Why Everyone So Turnt?
When Beyoncé took to the field during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show, she had a political message to convey. No everyone, of course, agreed with the message, nor did they interpret it the same way. Some people were inspired. Others read the perfomance as a call to violence.
Clad in a black leotard with a gold embellished jacket, Beyoncé was flanked by dancers who sported afros and black berets – a clear reference to the Black Panther Party (2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party). Not everyone appreciated the message. Perhaps most telling, by focusing on superficial comparisons between her dancers and the Black Panthers, they betrayed a lack of understanding of history; they failed to appreciate the details and the nuances of that history, of which Beyonce demonstrated clear understanding with regard to the role they played int the struggle for civil rights in the United States.
The Black Pather history, to be sure, was willfully invoked. Though Beyoncé’s outfit was intended to evoke a similar fashion statement made by Michael Jackson. And if this was not enough to disturb critics, Beyoncé and her backup dancers together gave a salute and formed an X formation, which the Twitterverse quickly declared to be a reference to Malcom X. Later that night (and some might say adding insult to injury), her dancers were filmed in a video that was posted on the Black Lives Matter Twitter page. In the video clip, the dancers held up a sign that read “Justice 4 Mario Woods” [Woods was shot and killed in San Francisco by police officers on the afternoon of Dec. 2, 2015].
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Doubtless, Beyoncé was making a political statement. And despite the fact that many praised her for this, critics acused her “politicizing” the Super Bowl. One such critic, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, was interviewed on the Fox network and had this to say: “I think it was outrageous.” He further added that didn’t “get it” from an artistic standpoint and didn’t agree with Beyoncé’s support of “Black Lives Matter.”
“The halftime show I thought was ridiculous anyway. I don’t know what the heck it was. A bunch of people bouncing around and all strange things. It was terrible,” Giuliani said.
Giuliani went on to explain his view that the performance was offensive to “middle Americans,” whom he said expect the Super Bowl to provide “wholesome” family entertainment. Giuliani rejected the political statement. “This is football, not Hollywood,” he said, “and I thought it was really outrageous that she used it as a platform to attack police officers who are the people who protect her and protect us, and keep us alive.”
Beyoncé shown wearing a bandolier of bullets, similar to the one famously worn by Michael Jackson when he performed in the Super Bowl during his 1993 world tour.
Formation – “I Came to Slay”
One day before taking the stage with Coldplay and Bruno Mars at Super Bowl 50, Beyoncé released the music track and video “Formation” — her first new single since 2014. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, the video includes references to Hurricane Katrina, Creole culture and police brutality — oh, and hot sauce! Her daughter, Blue Ivy, also has a cameo.
The video, much like her superbowl performance, was interpreted as a rallying cry for the “Black Lives Matter” movement. That “Formation” references Black Lives Matter is clear; it includes an image of Beyoncé on top of a sinking police car, walls strewn with “Stop Shooting Us” graffiti, and a young African American boy in a hoodie dancing in front of police officers. The title of the track itself, “Formation,” evokes military parlance for a coordinated assembly of soldiers. Beyoncé’s critique, however, does not stop and end here. She used her performance to give a vocie to other issues and problems like racism.
Colorism, Complexion, and Worth
Academics, while generally positive about Beyoncé’s performance, have called attention to problems with her representation of race and ethnicity in Formation. Yaba Blay, a dark-skinned, New Orleans-bred scholar, whose research addresses issues of skin color and identity politics, suggested there may be problems afoot with regard to race and representation. Beyoncé, she points out, was also sending about complexion and worth. Blay notes: “While Bey let all the folks who’ve been talking crazy about Blue Ivy’s hair have it with, “I like my baby hair, with baby hair and afros,” I can’t help but wonder why the two little girls in the video playing with Blue are significantly darker than her and dressed like old women afraid of the sun while Blue shines, hand on hip, in a sundress.” I cheer Bey on as she sings, “I like my Negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils.” But I cringe when I hear her chant, “You mix that Negro with that Creole make a Texas bamma” about her Alabama-born dad and her mom from Louisiana. This is the same reason I cringed at the L’Oreal ad that identified Beyonce as African-American, Native American and French and why I don’t appreciate her largely unknown song “Creole.” Having grown up black-Black (read: dark-skinned) in colorstruck New Awlins, hearing someone, particularly a woman, make a distinction between Creole and “Negro” is deeply triggering.This isn’t just for me but for many New Orleanians.
For generations, Creoles—people descended from a cultural/racial mixture of African, French, Spanish and/or Native American people—have distinguished themselves racially from “regular Negroes.” In New Orleans, phenotype— namely, “pretty color and good hair” —translates to (relative) power.”
“In this context,” Blay continues, “people who are light skinned, with non-kinky hair and the ability to claim a Creole heritage have had access to educational, occupational, social and political opportunities that darker skinned, kinkier-haired, non-Creole folks have been denied. In many ways, among those of us who are not Creole and whose skin is dark brown, the claiming of a Creole identity is read as rejection. And I’m not just talking about history books or critical race theory. I’m talking about on-the-ground, real-life experiences.”
And so she concludes: “So while it may seem innocent that Beyoncé describes herself as a mixture of Creole and “Negro,” this particular celebration of her self invokes a historical narrative that forces some of us to look at her sideways. Even in the midst of her Blackest Blackity Black Blackness, we find remnants of anti-Blackness. And yet, we still rock with her.”
Comparing the Black Panthers to the KKK
People questioned Beyoncé’s use of Black Panther-type uniforms, whereupon they invoked a comparison with the KKK. They asked “would it be acceptable if a band – a white band – came out in hoods and white sheets? The problem here lies in the false equivalency that is suggested; equivalence between the Black Panthers and the KKK.
On the contrary, not only is this a false equivalency, it is overtly reductionist to suggest both are simply subversive hate groups that practice racial antipathy towards groups defined as their racial opposite. A brief history lesson is in order (though I would encourage you to look into this history in greater depth):
The Ku Klux Klan started in the south in the late 1800’s.The Klan is primarily a white supremacist group, but it was and remains a hate group, guilty of terrorist acts and hate crimes. Donning their famous “white sheets,” it is estimated that the KKK was, for a period of more than 100 years, responsible for terrorizing, raping, castrating, burning, and murdering thousands of black people in the U.S.
The Black Panthers were created to fight for the civil and economic right of African Americans in the U.S. They also wanted to address the police brutality and economic injustice in the Black community. So for example, they developed programs to address black unemployment and stop childhood hunger. In contrast with Martin Luther King Jr., the Black Panthers rebuked his calls for non-violence as ineffectual, and called instead for blacks to defend themselves by taking up arms. In their view, social, political, and economic institutions were not serving black people, and so they were willing to use violence if necessary to bring about social change.
While the acts of violence by both groups are inexcusable, the actions conducted by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) were far worse that those of the Black Panthers. The KKK had the funding and resources to attack large groups of blacks in addition to other ethnic groups they hated, without fear of intervention by the community and law enforcement. In other words, the Klan enjoyed a structurally advantaged position from which they projected power over minority groups in the U.S. The Black Panthers did not occupy a similar equivalent structural position of power; they were not practicing “reverse racism” against whites. Rather, they sought to defend themselves against people that they saw engaged in systematically sanctioned activity aimed at oppressing them.
Nonetheless, while the Black Panther Party believed in Black nationalism and Black culture, it did not believe either will lead to Black liberation or the overthrow of the capitalist system.
The Klan, on the other hand, targeted entire racial groups; this poses a direct contrast with the Black Panthers, who directed their violence at people that they believed had intent to harm them. It is also worthy of note that the Black Panthers allowed members of other races to join their cause, provided they were willing to take up arms.
Twitter Breaks It Down
What’s Race Got To Do With It?
It took a comedian from the Daily Show to put the controversy into perspective. Jessica Williams, perhaps more than any other journalist, managed to call attention to the contradictions – and in many cases the outright hypocrisy – of media coverage of Beyoncé’s performance. She gave Fox’s Stuart Varney and everyone who agrees with him the answer they didn’t want to hear.
“Race was brought in,” she said “because Beyoncé was brought in and, brace yourself, you might want to sit down for this, but Beyoncé is… black! And as a black person, you walk around every day constantly reminded that you are black. Beyoncé is black and this song is her message. And good artists get their message across, whether they’re playing for three people in a bar or hundreds of millions at the Super Bowl.”
Challenging Guiliani’s interpretation (and disgust) of the performance, Williams conceded one point in regards to the issue of wholesome entertainment:
“The fans deserve wholesome entertainment……like watching 300-pound men give each other concussions while the crowd cheers like we’re extras in Gladiator?”
“So, what is wrong with Beyoncé, everyone? Were you not entertained?”
