Formation

Question 1

What is the purpose of the video ?

Answer 1

To show equality through race and gender
For finance and profit as it was released the day before the superbowl

Question 2

What is the product context ?

Answer 2

1) lead single of her album lemonade
2) won numerous awards
3) references to racism and slavery
4) video is set against backdrop of flooding in New Orleans following hurricane Katrina

Question 3

What references are shown throughout the video ?

Answer 3

1) police brutality with the boy that was dancing alone
2) link to slavery as she is wearing an antebellum dress (traditional slave owner outfit)
3) gender - attitude isn’t lady like

Question 4

What representations are shown throughout the video ?

Answer 4

1) Beyoncé is making direct address by looking at the camera
2) she stands in strong stances - shows she has power as a black women
3) reinforces the objectification of women as she wears short,tight revealing outfits

Question 5

What are problems with formation ?

Answer 5

1) exploiting issues for money
2) using black stereotypes
3) sexually objectifying women
4) exploiting everyone else’s trauma as she isn’t fully black and isn’t poor
5) disrespecting the police

Question 6

What are the stereotypes within formation?

Answer 6

Women have to look attractive and slim
Black people live in poor areas
Black people are troubled and get arrested
Afro hair, dreadlocks and big noses are black features

Question 7

How can you apply Laura mulveys theory ?

Answer 7

The women are dancing seductively
The clothing that the women are wearing (revealing)
Deeply staring into the camera

Question 8

How can Alvarados theory be applied ?

Answer 8

The exotic - media presents differences as out there and unique
The pitied - media presents ethnic minorities as vulnerable and victims
The humerous - peoples differences are funny (accents)
The dangerous - eithinc minorities are a threat to society