After watching the music video of the song “Formation”, which is loaded with impactful imagery, I contend that it depicts racial tension and discrimination that remains prevalent in today’s society, just as it has been for decades. In analyzing the content, it speaks volumes about racial tension and discrimination and warrants deeper dissection for its powerful imagery and symbolism especially with the use of water. "Formation" is very relevant, given the current state of affairs with the oppression of black people and racism against them. Throughout the past few years, there has been an increased focus on questionable techniques that police officers use when dealing with African Americans. Technology has enabled people to share this information and videos at rapid speeds, thus exposing the public to shocking events that occur to between black and white people based on racism. In response to this violence, Beyoncé’s video is directed to both black and white people, as both races are able to find worthwhile and thought provoking elements. 

In the video, a “formation” of black women is united, dancing at the bottom of an empty pool. This scene depicts hard work as empowering, with Beyoncé dancing hard, working in formation with her fellow dancers, exemplifying that hard work is the ultimate pay off, while earning respect and income. As a group, there is power in numbers. The more people who organize to stand up against racism, the stronger the message will be. They are organized and systematic in their dance moves, symbolizing that racism is also systematic and organized, but that it is an empty proposition, reinforcing that point with an empty pool. The use of water with an empty pool also symbolizes that racism must be drowned and drained from the “pool” or from society as a whole. Beyoncé, along with her other dancers, are seen wearing tight, nude colored spandex. Beyoncé’s use of the nude color symbolizes that skin color doesn’t matter and has no bearing on one’s value and worth in society. Beyoncé demonstrates it is time to rise up from a pool of racism, stand strong with a united front, and work hard to make a living and to create value and purpose in one’s own life. Beyoncé, herself, is a prime example and states, throughout the video, that her hard work has made her a very big, financially stable star. 

            Beyoncé’s line, "The best revenge is your paper" shows her rubbing her thumbs and fingers together to identify lots of hard earned money, while dripping in jewelry.  Beyoncé uses imagery to prove to her audience that hard work not only earns her money, but respect and she is proud of her accomplishments.  Beyoncé uses the repetition of "I slay” for what can be construed as a double meaning. She uses it to identify with working extremely hard to get ahead and winning big time. She is also implying that white people have "slain" blacks with violent racism. She is very powerful with her success, driven by ethics and hard work. The power held by white people, as well as law enforcement, over blacks in our racist society, has brought about racial tension and the slaying of innocent black lives. Due to her success, she "slays" with a very different meaning than killing.

The final scene of the video shows Beyoncé on a white police car in the middle of a neighborhood, as it sinks. The use of a white police car versus any other color car adds power to the imagery of racism. The depiction of white police power sinking and she being the one pushing it under is incredibly meaningful. She will not let white police power oppress her. She has worked hard, made money and a name for her self, ethically, morally and fairly. As Beyoncé sinks, the song fades out and there is complete silence as she becomes fully submerged under water. Beyoncé is alone in this scene without her formation of fellow black women to support her in sinking the police car. With all of the power she has earned, she can sink the police car, and the racism it represents, but it will take all of society to eliminate racism and racial tension toward African Americans.  It's a startling final image that reminds the viewer that, despite the progress that has been made by visionaries like Beyoncé, there is still far more work to be done by everybody to adequately combat racial tensions in America.

            All the symbolism and imagery referenced contribute to the theme of the music video “Formation,” which is focused on racism and racial tension.  Beyoncé’s use of water is very symbolic. The empty pool symbolizes ridding society of racism and her sinking on the police car, symbolizes the drowning of racism. Beyoncé couples powerful images with thought-provoking and poignant lyrics, like “slay”, that examine racism toward African Americans in today's society, as a continuation of racism throughout history.  It cleverly, powerfully and movingly illustrates that racial tension represents a serious and necessary issue to be addressed by society. Racism must be eliminated. Beyoncé uses many elements of imagery, symbolism, the use of water and double meaning to profoundly state her message. All of these elements work to develop that message, culminating in an impossible to ignore stand on racial tension. Hopefully, at some point in my lifetime, our world will be completely stripped of racism and hate. Though this wish is unlikely to come true, it is very possible to obtain. We must learn from history and not repeat our mistakes of the past. It is time to be a stronger, more tolerant and accepting society, with freedom and equality for all.  