Black Lives Matter activist Erika Totten said Beyoncé’s message accomplished exactly what the movement is supposed to. “I think [the message] absolutely belongs in the Super Bowl,” Totten said. “Our goal is to disrupt the status quo and bring the message wherever the message may not be heard.”
Meanwhile, “Black Lives Matter” activist Deray McKesson hailed the star’s performance, tweeting “At its core, she is reminding us that economic justice is a key component to liberation work.” And he cannot recall a time when Beyoncé brought a political message to a spotlight as mainstream as the Super Bowl.
Bakari Kitwana, the CEO of Rap Sessions and author of the “Hip-Hop activism in the Obama Era,” says that while mainstream stars like Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z have not necessarily portrayed themselves as activists, they are evolving and they have access to mainstream platforms. “There’s definitely an evolution going on with Beyoncé. It shows you how smart she is. She’s tapping into the same consumer culture that she’s always tapped into but she’s doing it with some political overtones.” “In terms of Black Lives Matter, we’re in this really hyper politicized movement where blackness is being discussed in the mainstream, so it’s a smart move for her to play with that type of imagery,” Kitwana said. “it achieved what it was meant to do. People are talking about it.”
Why is Black Empowerment Always Construed to be Anti-Police?
One of the more troubling narratives that emerges from the controversey is how Black empowerment is conflated with the position of being “anti-police.” Realistically speaking, however, U.S. history more or less furnishes the reasons for this: policing in the U.S. was founded on the formation of what were known as “slave patrols.” White plantation owners hired and paid white law men to capture and return to custody runaway slaves, who even after the Civil War were still treated as property. The institution was in this sense founded upon an ideology of white supremacist capitalism.
Today, some might argue not much has changed since that era – that police are still working on behalf of the moneyed classes, where they continue to focus their policing efforts on black people. Order and control of black bodies is prioritized over social justice.
Blacks, in turn, established their history as one that resisted (and continues to resist) that opression. Claiming their power has in this in respect always meant resisting the police.
A History of Violence
Last but not least, we might want to reflect on the collective outrage that is being focused on an entertainer using their art and public platform to make a statement about police violence. That this occurs as part of a sporting event that glorifies as well as embodies interpersonal violence says a lot about the people who are doing the complaining. The real outrage should be reserved for the almost daily killings of American citizens at the hands of police in this country.
To say that this violence does not discriminate is to miss the point: blacks are killed at a rate documented to be more than 20 times the rate of other racial/ethnic groups in this country. For many people, not only is this not problematic, it is assumed to be deserved. Failure to obey = death. Black violence is taken to be pathological, whereas police violence, if it is recognized at all, it assumed to be normal and appropriate.
Rather than channeling outrage at a black woman’s dance performance, maybe it’s time to take a hard look at how violence is more than a spectacle – it is institutionalized and fundamentally ingrained in American culture.
Sources
Information contained in this post was derived in part from the following articles:
Yaba Blay (2016) “On ‘Jackson Five Nostrils,’ Creole vs. ‘Negro’ and Beefing Over Beyonce’s ‘Formation.'” Published in “Colorlines.”
Fox News online – Downloaded from http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/02/08/beyonce-references-black-panther-party-at-super-bowl-halftime-show Last accessed Feb 2016.
CNN News online – Downloaded from http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/08/politics/beyonce-super-bowl-black-lives-matter/ Last accessed Feb 2016.
Discussion Questions
What did you think of the performance?
Did you like it or were you offended? Please explain.
How do race, class, and gender operate together, both in terms of the performance as well as in people’s different responses to the performance?
Do you think it is appropriate to conflate Black power/empowerment with the political position of being anti-police?
Do you think being “pro” police accountability is the same as being anti-police?
How does Beyoncé and her work embody the “contradictions” of capitalism?
I personally thought Beyonce’s super bowl performance was amazing. Its always great to see stars, especially musicians that are often held in esteem by all races speak to important issues in society, specifically race –related issues. When you have a platform that no one else has, it is important to utilize to the best of your abilities. First, addressing race, people don’t like to be reminded that racism still exist because it makes them uncomfortable. I feel like some white people feel like just because they aren’t racist that they shouldn’t have to hear about racism. That’s what I believe that fox anchorman’s comment was really about even though he tried to incorporate class into the argument and bring in the anti police notion into it. That’s even a better reason for an artist especially one like Beyonce to use the Super Bowl Stage as a platform to get that message across. It is true that people’s families are watching it, white or black. When your child or someone who doesn’t know asks why is Beyonce singing these songs or why she is dressing like that you should be able to explain it. I personally believe that half the battle of fighting against racism is being informed no matter what race you are. I disagree completely with saying that that supporting Black Power is being anti police. Just because someone is a police officer it doesn’t mean that they dislike black people and just because someone is for African Americans doing better for themselves and promotes racial autonomy it does not mean at all that they hate the police. I think that the people trying to draw that parallel should acknowledge that it is difficult for African Americans to not be skeptical of police when they and Latinos make up the majority of the people in prisons. Also the more prominent cases where the police did kill or wound some one recently who was innocent should give everyone discomfort. I think that pro police accountability is different from being anti police to an extent. One can be pro police in the sense that police have a job to do and that they are in positions to serve and protect and that the good police don’t deserve to be demonized by people and that they should be protected. I also think that being anti-police as a whole is unreasonable yet understandable. However the people that identify with being Anti-Police shouldn’t be so one sided that they target the police for violence. As I said earlier Beyonce executed perfectly what all artist that are passionate about a view point should do. She used a world stage where she is arguably a favorite amongst all races to spread a message and wake people up. She isn’t the most outspoken artist but she is definitely not silent and that is important. We are just as guilty as the ignorant people that we fail to inform about social problems.
Celebrities have the opportunity to use their fame to voice their opinion and take a stand against something they don’t agree with. The world appreciates their music and their other talents but a lot of people have a problem when they try to use their fame to make a political stand. For example, Beyoncé at the Superbowl when her dancers dressed up like members of the Black Panthers or when actors at award shows use their acceptance speech as a time to voice their opinions about political or social problems. I think that it is a good thing to have these people as role models and have their opinions heard but at times I think that the time that they use to do it is not always appropriate. Beyonce used music video to shine a light on the what has been happening with police brutality that was aired the day before the Superbowl and that was a good chance for her to voice her opinion and shine a light on what has been happening to people that often times gets covered up. She has the fame and the following to effectively made her voice heard on any platform so using the Superbowl to do this might have caused a lot of negative feelings toward her and toward the stance when doing it on a different platform might not have caused the same negative feelings.
I personally thought that Beyoncé’s performance at the Super bowl was amazing! I feel that she definitely took a stand for what she believed in, but also did it in a way where she didn’t come off as too aggressive. Beyoncé allowed her personal beliefs to not only influence her music, but also her performance. I definitely think the idea of “Blacks Lives Matter” was presented during her performance. Even though to some people they may believe that she overstepped her boundaries, I believe that she has done nothing besides let her voice be heard on a topic that needs to be discussed. I think anyone who was personally offended by her performance needs to reevaluate what they consider one of our countries biggest issues because this is definitely one of them. I believe that the race of the view definitely has an impact on whether or not they feel Beyoncé’s performance was important or whether they get offended or not. In my opinion, the topic of “Black Lives Matter” generally hits home more with black people themselves because they have a personal connection with this topic since there isn’t a day that goes by that you are reminded that you’re black. I also believe that it is appropriate in today’s society to conflate Black empowerment with the political position of being anti-police because in today’s society we have a significant about of minorities, especially Blacks, being targeted by the police whether it’s on the street or the topic of mass incarceration. Overall I think Beyoncé did a really great job and I believe that there should be more people like her who decide to voice their opinion about issues that we are forced to face on a day to day basis.
I am a big Beyonce fan. When I heard that Beyonce was going to be part of the halftime show, last year, I was really excited, because I know that she is an amazing dancer and a great performer. While watching the performance, I was not really listening to the words of her song “Formation”, rather than just listening to the beat. However, after reading information about the meaning and thought behind the music and the videos, I honestly don’t know what to think. From this article, it is clear that people believe there is a direct correlation to the Black Lives Matter movement, which I can definitely see after reading the article. While watching the Super Bowl halftime show and the “Formation” music video again, I noticed the subtle hints to support Black Lives Matter, and to the Black Panther Party. Beyonce’s backup dancers wore black afro wigs, and wore all black clothing. The black afros, references the fact that all of her backup dancers were black. However, the lyrics of her song “Formation” almost indicated that she was poor and still living in Alabama, her home state. I think that her presentation of this, questioned people and the performance sat with them the wrong way. I think that Beyonce was not the one that should have been advocating for the Black Lives Matter movement on national television, and being a celebrity. Not only this, but during her “Formation” performance, her dancers formed shapes that people thought symbolized reference to police violence and anti-police. The creative aspect of the show may have been designed to inform the people and show support of the movement, but I don’t think it was acceptable to do this at a family gathering, like the Super Bowl.
