Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you are probably aware of Beyonce’s latest video and single, “Formation.” It has received praise for its pro-black message, but in the same breath has received backlash for being considered too provocative and anti-police. Yes, “Formation” is definitely different in its own way, but it’s also important. In the song, Beyonce sings about loving her baby’s hair and husband, Jay-Z’s, nose, and the video celebrates black, Southern culture. African-Americans are seldom represented and celebrated in mainstream media. To have Beyonce, of all people, make a video and song about African-Americans embracing their features and culture is powerful within itself.
In fact, Beyonce’s video has received so much buzz, that their have been anticipated rallies in fear that the song is too anti-police, an SNL spoof, and the restaurant chain, Red Lobster has received heightened publicity after Beyonce gave them a brief mention in the song. Nonetheless, “Formation” has become a worldwide phenomenon (it is a Beyonce song after all). While “Formation” is a song about celebrating blackness, that does not mean people of other races and backgrounds can’t enjoy or appreciate the song for what it is and what it represents. Aside from the fact that Beyonce looks flawless in the video and completely slays the choreography (yes, pun was intended), the song has a meaningful and powerful message that needs to be heard.
Black voices need to be heard, black bodies and faces need to be represented, and black culture needs to be appreciated and taken more seriously. “Formation” is a great example of an artist using their platform to bring awareness and recognition of African-American culture and what occurs within black communities. With all of that being said, “Formation” and Beyonce are here to stay, and fans are looking forward to hearing more music from the singer, especially songs with an equally as strong message.