
Police brutality has been an ongoing issue for several years. Beyoncé has created a politically-charged music video that is catching the eyes of many viewers. The main idea of the song is to display to listeners and viewers that Beyoncé is proud of being from the south, which she has acknowledged through both her lyrics and the visual imagery of the music video. She is empowering the people that are affected by the Black Lives Matter Movement by invoking and displaying just how volatile the area is when it comes to matters of equality. Beyoncé goes on record to take a stand against police brutality, which is something that not many other artists have done. In Beyoncé’s music video “Formation,” the author’s artistic choices are blunt and forward, while also purposefully evoking emotion in viewers, as it is directed at specific audiences. 

The first scene of Beyoncé’s music video of her song Formation, opens with Beyoncé lounging on top of a New Orleans’s police car. The background of the set appears to be in a city (New Orleans) that is directly affected by the protests about police brutality. She is standing over the police car as if she is dominating it. The police car is slowly sinking into the water which leads the viewer to at first believe that the Black Lives Matter protest is winning against the police force. It is significant that she is confidently standing over the cop car because it suggests that Beyoncé is taking a stance, approves of the protest, and will not back down to any form of authority. 

The final scene of the music video is the same exact as the first, except this time, the cop car is completely submerged into the water. Beyoncé is no longer standing on top of the car and is instead laying on top also being dragged into the water. The background of the scene remains constant with almost no movement, which is significant because it directs the main focus to the cop car with little distraction. It is obvious that the director of the music video wanted viewers to pay attention only to the New Orleans’s police car. As Beyoncé sinks with the car, she has little to no facial expression, as if she is not going to be affected by the police brutality. There is no struggle and it almost seems that she is at peace going down with it. 

While the meaning of this scene is not directly obvious, it can be interpreted in a few different ways. When Beyoncé initially addressed the press, she stated that her music video was not an “anti-police” campaign. However, it can definitely be assumed that there are subtle, hidden messages throughout the music video. The video contains overt and clear hits at police brutality issues- regarding African American individuals. It can be assumed that Beyoncé’s actions on top of the car condemn the police force while also potentially symbolizing a rebirth of sorts. It denotes her feeling powerful, even through all of the racism.

Beyoncé spends a large majority of the video celebrating her Black culture, not shying away from it. Having Beyoncé, a well-known celebrity, address the movement in her music video, creates more of a reason for those involved to stand up for what they believe in. As the music video runs through, every so often the sinking police car scene appears, and each time, the car is sinking deeper and deeper into the water. At the end, when the car is completely submerged, Beyoncé is laying on top of the car, being dragged down with it. This could symbolize that the police are bringing down the spirits of those involved in this movement. 

While creating this music video, it is clear that the director definitely made certain artistic choices that would draw in specific audiences. It can be noted that Beyoncé created this music video not to condemn police force and authority, but to empower those affected by the Black Lives Matter Movement to stand up for what they believe in. Rather than asserting violence, Beyoncé gets her point across very clearly in a calm fashion. The way Beyoncé peacefully goes down with the cop car symbolizes the positive effect peaceful protests have on an issue, rather than violent protests. The author is very clearly trying to draw in the attention of viewers directly affected. This music video could also be served as an advertisement for individuals who are not necessarily completely aware of what is going on in certain parts of the country. In addition, it is clear that certain author choices are used to evoke emotion in viewers. Due to the upbeat nature of the song, it becomes inspiring for viewers to want to go out and fight for what they believe in. On the other hand, it could potentially create anger in the viewers because it is displaying all of the destruction and hatred that has been filled by the people of these cities. The music video creates a clear controversy that could upset a large number of viewers. As Beyoncé states through her lyrics, these cities are where she was born and raised, therefore she feels a strong connection to these individuals so she wants to fight for them and with them. With the director of the music video, she made strategic and artistic choices that would empower and inspire those affected by the protests to continue to do what they are doing, just in a peaceful manner.  

The Black Lives Matter movement has recently come about and it is powerful and strong. Those that stand and protest for this movement are confident in their actions and will risk their lives for it. Motivation and determination might seem to be running dry for the victims, however their attitudes can be changed by watching this video because Beyoncé is supporting them to the fullest. Having Beyoncé create this video for them, will build their spirits right back up, which is important for followers of the movement. Regardless of the true meaning of the video, Beyoncé definitely drew a lot of positive energy and attention to the movement, as she is proud of her culture and fighting for everyone involved in this nationwide issue. 