While Beyonce’s halftime performance may have incited images of unruly violence in the minds of some, the truth of the matter is that she simply expressed a message in a peaceful manner. It is certainly understandable, in this time if bitter racial division, for observers to feel apprehensive. We have, after all, seen a number of riots within the past few years that have been borne out of feelings of anger and oppression. Beyonce, however, made no calls for riots or police-killings, as many have claimed. Rather, she merely expressed a viewpoint in a way that people would notice.
It is essential to remember that this country is built on an inviolable right to freedom of expression, a privilege that is commonly employed to justify racially coded speech, yet is completely forgotten when the less advantaged attempt to make a point. While it would be a stretch to truly characterize Beyonce as “disadvantaged,” he certainly does, by virtue of her skin, speak for millions of others who are made constantly aware of the double standards in the land of the free.
I believe that since Beyonce is a well-known artist, people are always trying to find that little spot of her to criticize and bring her fame down. I believe that she wasn’t trying to communicate any political message across. I mean it was the Super Bowl, they just want to have fun and put a good show for the fans. If we start judging people by the way they dress, we would end up criticizing everyone around assuming their points of view about something. Race most of the time, unfortunately, is tied up with how someone dresses or acts. And it all comes back to one problem, racism. We shouldn’t be judging others by the way they dress because that doesn’t mean anything about their personalities or their beliefs. I’m pretty sure she wasn’t trying to “look like” the Black Panther Party. It was a nice looking outfit for her.
Beyonce’s halftime show performance did cause controversy, but her intent was not to upset the majority of Americans. Beyonce is an incredibly influential and inspirational woman who gives people a voice and acts as a role model for people to look up to. Even though the Super Bowl show exhibited a subject that most American find uneasy, Beyonce took her fame and used it to make a profound statement. By dressing up as the black panthers and referencing other civil right milestones and figures, her dance routine did not bode well for a select group of americans. Personally I think Beyonce was very clever in using a stage where she knew millions were watching to make her statement about the civil rights and black lives matter. As an African American woman she has all the right to dance and sing about what it is like to live the “American Dream” as a colored person. Beyonce is a current celebrity who gives the colored community a voice while putting a spectacular show.
I thought that the performance was fine. I liked it even, and I really like the message Beyonce was trying to put out during one of the most watched TV events in the world. I’m personally a fan of the Black Panthers because of the positivity they tried to bring to the Black community during a time of terror and abhorrent treatment for them. In terms of people’s responses, I think it was the usual story of white people getting their feelings hurt by something they have no right to be offended about. Black people need solidarity within their communities, but everything else aside, there wasn’t even anything to really be offended about, so that was a little ridiculous as well.
Now regarding the police, I think that it is hard to talk about Black empowerment without mentioning the police. Regardless of race however, I think everyone should be anti-police for the way they treat minorities in general, and for the way in which they defend each other tooth and nail in the face of any backlash; police departments in this country are simply criminal. Black empowerment does not need to directly be associated with being anti-police, but being anti-police in a country where the government “legally” employs murderers and accessories to murder should be the norm. It’s not only enough to prosecute police that unjustly kill, but also those that hide evidence, and obstruct justice just to save their buddy’s ass.
Being “pro” police accountability is a weak way of being anti-police, and weak stances do not fix anything. Even the violence against cops, even though not moral, is simply following natural consequence. Unjust murders cannot be committed without the possibility of retaliation, and deservedly so. The problem with the police is not a small one, and the entire system needs to be overhauled. I believe anti-police is the right term in this situation. I being pro-police accountability is like arguing for #AllLivesMatter. Everyone is presumably for holding police accountable, but that’s not really the point, because even when it’s done, it’s done half assed and that isn’t enough. The police forces in America need to be rebuilt from the ground up. In regards to Beyonce, I don’t really know what to say about her work embodying the “contradictions” of capitalism. As a famous Black performer, I believe that she does a lot to use her position in life for the greater good. While she may not necessarily be the loudest activist, she is also not entirely quiet, and takes advantage of her fame, which she gained by being in high demand, to bring these issues to the forefront, on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Personally, I am not the biggest fan of Beyoncé’s music. Just a personal preference. But, when I watched her performance, what caught my eye was that they were dressed like members of the Black Panther Party which threw up a red flag for me. Now music is often used as a platform for political expression and Beyoncé’s performance definitely did that, but the way that it did so, was a little risqué. I personally cannot take a side in the racially fueled debates such as these. The increasing accounts of police brutality leave me shocked and appalled, while I feel sorry for the police officers who so often have every single action scrutinized and investigated. Performances like the halftime show only draw negative light to the debate, and that I do not agree with.
In short, the performance didn’t really offend me per say, it just seemed a little risqué as I stated earlier. The idea of black empowerment doesn’t bother me, but when it becomes anti-police, that becomes a problem. What about African-american police officers? Are they not empowered because they have a badge and carry a gun? I tend not to get mixed up in debates like this to be 100 percent honest. It gives me a headache to listen to how hypocritical the movement gets in regards to Black Lives Matter. All Lives Matter. No matter if you’re Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic/Latin-American, or Asian. We’re all people who should be treated with respect. I say let this half-time performance go, it might be an homage to the civil rights movement in a strange way. Bottom line: just let people be people.
I personally thought Beyoncé’s performance at the Super Bowl was very powerful. Singers are a main attraction for publicity and media, so to use this opportunity to convey this message was smart on her part. Obviously this topic is highly controversial, but no one can say that it isn’t a problem. Black Lives Matter is a huge topic of today’s society and Beyoncé is a powerful celebrity that has a good amount of influence. It is her right to stand up for what she believes in. It is okay for someone to feel differently than her and what she is standing for, but it is not okay for someone to make anyone feel inferior because of their race.
I think the idea of anti-police is another highly controversial topic. On one hand police are there to make sure everyone is safe and protected. On the other hand there are so many incidents in the news with police brutality that it is hard to ignore the problem. Just as not all black people are a danger to society, not all police are a danger either. These stereotypes and assumptions are what causes the problems. Once people recognize that black lives do matter and that police are there for protection, these issues may start to be resolved.
Throughout history there have been many great well-respected artists that have used their voices and the power of song to make a political statement. Musicians can connect political views with their songs in order to raise awareness and motivate their fans to start a discussion but is this successful in helping further a cause or does do more damage? This is an important question to answer because with the lines between politics and pop culture getting blurred it is difficult to separate facts from reality. In my opinion Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance was merely an example of her expressing her political stance, and using her voice to raise awareness about an issue plaguing our nation. I believe that the people who critiqued her for talking about her Creole heritage should not be looking to find the factors that divide society but rather embrace the message she was portraying. It is pertinent that people look at the root of the issue rather than all of the superficial things attached to it. While some people claimed the performance was deeply offensive due to her black panther like costumes, our country has given us the gift of free speech, and I believe in this context Beyoncé’s first amendment rights should be respected.
This performance, compared to the Super Bowl show in 2015, had a very strong underlying message. Lacking crazy sets, props and costumes, this performance was chic. This made it powerful and open to interpretation. Comparing Katy Perry’s performance in 2015 to Beyonce’s, the latter was raw and aggressive, while Perry’s was the usual flashy and fun. I saw these differences as strong indicators of the types of artists they are. Regarding Beyonce’s performance I was not in the slightest offended. Her art is her choice as a successful woman in the music industry.
As we’ve previously mentioned in lecture, race, class and gender are always connected. They are the driving forces between most actions and perspectives and these perspectives influence ones response. As a WOMAN of the millennial generation, I appreciate Beyonce for separating herself from the “dainty and fun” female Hollywood. Her performance was sexy and strong, stirring confidence in myself and many other women. However, as a white woman, I could empathize and feel called to act, but not with the ability to resonate. The deeper symbol of the Black Panther Party, her resemblance to Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl costume, and the interpreted “call to arms” was a monumental moment for television to both celebrate and defend black representation in Hollywood and in Justice.
Having researched the Black Panther party, I am aware they were formed as the “Black Panther Party for Self Defense”. According to AfricanAmericanRegistry.org, the party welcomed white alliances “…because they believed that all revolutionaries who wanted to change U. S. society should unite across racial lines.” This was a message to all viewers expressing frustration, anger, but also confidence in rallying ALL support for our fellow black citizens and their families. Unfortunately the media has established great divide between Black empowerment and pro-police, so that each race, class and gender perceived her performance with radical differences.
