s song â€Å"Formation†, she opposes police brutality and racism, however many misconstrue her lyrics as being antipolice and ethnocentric. This may be Beyoncà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s most controversial song yet. At the surface, Beyoncà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s new video might seem like an attack on police, due to the sinking of the police car and seemingly anti-police imagery. I believe, however, that in her video she is instead advocating black pride while sending a self-empowering message. Following a surprise release on Saturday February 6th 2016, Beyoncà © shocked the world with her edgy and powerful music video made available for free download on Tidal. (Natalie, 2016) She then performed her new song during her guest performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The video contained many elements such as the #blacklivesmatter movement, Martin Luther King reference, Katrina devastation of New Orleans, black empowerment, police brutality, unity, and the empowerment of women. I find it funny that people are attempting to make this righteous and powerful message into something negative. She is not attacking anyone. She is bringing attention to black lives in her message. In her video there are plenty of deep south references and images. There is a great deal of water flooding similar to a Lousisiana town or city.