Formation representation Flashcards
What is the significance of the sample of the audio from Messy Mya?
Messy Mya was famous within the back and LGBTQ community.
He was shot and killed.
Use of the audio emphasises the theme of black empowerment and how violent crimes effect black people.
However, B was sued for using the audio - possibly a lack of respect.
What documentary is intertextually referenced in the video and what is the significance of this?
‘That BEAT’
Reflects social and cultural context of America - Black Lives Matter
What is the significance of police sirens and lights?
Comment on the brutality toward black people - specifically during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Binary opposite between black people and police.
What does the use of swearing in the lyrics add to the video?
Adds an aggressive and passionate feel.
Connotes Beyonce’s power and challenging typical female stereotypes of submissiveness.
What does the use of reclaimed racial slurs demonstrate?
Example: use of ‘n’ word.
Demonstrates themes of historical discrimination and a desire to reclaim repressed power.
What does the shot of Beyonce on top of the police car show?
Intertextual reference to hurricane Katrina.
Shot on her own may imply isolation HOWEVER the wide angel shot also shows independence.
Confident, more typically masculine body language - shows she is powerful and in control.
Black people against police brutality - they are regaining dominance (was took as Beyonce being anti-law enforcement).
What does the tracking shot into Beyonce’s face suggest?
Her dominance and the sense of importance surrounding her.
What do the elegant outfits and jewelry connote?
This could be a suggestion of her wealth and success.
Also subverts expectations about wealth and black communities.
What are the references to the Antebellum era and what do they show?
Beyonce wear dresses typically worn by wealthy white women on plantations.
Fights back and shows how black women can have wealth and dominance.
What do the shots of the children in the house signify?
Signifies that discrimination is still relevant in young people.
Although, the gesture code of them smiling might connotes that the treatment of black people has changed/ there is hope for the future generations.
What does the newspaper show and what is the importance of this?
Image of MLK with his famous saying.
Newspaper labelled ‘The Truth’ - places Beyonce as an opinion leader for black communities.
Intertextual references draws attention to how discrimination is a long standing issue.
Past and present - lack of power vs a regaining of power.