I really liked Beyonce’s performance. It was very entertaining and it was great to see her using the platform to speak on a very troubling social and political issue. While watching videos of it and reading a few reaction pieces, I never understood why some people took offense to what she was doing. Her homage to the Black Panthers (via the outfits, hair, and symbols) was great. I particularly loved how her video “Formation” and her Super Bowl performance shed light on her stance (although never verbalized) to the continued violence by the police towards people of color (especially African Americans). I honestly don’t understand how some people got “anti-police” from “stop shooting us”.
I really enjoyed Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance to which I did not find it offensive at all. I think she took advantage of her platform, in a good way, by calling attention to a social issue that she felt passionate about. She was smart with the way she went about it because her message was obviously controversial to which in turn made people think and talk. A main concept behind the act of talking is thinking about what you are going to say before you say it. The more people think, the more likely they will be able to grapple with these dense topics and emotions that come with it. I feel the more people think about other people and consider opening their mind a bit more with big social issues such as this one, is when we will see things fall into place. If anything Beyonce was encouraging and challenging us to think more in hopes of having great, intellectual and more understanding conversations in the near future. There needs to be more brave individuals like Beyonce who are willing to speak out.
Upon first watching Beyonce’s halftime performance during the Super Bowl, I did not see its connection other the Black Panthers because it was not outright and evident. Instead, it was a more subtle message that, when looked into, was actually a very loud statement of various political standpoints. For one, the representation of Black Panthers was seen through her outfit as well as by her backup dancers. Further, she advocated #BlackLivesMatter as well as some anti-cop rhetoric. Between this and the promotion of Black Panther, critics took offense to the performance claiming that the Super Bowl was not the right platform with which to promote violent messages. Whereas she heavily portrayed messages of black power in response to oppression in her performance, the day before she released a music video with lyrics expressing her Creole descent. This was seen as highly contradictory due to the fact that, throughout history, Creole people were looked at with regards to a much better social class in comparison to other blacks. Beyonce’s proclamation of her Creole heritage through her lyrics seemed like a statement to many that she was better than your average black person. Between the contradictory statements about equality she makes in her music video and halftime performance sends hypocritical views to America.
I believe that Beyonce is an artist and has the right to express herself however she feels the need to. personally was not offended by Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance. Being an artist, your motivation, and what most of your pieces consist of is what you’re passionate about, or your beliefs. Beyonce’s intentions were not to offend anyone, but rather to bring attention to areas that need more awareness. Her audience also aimed at the younger generation, who normally is unaware of most societal issues. Whether or not one agreed or disagreed with Beyonce, given her status and following, she got the attention of millions, which is what she wanted. I was not offended by her performance and I think the majority of the United States was not either.
I personally was not offended by Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance. I agree more with the opinions of Jessica Williams and support the idea that she is an artist. As an artist I believe your motivation for art is not only entertainment or visually appealing pieces but additionally provided an unique platform to convey a message. I remember when I had spoken to some of my friends after the Super Bowl, one friend said that her father, who happened to be a former police officer, turned off the television when her performance came on. To me this seemed crazy!! Whether you agree or disagree with the statements and messages Beyonce chose to display, I think it is important to be aware and informed on the issues that face our community. Whether or not the Super Bowl was the best place for this message to be broadcasted I believe it is an important message that needs to be spoken about.
Beyonce is a big girl, she can make her own decisions. With that being said, I truly, from the bottom of my heart, do not care that she did what she did. Personally I feel that the reactions to her performance – both good and bad – sent the message for her. Many people, particularly minorities, supported her. Many people – particularly white people – did not. That alone shows the disparity in our country. I don’t care about her performance, but I should care about the reaction it received.
When I was watching the Super Bowl with my family and watching Beyonce, I need initially notice anything wrong with the performance. I heard and saw her perform one of my favorite songs while grabbing the attention of the audience with her amazing voice. The next morning it was quick to see that her voice was not the only thing grabbing critics attention. After doing my research, I began to understand the performance and the point that Beyonce was trying to get across. Although some people believe that it was out of line of her to incorporate costumes similar to The Black Panthers, I enjoyed the performance and thought that the controversy it caused is exactly what Beyonce intended. Much conversation arose about the performance, and with the tragedy that has been occurring because of police brutality it is a topic that needs to be discussed. Beyonce wanted to leave a lasting message and get people talking about a matter that needs to be resolved. Thats exactly what she did. I loved the performance and was happy to see someone so loved by all, make such a big difference.
I watched Beyonce’s performance alongside Bruno Mars ad back then I didn’t realize the undertones it apparently had. I just really loved the fact that they had a little dance fight and I thought they did a perfectly wonderful job. I still don’t quite understand the big problem many people made out of it, for it doesn’t seem as though she attempted to do much more than bring light to an issue she knew would sell and sell well.
Thus, I wasn’t offended by the performance. If the real message is, however, to resist law enforcement, then I do not agree, for that will do nothing to ensure your individual safety – in the moment it’d give a truly rogue officer all the more reason to react violently or force a good officer to take quick action as he is required and both will produce an undesirable result to the person told to “resist”.
Different races, classes, and genders, of course, disagree. And that is okay, because we are meant to learn from each others’ experiences in order to conclude what is real and what is under-reported or, conversely, over-sensationalized. This specific performance may have impacted the black community more closely, specifically because of BLM. This is not a bad thing; alternately, they kind of got a shoutout from a powerful POC. However, some actions by extremist followers have spun this entire movement in a bad light as of late.
Obviously, “death to the pigs, fry them like bacon,” is going to be taken violently and while it is understandable the fact that black lives matter wasn’t separated from that is a point of concern which Beyonce surely had nothing to do with it. In addition, though the Black Panthers preached violence against oppressors, she has been recorded to be saying that she does not wish violence upon people and merely meant to appeal to black power.
While I was watching Beyonce’s Super Bowl performace I did not make a correlation between the Black Panthers. It was not until I watched new channels the next day that I became aware of the political statement Beyonce was making; After reading the article I began to realize just how important this statement was, and the different stances Beyonce has taken regarding the issue of racism. Beyonce decided to make a large statement by resembling the Black Panthers during her performance, but the day prior to her performance she released a music video where she expressed that people of lighter skin, or creole decent, carry a better social place than those who are of darker complexion. While she states that although African Americans are judged in America because of their skin color she increases this problem by stating a difference between skin tones in African American people. By standing up for African Americans by refrencing the Black Panthers, but establishing a difference between skin tones Beyonce presents a very confusing point. Many people look to celebrities as a role model and take their opinions to heart. She is giving an uneven impression to her fans and the rest of America.
I feel that Beyonce, being the influential figure she is, was obligated to draw attention to the Black Lives Matter movement. Because she had such a widely viewed opportunity, and being an African American woman in agreement with Black Lives Matter, Beyonce’s public support seemed obvious. However, the Black Panthers did promote violence and Beyonce’s portrayal of them could come off as promoting that same violence. While I don’t think that is necessarily what she intended, it is still a concern as there is too much clash to begin with. Similarly, Beyonce’s anti-police stance could be perceived as ironic due to her being constantly protected by police. Coming from a law-enforcement filled family, I completely agree with those Black Lives Matters supporters who do not feel the need to be anti-police. While these heinous murders of African Americans by the police are completely inexcusable, they do not represent law enforcement as a whole. I firmly believe that the vast majority of police officers are dedicated to serving and protecting the people of America, and are just as disturbed by the brutality that occurs. These few officers that misuse their power misrepresent the police force, similar to the way that the Black Lives Matter supporters who murdered police officers misrepresent their cause. I feel that by advocating for peace and conversation, these two groups will not need to be at odds, and can find a way to overcome these situations. Furthermore, I feel that if people such as Beyonce, David Brown (Chief of Police in Dallas), and any other prominent figures speak out in agreeance with both Black Lives Matter and the honest police officers, our country will be able to find unity.
As much as I appreciate Beyonce’s creative and artistic musical views, I do feel that her performance was just another celebrity stunt. Many celebrities intend on giving their audiences shocking performances to keep their names in the headlines. Personally..I feel as though Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance was all about the shock value. During this past year, the Black Lives Matter movement has largely progressed into a nationwide phenomenon, causing controversy amongst the races. I feel as though Beyonce capitalized on the movement itself because she knew millions of people watch the Super Bowl and her message would be heard by millions. While I do believe it is her right to exercise her beliefs and convey them through song, I feel as though the Super Bowl was an inconvenient platform.
