Beyonce
In July of 2016, Beyoncé took to the internet to broadcast her opinion on the black lives matter movement. Her statement was more than just an opinion on the matter, but extended to a call to action. She invited her fans to stand up for those who are discriminated against. However, her post came across as quite controversial, as many believed that she was promoting a violent activist movement. With her massive fan base, some were concerned that this would spark a physical revolution against police in America. Many believe that she is wrongfully inspiring hatred and violence towards police in retaliation to the apparent bias against the black community. Beyoncé not only took to her website, but promoted her message across multiple social media platforms, pushing boundaries and addressing racial inequality. While it can be seen to hinder the movement, there is no doubt that Beyoncé has brought her fans together to fight against the hate.
During her Glasgow concert, the singer took a pause from her high energy performance to draw upon an intense subject matter. Beyoncé addressed the Black Lives Matter movement to her audience of over 50,000, flooding the stage screens with the gun violence victims’ names.
Shortly after the message, a fight broke out in the audience, with speculation that it referred to the movement. Fans of Beyoncé tweeted in outrage over the fact that some people will let their hate distract them from ‘experiencing’ a Beyoncé concert. Although her intentions are good, it is apparent how some think that the singer is a problematic face for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Beyonce’s song “Formation” from her album Lemonade is considered, lyrically, to be an anthem for women of colour. However, the visuals seem to be just as impactful, if not more, than the lyrics themselves.
The official music video contains a slew of powerful scenes, such as the brick wall with graffiti writing that states, ‘stop killing us’. The video goes on further to show young children of colour dancing in front of a police line, and Beyoncé herself dancing on top of a cop car as it sinks into water. While the video may not have been a direct response to the Black Lives Matter campaign, it did bring a strong visual awareness to the movement.
Credits
Gilbert, Julie. "Beyonce Halts Glasgow Gig to Pay Tribute to Victims of Gun Violence." Glasgow Live. 8 July 2016. Web. 4 Mar. 2017.
Knowles, Beyoncé. "Freedom." Beyoncé. N.p., 7 July 2016. Web. 4 Mar. 2017.
Patel, Arti. "Beyonce Releases Powerful Statement Following Tragic Shootings Of Two Black Men." The Huffington Post Canada. N.p., 8 July 2016. Web. 4 Mar. 2017.
Peterson, Andrea. "Beyoncé Is a Powerful Voice for Black Lives Matter. Some People Hate Her for It." The Washington Post. 10 July 2016. Web. 4 Mar. 2017.
Pleasance, Chris. "Brawl Breaks out at Beyoncé's Glasgow Concert as Stewards Are Forced to Form a Human Barrier to Separate the Crowd." Daily Mail UK. 8 July 2016. Web. 4 Mar. 2017.
Silverstein, Adam. "Beyoncé Fans 'start Fighting' at Glasgow Concert - Moments after the Singer's Powerful Anti-violence Message." Digital Spy. 8 July 2016. Web. 4 Mar. 2017.
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