I like and completely agree with the message that Beyonce was trying to send with this Super Bowl performance. Obviously Beyonce knew that the performance was going to be controversial even before she went on stage because the super bowl is one of the most viewed events each year on television and there is bound to be people out that that it would take it in a sensitive way. On the same note, I believe that people who are complaining about the message or are not even able to respect the message need to meditate on it further. Even if you don’t agree completely with what she is representing, you can definitely see that some of the things that she was making a statement about ARE an actual issue that needs to be addressed and I don’t believe that Beyonce did anything wrong by using this huge media platform to address it. I think that in understanding our society’s problems today you can’t look at these things immediately as “wrong or right” but instead you need to go into it considering what the groups are saying, analyze all of the facts, and then decide what you think in an un-biased way what your view is. Even if you think that what she did was wrong, I don’t think that there is a way that you can say you are completely against it without subliminally saying that you don’t agree with the issues she addresses.
I personally loved Beyonce’s performance. I think that some people have had a negative reaction to the popstar’s display because racial inequality is a sore subject that many fail to want to recognize. The Super Bowl is one of the most widely viewed events of the year, and people may not have liked that this message reached so many. Not to mention, the caliber and fan base Beyonce in particular carries is extremely high. I support her statement performance of Black Lives Matter because it’s an issue so prevalent to todays society. Maybe even if I can’t personally connect to it, I know that many can. Beyonce is extremely influential to many Americans and other fans all around the world, so I commend her for using her status to stand up for an issue that needs to gain as much attention as it possibly can.
I think the only people that would have had a problem with the performance would be white supremacists, particularly male in my opinion, that prefer to keep these issues under the table. The other posting on the “angry white men” I think correlates to this article as well. These opposers feel as if their situation is worsening in response to movements such as this one. They don’t want to see change because it could negatively affect their situation. Also, I believe that a middle/upper class white background may also contribute to feelings of discontent for this performance also in regards to the argument discussed in “Angry White Men.” Not only in extremists though, people with this background may in simplicity feel uncomfortable with all of this media attention.
However, as much as I respect Beyonce for addressing an issue she feels very important through her performance, I do not think that it needs to be in cohorts with Anti-police movements. I am all for showing respect and remembrance for groups such as The Black Panthers and Malcom X who stood for Black rights, but anti-police is an issue that I think is so controversial in today’s society that maybe should not have been brought up on such a public stage. In my opinion though, I think this goes a little too deep in the performance. I believe Beyonce was simply trying to stand up for the issue at large to gain attention and commemorate, but not necessarily to identify herself as being anti-police. On the issue of being anti-capitalism, again I believe this may be looking too deep into the performance.
I completely support Beyoncé’s performance and all the choices she made that went into it. The movement of Black Lives Matter doesn’t at all mean anti-police. This was one of the negative critiques that came up however, I feel that she brought up the police brutality aspect because, as stated in the article, blacks are targeted the most. To support her claim of black lives matter, racial profiling by police is just an aspect of that, and to raise awareness of the issue is in no way saying anti-police it’s just saying as current history has proven, their ways need to change. Also, being pro police accountability isn’t being ant-police either. Wanting repercussions for outrageous actions isn’t the same thing as wanting to get rid of police totally. I enjoyed her performance and I feel that she took her job as an entertainer one step further to raise awareness of such a public issue using her platform. Just because people want to watch entertainers preform and not have to think or be challenged by a message in a performance, doesn’t mean the entertainer is wrong in doing so or stepping out of lines. I thought it was interesting how there were two types of people that responded to this. The typical white male (Guiliani) who was offended by Beyoncé’s non “wholesome” performance, [What is actually wholesome nowadays?] and the black activists who 100% supported the whole thing. That just goes to show why Beyoncé’s message was needed at such a wide scale, unpredictable place. If it didn’t change somebody’s mind about the whole situation, it got them thinking about it and talking about it, and that was her intent(to raise awareness). All in all I feel that so many black lives matter activists have been saying everything Beyoncé’s performance brought up but Beyoncé’s voice was what was heard the loudest.
I personally loved Beyonce’s performance at the Superbowl. It was fierce, historical, and empowering. The Super Bowl has many viewers and I think that this was a perfect way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party. Beyonce made a huge statement and it was completely unexpected. The halftime show was in no way meant to offend anyone. I found this performance to be different from Beyonce’s usual performances, even the song was not a usual “Beyonce song.” At the most watched show in the United States it was necessary for her performance to be geared towards racial justice. Right now in our society each day many blacks are murdered at the hands of police brutality. When a celebrity brings awareness to a social issue, it makes it clear to the world that a problem is occurring. Many people idolize Beyonce for her music and her philanthropy, and many don’t see her as an average African American woman. Her appreciation of black culture in her performance shocked most but made me excited that for once my culture was being celebrated and not appropriated. In Beyonce’s performance she empowers black females to be “get in formation,” which is important because black women are doing fantastic things in America, but are never celebrated. Because of this performance many people believed that Beyonce was pro-black and anti-white/anti-police. I believe that being pro-black doesn’t mean that a person has to be anti-white/anti-police. I don’t believe that being “pro” police accountability is the same as being anti-police. Police officers choose to make certain decisions that unfortunately take away the lives of innocent people. What if it were your brother or father unjustly killed because he was racial profiled. I am “pro” police accountability, but I am not anti-police. I have family members who are police officers, I would never belittle the work they do, but if they did kill innocent people unjustly I would express my frustration. The Black Lives Matter movement is about being pro-black and expressing frustration about being systematically oppressed, but that doesn’t mean in anyway shape or form that those who stand behind the movement are anti-white or anti-police. Beyonce’s performance has brought more attention to what is going on in our society and has opened our eyes to the reality of black lives in America.
In the world today, we are left with tension between the people and our very own law enforcement officers. The part which still strikes me the most would have to be that these officers are the ones keeping us safe from those who choose to act otherwise. There had been many tragic events involving our officers shooting and killing many unarmed individuals, and these actions for many of us start to question if they are actually doing their job to protect us, and not over stepping their boundaries. For many individuals today, say that law enforcement officers are overstepping their boundaries and are protesting for real justice for the deaths of these civilians. Many organizations which one is famously known as the, “Black Lives Matter Movement”, were all promote justice for those african american individuals who were tragically struck down by police.
As an act of protest during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show which has many people questioning her professionally wore clothes, and even performed acts to symbolize the protest and the need for justice of those were killed by police officers. I personally agree with Beyoncé, and even commemorate her for her brave acts of protest because in the world we live in today, we need people to stand up for what they believe in and not keep silent. For many, people are left with the fear of speaking out and asking for help or even speaking out in times of injustice. For Beyoncé, this should be something inspirational because for many, they look up to her as an icon and role model. To those fans for feel the injustice of police brutality should feel the urge to saying something now that their icon has spoken out. Some of things she wore were black berets, and black clothing to symbolize the Black Panther movement which promoted the safety of those african americans from police brutality.
Some people are in fact questioning her actions in the halftime game calling it upsetting because the half time game should be a time where people have fun and forget the bad times. They are upset that Beyoncé used this opportunity to stand up to injustice using with what she loved doing best. She is now being blamed for violence being acted towards cops because in the past there has been very tragic events involving civilians taking it upon themselves to kill those who are protecting us. People are saying that Beyoncé are on of the people to blame for the things that are happening to these police officers.
I don’t believe at all that the Black Lives Matter movement must coincide with being against police. It’s just the way its portrayed in the media. There are many citizens who support the movement and respect police because not all police officers are bad.
The one thing that I did not know was that word creole had a sense of rejection towards blacks because of the benefits they received since they had a lighter skin tone and less kinky hair. In my opinion, it doesn’t seem as if Beyoncé realizes this sense of rejection towards blacks with using that word. It feels more like a celebration of her culture.
As an American citizen, Beyonce has the right to express her opinion on political issues in this country. Beyonce’s music video stirred up controversy among its viewers; some felt that it was appropriate, and others not so much. To have such tension and controversy be brought into an event to celebrate one of our nation’s past times is uncalled for. Super Bowl Sunday is a day in which many Americans, whether they be black, white, or any race for that matter, come together to watch a game of football. To make racism the focal point for what is supposed to be a unified sporting event does not make sense. Racism is obviously a great problem in this country, but I do not feel that the Super Bowl is an appropriate venue to impose one’s opinion upon millions of spectators.
In Beyonce’s performance she made a tribute to the Black Panthers. While they did try to promote equality for people of color in this country, their means of doing so are not to be applauded. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks were able to get their messages across through non-violent means. Using violence to promote one’s ideas should not be applauded by someone who is as influential and popular as Beyonce. She should set a better example for many of the children who gather to watch on game day.
I sympathize with those who feel oppressed in our society today. There are many systems in place to try and bring equity among people in our country. I commend Beyonce for acknowledging that there are issues that need to be addressed, however, there is a time and a place for everything, and I do not feel that the Super Bowl is the right time or place. Beyonce could have spoken on a talk show or allowed her music video to represent her stance on inequality.
The relationships between police officers and members of their community should be established. Police officers should get to know the people whom they dedicate their lives to serve. If programs or events were held so the people in the community and police could come together, then maybe many of the false arrests or violent acts against police officers can be diminished.
I respect Beyonce and the outfit choice she made at the Superbowl. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance when I watched it because she has an incredible stage presence. I honestly think it’s ridiculous that people were up in arms about the outfits and the formation video. Other celebrities use their fame and performance opportunities to voice their opinions on political matters. For example, Jennie McCarthy uses her fame to vocalize her belief that vaccines cause cancer. She has no scientific proof but because she has a large platform to share her belief her voice is heard by a plethora of people. Furthermore, Lady Gaga used her performance at the Grammy’s to show her support for victims of sexual assault. She brought out survivors on stage with her and overall it was a very moving performance. Like Gaga, Beyonce’s stand was about facts and violence that people face. However, because some white people feel as if the Black Panthers and the Black Lives Matter movements some how put them down some were offended by Beyonce. However, those who were/are offended really have no basis for feeling so. I understand you cannot tell someone what they can and can’t take offense to but they have never experienced the discrimination and the violence that most people of color have.
I honestly enjoyed Beyonce’s performance. She is an amazing performer with a great stage presence. She was scrutinized for using the Superbowl as a political platform yet so many celebrities use their fame to voice their opinions. Jennie McCarthy is a huge advocate for not vaccinating children because she’s a firm believer that they can cause autism. However, Jennie has no medical background. Her son was diagnosed with autism shortly after he was vaccinated so she holds vaccines accountable for his illness. Her fame allows her message to reach a broad audience even if there is no credible proof behind her allegation. Furthermore, Lady Gaga used her performance at the Grammy’s to show her support for victims of rape and sexual assault. Gaga singing her song “Til it Happens to You” was made extremely moving through having assault victims join her on stage. Both Jennie and Lady Gaga use the opportunities given to them to make a political stand so why was Beyonce scrutinized when she did the same thing? Beyonce’s, unlike Jennie’s, is backed by facts. Police violence against the black community is out of hand in my opinion. At her concerts now Beyonce puts up a list of black people who have been killed by the police and it fills up the entire jumbo-tron and then some. It is ridiculous. Honestly, I support Beyonce taking a stand against police brutality and her outfit choice at the SuperBowl 100%
The Black Lives Matter movement does not correlate with anti-police in any way, shape or form. This is a major misconception that has started controversy in today’s society, especially on social media. If you don’t understand the message Beyonce was trying to getting across, you don’t understand the purpose of Black Lives Matter. Beyonce wasn’t using her performance to publicly stand against the police force. It was to show that she stands with the black race as we go through such public tragedies. She used her platform as a celebrity to speak up for the voiceless.
I loved Beyonce’s performance. Her incorporation of Black Panther uniforms made her performance more theatrical. The Black Panthers fought in 1966 against white oppression. They fought for our rights, to make sure that people today wouldn’t have to struggle with the same exact problem. Isn’t it humiliating that the black race still has to fight for the same cause 50 years later? Race, class, and gender operate together because typically only low to middle-class black men and women could fully grasp the message behind Beyonce’s performance and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Black Lives Matter is a movement formed to bring to light the ongoing marginalization of the black race and the recent acts of police brutality. In no way is the movement saying “We hate the police force” or “Black lives are superior to other lives.” All we’re trying to say is “WE MATTER TOO!” As a race we’ve been discriminated against for years, even though policies like affirmative action are in place to prevent such things. It’s sad to see that in today’s world my race still isn’t looked at as an equal. I’m afraid that we’ll always be looked at as ‘less than.’
Honestly, I loved watching her perform because she always does a stupendous job, although, I did not realize how controversial the performance was until the media took it over. I have been extremely back and fourth on the “Black Lives Matter” campaign until recently. The internet spits out opinions of thousands of people, that I have seen, but I stumbled upon a video of a Jane Elliot, Anti-Racism Activist, who made a great point: she asked, “If you white folks want to be treated the way blacks are, stand…. Why are none of you standing?” If someone asked me this question, I wouldn’t stand. I know there is a problem out there and this made me recognize that we don’t want it for us. So why are we allowing it to happen to others?
In relation to the anti-police, the killing and brutality of police is just as hypocritical as the police killing the black men. If you are going to kill someone by their occupation, how is that any different from them killing you for your race? Either way you don’t personally know each other and you shouldn’t fight fire with fire or assume every person of that occupation/race is evil. There are bad people in every race, gender, occupation, locality, ect. That doesn’t give you the right to judge others with similar characteristics in a negative way. The view on police brutality has been an issue, but going against orders of a cop is against the law and everyone, of all races, should be corrected if doing so. You need to respect cops and they should respect you too. Respect should be given before an interaction, not after. This is applicable to both sides.
I don’t believe that Black empowerment goes hand in hand with being anti-police. The fact that media conveys the two as synonymous is sad because I believe everyone has the right to stand up for what they believe in. The two have become synonymous due to the face that the “Black lives matter” movement boomed in the face of the police brutality surrounding the deaths of many Black Americans. Thus, one might question the fact as to why Black people don’t become anti-police. They are constantly targeted just because of their race, which is completely unfair and unjust. Therefore, the rise of the “Black lives matter” movement is not surprising.
However, I think that part of the problem is the fact that the news has portrayed “Blacks lives Matter” demonstrations as being surrounded by violence and anti-police activity, which is not always the case. The purpose is to speak up for Black lives and show that they matter just as much as White lives do. It is not a stab at the police but rather an awareness of what is going on in this world. Black empowerment is important for Blacks and Whites alike. We as a nation must take time to see that we may state that we are a nation created equal but we do not treat all of our citizens equally.
Prior to reading this article, I was unaware of the controversy surrounding Beyonce’s halftime performance. Over the spring semester I was abroad in Spain and was unable to watch the Super Bowl. As a result, the underlying messages and meaning behind her performance came as a shock to me. Similar to any artist, Beyonce was trying to convey a message through her music. Unlike most people, Beyonce has the ability to reach millions of people and I respect her for shedding light on an issue that many people are choosing to ignore. Whereas many have succumbed to expressing their opinions through violence, Beyonce has found a way to express her viewpoint through art. She has given a voice to those who do not have the power or resources to stand up for themselves. While Guilani may believe that she tarnished the “wholesome” family entertainment that is supposed to be the halftime show, I believe she was setting a great example. She showed the world that one should not be afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
To associate Black empowerment with the political position of being anti-police is absurd. The Black Lives Matter movement is not just about violence towards Black people on behalf of the police, but it’s about the marginalization of Black people. When people say “Black lives matter” they’re not saying, “We hate the police.” Black lives matter means that Black lives matter just as much as white lives matter. They’re bringing attention to the fact that they have been targeted for generations.
Because we have a Black president, Black people have rights (voting), and there’s no segregation (or so they think) or lynching some people believe that Black people have it made. They believe that Black people who are murdered by police are murdered because they put themselves in those situations. False. The reason the events that have been occurring against Blacks are occurring is because this country was created based on the fact that Blacks’ only purpose was to serve the white man. Everything that’s happened after that was a direct result of that.
When people say Black lives matter, they’re saying that they want justice for the lives that have been taken at the hands of the police. They want the police to be held accountable for their actions. Not all police officers are racist, and not all Black people are criminals who need to be shot 30+ times.
I applaud Beyonce for using her platform to bring attention to the injustices that Black people are still facing to this day. It’s crazy to think that we have a Black president, but there’s still so much more to be done regarding justice for Black people.
I enjoyed the halftime performance. I am a fan of hers. I have always enjoyed listening to her music and watching her videos. Before reading this article, I did not think about the message she was sending. I simply watched the performance and continued to watch the football game. After reading this article, I understand why some people are saying that she should not have sent that message during the Superbowl because it was not the right time but then we have to think when is the “right” time? The Black Lives Matter is prominent today and needs to be addressed. There is no good time for this but it is the reality. Beyonce used her stage to send a message and I applaud her for that. Beyonce told us to embrace who you are and where you come from. I do not agree with the thought that being proud of who you are means you are anti-police. Its just not true.
I personally believe they are taking this performance and this artist, and turning it into something controversial. The main individuals that are complaining about Beyoncé and her “black panther” performance, are the individuals that do not want to see or hear the truth. The same individuals that wants to control what information is being broadcasted to the world, even if it means ignoring the fact that it is black history month. Even if it is ignoring the fact that not to long ago there was a long period of time when blacks could not express themselves because they didn’t have the rights too. It is black history month, in which I feel like she, we have a right in representing our past history. She was not mocking anyone, she was representing where she came from, where we came from. Our past, something that helped us be where we are today. I believe they were upset because it was on National Television, and knowing the United States of America, they want to paint a beautiful picture around things to make it look like the perfect place. Still to this day Racism exists as well as the KKK. Personally I feel that the government becomes a bit afraid when they see a formation of blacks coming together, especially if there are powerful leaders leading the movement. They address this situation so much, but it wasn’t important when President Obama was elected and was verbally battered his whole 8 years in terms. How people would say insulting things about him and his family (which was never okay for other presidents). This isn’t a controversy, it is Origin, it is us.
I do not believe that being pro police accountability and pro police violence. Cops should be be held accountable because the killing of unarmed youth is unacceptable. I give the ut most respect to the Brooklyn DA for prosecuting the officer that kill Akli Girlie. Do I think cops should be killed no, I think officers should be responsible for there actions. Hopefully more Cops will be held accountable for there actions with there weapons maybe we would not have to have this convosation anymore
Honestly, the response to Bey’s performance came as no surprise. When white Amerika see’s something that isn’t catered to it, it will find avenues to change it, and if WA can’t change it into something that benefits it then they turn it into a villain. This is a nation built on that exact type of structural violence. Its in the system, its in the courts and its in the media. They will villify Beyonce and call her a thret just like they called Assata a bank robbing murderer, just like they called Bobby Seale a terrorist, just like they called Mike Brown a thug. We have to do do away with the institutions and start fresh its done.
I enjoyed the performance that Beyonce gave at the Super Bowl but i did not really pay attention to the message she was sending at first. I did not know that the song she was singing has her new single that sends a message, i did not know that the uniform the back up dancers and herself were suppose to send a message until the next day when people started voicing their opinions about her and her performance. I was not offended by her performance at all at first because i did not really know what she was trying to send as a message but once i realized after analyzing the video and understanding the message she was trying to send i was not offended by it at all. I liked how she voiced her opinion and decided to send a message at a event such as the Super Bowl halftime show. I found it clever she decided to do that there because most people watch the Super Bowl for the game, commercials and the halftime show.
I don’t believe it is appropriate to conflate black power with the ideal that it is anti police just because it will start confusing people about the message or twist it to make it justifiable of the actions they will do. For an example on the internet i saw that a military veteran was attacked in a restaurant by black teens that were supporting their ideals about black lives matter. The article talks about how the teenagers approach the man and start verbally attacking about how black lives matter and ask him his opinion about it and before he was able to respond they attacked the man and robbed him of his wallet and other properties. A other incident that occurred is two teens attacked a police after and people are blaming Beyonce because of her performance in the Super Bowl. These two separate incidents sends a negative message about the people that are supporting black empowerment and the ideal of black empowerment.
I believe that the police should take responsibility for the actions they commit and face and penalties and judgement if an action they take ends up injuring a life or taking one away, But i do understand why police act and do what they do. Everyday their life is on the line trying to uphold the law and protect the people in their area. One time two officers stopped in late at night asking me if i was holding drugs or if i participated taking drugs. At first they were being really rude and obnoxious about it as if i did commit a crime but i treated and answered them with respect. In the end they explained to me that they didn’t mean to come out rude and obnoxious its the role they have to play and they apologize if they offended me in anyway. After that day i viewed the police in a different light.
Beyoncé is an entertainer who like all entertainers needs and wants to sell their brand and their latest creation. Coincidentally she was dropping a new one. This SuperBowl performance of hers was no different than any other artists’ I’ve seen on similar and the same platform. Some even use esoteric symbols bordering on the ritualistically Satanic. I frankly don’t bother much with the opinions of others if I like something – and I sort of like Beyoncé because I enjoy seeing her dance and stuff – but I must say that I didn’t realize this performance was a politically focused performance at all until I was TOLD by the media that it was so. I mean, when I hear some of the lyrics she sang in her song Formation, I didn’t hear anything political but mainly some girl-thug’ish lines. Here is one of the verses Beyoncé sings in the song Formation:
[Verse: Beyoncé]
When he f**k me good I take his ass to Red Lobster, cause I slay
When he f**k me good I take his ass to Red Lobster, cause I slay
If he hit it right, I might take him on a flight on my chopper, cause I slay
Drop him off at the mall, let him buy some J’s, let him shop up, cause I slay
I might get your song played on the radio station, cause I slay
(Read more: Beyonce – Formation Lyrics | MetroLyrics )
Also, I’d like to know why Rudi Julliani still thinking he’s relevant in anything anymore? That man is so hungry for any air-time – that HAS-BEEN-buffoon with his off opinions. Who says Beyoncé’s video/performance promotes any kind of violence to police? There was a quick scene where there was graffiti, which read, “Stop Shooting Us” but how is that promoting violence? I didn’t see anything like that even with the video about Ferguson shooting, Black Lives Matter and New Orleans floods. Just ridiculous and interesting how this is one white man’s view of the whole performance.
I felt the take of two black authors was very interesting. That of Yaba Blay and bell hooks:
I felt that the Yaba Blay was right on in her assessment and keen observations on “Colorism, Complexion and Worth”. She pointed out how though Beyoncé sings about her baby’s afro, her black nose, etc., she points out that her daughter Blue Ivy is with two dowdy looking darker skinned girls while Blue is wearing a sun dress with hands on her hips. This speaks volumes in the opposite direction to what Beyoncé is presumably trying to communicate with her lyrics.
The feminist scholar and author, bell hooks, called Beyoncé a ‘terrorist’ and an ‘anti-feminist’ in a lecture panel she participated in at The New School on May 7th of 2014. She was referring to how Beyoncé is allowing the media to portray her – that her role modeling to young girls is sending the wrong message. I tend to agree with hooks.
I surely did enjoyed Beyonce’s performance. I am not one of her biggest fans, but I can acknowledge that her performance was tremendous. I didnt watch her performance the day of the Super Bowl, I had to watch it on Youtube. Since this is stirring up many controversy, in my opinion it was a perfect time to deliver her message. There are millions of people watching the Super Bowl, and thousands that attended, PERFECT TIME!
It was a time to stand up for what was right. “Black Lives Matters”! African Americans have been suffering since slavery. Many innocent lives were taken away. By her wearing black relating to the Black Panther shows that enough is enough. When is it going to be a time when Black individuals are not going to be judge by their skin color. We have been beaten, segregated, discriminate, etc. Our former mayor Rudy Giuliani believes the performance was unacceptable. What I find is unacceptable is him believing that all police officers are here to protect us. But meanwhile we have and increase on police brutality. (Ferguson, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner,etc ).
I think her performance was tasteless. Then again, this is coming from a person who dislikes the definition of Beyoncé. Sorry I don’t like her. She thinks she’s still a teenager when she is supposed to be a parent. Beyoncé tries to maintain sassiness, it’s sad and pathetic.
I was very offended because these are issues of the past. Most importantly people who are like me, who are not concerned with racial issues has race redefine that I am. Politics play a role in everything today. I would have seen her with different eyes if all lives mattered. Broadcasting stuff like this, leads to more value shift moments, picketing at riots. It’s a shame that we have to indulge ourselves in negative concepts of the past.
Beyoncé’s piece is solely based on social construction. This is only racially geared to blacks. She is trying to convey that there is a common language between the performance and the audience. Class, there is notion that in American society that blacks are supposed to be the ones who do not fit in to white American. Therefore, blacks are supposed to be “forgotten.” Gender, it’s about women’s empowerment. Sex appeal is why Beyoncé prevails to all crowds, except to white women who are mothers who follow different gender roles and who do want to adhere to be seen as a sex object.
Let me begin by saying, being anti-police is a strong political statement. As citizens pay their police offices and salaries, they are supposed to follow the policy that is supposed to protect the citizens. If it was not for the police, maintaining order in metropolitan areas would be in total chaos. To say that black empowerment conflates a decision on being anti-police holds no ground with me. Don’t all people want to be safe in the long run? Most of all isn’t that the objective of the police?
Beyoncé’s work embodies human capitalism. She is working the only way that she knows how to. She is being subjected her sexuality and what is expected of her. Therefore, she is working in the public sphere which is usually reserved for men. What about the private sphere where she’s supposed to be a mother. She has enough money to not work.
Beyonce’s performance, in my opinion was not only amazing but powerful. I feel that Beyonce, like many other celebrities has the power to influence change and reach millions of people. The fact that she chose the Super Bowl to convey a message of black power and unity was genius. Beyonce is not only an artist, she is a role model who represents a community of Americans that have spent decades dealing with oppression .With all that has happened within the past few years throughout the United States, the police brutality, riots, killing of innocent men, the black community has gone through so much. This community has fought and taken a stand, with the Black lives Matter movement. I just feel that it was a great for Beyonce, a woman of power, to stand up and show the black community that not only is she a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, but she is willing to take a stand with them. The Black Panther reference in style as well as the “X” formation during the show was a reminder to America that this injustice is not a new epidemic, but has been around for decades.
I strongly disagree with all of the criticism being thrown at Beyonce because of her performance. She presented her message and support of Black power and Black lives matter in the form of art. She didn’t go out there and tell people to revolt and bear arms against police in the United States. She simply expressed her support for this movement. At the end of the day she is a member of the black community so it is natural for her to support this and want a better future for her people and children. She used the most watched event on television to reach millions of Americans as well as an audience that may not normally care about this movement, who also may think that police brutality is “necessary”. Her performance blindsided Americans who refuse to look at the truth and listen to the cries of the black community. The performance was not violent or aggressive, it was not a call for revolt. I feel that it was a powerful member of the black community, reaching out to her people and letting them know that she was with them in this struggle and she too believes that Black lives matter.
I agree with Jessica Williams in that the Superbowl is aggressive, violent and clearly completely acceptable. Yet somehow a performance regarding a controversial issue isn’t “wholesome” enough for “middle America”. If this is the case then the performance was perfect! “Middle America” along with all of the other individuals who live in denial of current events that are affecting millions of Americans need to see eye opening performances like Beyonce’s for the reason that It addresses real life issues. I greatly respect Beyonce for her daring message, she is calling for unity in a manner that I’m sure she knew would draw controversy but non the less she chose to convey the message because it needs to be heard.
In all honesty I am not a big fan of Beyonce, or even have her music on my phone. But after talking about her performance at the Super Bowl in class and realizing what is the song about, it just got all my attention. I loved her performance and her message. Especially how people in power are hating on her because of the ugly truth that they don’t want to confront and face. That ugly truth Which is knowing that cops are killing black innocent people and how they are getting away with it. But Beyonce as a black woman doesn’t care nor is afraid of anyone and is standing out there for her people. Her voice and her song will be heard by thousands and that might make people open their eyes a little bit. We need more voices like her who are not afraid of the people in power, to spread what is this system doing wrong. Yet, we wake up scared of the police and the people in power because we don’t don’t know how to defend ourselves. But we can follow those positive voices that have the power that we don’t to make a change. And let people know that there are others who feel the same way towards police officers and the horrible brutality that we have going on now. Many voices like Beyonce are with us on this issue and we can confront it in the best way possible which is speaking our minds out without violence.
To be honest he really SLAY this time. People tend to think that they live in a post racial era, with a color blind ideology. But if anyone out there thinks we live in a colorblind society, is reading this let me tell you, YOU ARE DEFIANTLY BLIND!!. Not because we have a black.lresindent it means that racism is over, is defiantly not, racism took a new form, and in this new form, it is harder for us, blacks, to say we our being victims of discrimination due to our race.
Those people, that critized her and said that they super blow is a place to family entertainment, and not to bring in “outrageous” topics with unneeded performances. Let me tell you one think, what Ms. Williams says in the tonight show, is defiantly true and I agree with everything that she said.
We are the ones walking around with a labels just because based on our COMPLEXION. YAH AIN’T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLACK. And all the stigmas and oppression we live.
Police brutality is alive, we get killed at a faster rate that any other race, and yah mean that she didn’t have the right to bring into one of the biggest platform a topic that affects every black person in this country ? Yah just tripping, if that’s the case. I am glad someone had the ability to reach all the way of the there and got the right people mad.
Her social status noontheles may bring some questions on how her struggle is Diferent from ours, and how she embraces the fact that she creole, and not just simply black. But that doesn’t take away too much from the valid points she made.
SHE SLAYED!!!!!
I found Beyonce’s Superbowl performance and her music video for the song Formation to be a milestone for the Black Lives Matter movement and racial equality activism in general. It is admirable that she seized the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of the police brutality and racial injustice that still remains in this country, through a platform like the Superbowl, which is arguably the most watched event in television. I also find that through the paraphernalia resembling that of the Black Panthers’ and the literal formation within the choreography, which paid tribute to Malcolm X, Beyonce has explicitly conveyed her message and has demonstrated, when looking at the public’s and the media’s response to her performance, that it takes what some would call ‘radical’ demonstration to truly provoke thought and acknowledgement of these issues.
I also strongly disagree with the opposition and criticism that her performance has prompted. In characterizing itself with the Black Panthers movement, Beyonce’s message is unlike that of the KKK, which critics are tying to. As was mentioned, both parties, the KKK and the Black Panthers, had a distinguished fundamental motive. Whereas the KKK sought to systematically oppress and massacre blacks, while promoting white supremacy, the Black Panthers advocated for the social and economic security of minorities, while also having to resort to radical and military action as a means to simply protect themselves from the sanctioned attacks that they encountered.
I can only hope that Beyonce’s action will encourage other celebrities, of all races and ethnicities, to utilize their networks and position to bring better awareness to this cause, and catalyze widespread change and empowerment.
I enjoyed the half- time performance, more so than I have any other one. Not only did it include three huge names in today’s popular music, but it united those artists, and the crowd, in a rally for basic human rights. This is a huge deal. I can’t say for certain, but I’m sure the key demographics of Super Bowl watchers is something like male, white, and middle class. These are, generally speaking, the type of people who don’t concern themselves with problems that are not relevant to them, or perhaps they would even be the type of people who oppose these movements. Ultimately, the issues brought up by Beyonce are often subjects that the average Super Bowl watcher would not worry themselves with. However, when Beyonce begins a performance about being black in America, with nods to the Black Lives Matter movement and the Black Panthers, coinciding with a Coldplay performance that promoted LGBTQ rights and equality, all of America, even the middle class, white men, were forced to deal with the reality of today’s society. There is a certain poetic justice in taking something so undeniably “American”, and infiltrating it with the Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ movements.
I also enjoyed it because, not only does it force certain people to deal with these issues, but it also shows a glimpse into the future. Beyonce, Coldplay, and Bruno Mars were, obviously, only able to perform because they are popular and liked by young people today. I know that, at least in my house, the older people were rolling their eyes at who was performing even before the show began. Since the half time performance is aimed more at this country’s millennials, it indicates that younger people are more aware of and open to learning about and helping these issues, because the artists that they look up to are promoting them.
As many others, I also loved Beyoncé’s halftime show performance. All of the rejection that has resulted from it, to me, seems to stem from fear of some sort of uprising that can be inspired by it. With Beyoncé’s incredibly large fan base and such influence over that fan base, they will follow her lead, be convinced of her message and “get in formation.” Honestly, in comparison to her music video, this performance was so far from a political statement other than the Black Panther homage. The “Formation” music video was very heavy with political protest imagery that there could have also been a fear that viewers would tune into the music video and receive her true, unfiltered message after viewing her performance.
Guiliani’s mention of the Super Bowl being “wholesome” family entertainment and implication of the Super Bowl being the incorrect platform for Beyoncé’s message tells me that he would rather keep people sheltered from her message. People of all ages, races and ethnicities need to hear and witness Beyoncé’s black pride as well as her discontentment with the lack of justice for innocent black lives lost. If anyone should receive and embrace Beyoncé’s message, it should be the younger generations in families in hopes that it will shine a light on the inequality that still exists in their world. If the next generation receives this message, hopefully in their time there will be no need to repeat it to the generation following them.
Jessica Williams makes great points about this as well, as if the middle class is “too white” to receive Beyoncé’s message and she is too intense for them. Giuliani, as well as many others that are up in arms about this, fail to remember or realize that artists do not need to put on a show that you are okay with. No artist creates his or her show around what one person or one group wants to see. As joked about in the recent SNL skit regarding Beyoncé’s performance, the upper and middle class clearly get caught up in the comfort of having everything be for, about or related to them. Beyoncé has come to such a point in her career where she does not have to do what she is told or worry about offending anyone. Art is meant to unsettle you, disrupt your way of thinking and inspire a new outlook on life. Her performance could have been far more “in-your-face” than it was and it still ruffled feathers. In my opinion, it was a job well done and a mission accomplished.
Unfortunately, even though there are many good-hearted well-meaning people in the country’s justice system, there are more than a few “bad apples” that spoil the bunch and give reason for songs like “Formation.” With those bad apples and bad legislature still in place, the good-hearted people garner the minority of the focus. If anyone can receive a non-guilty verdict after murdering innocent people, it is a reflection upon of all law enforcement, not just those bad apples. The whole justice system has failed if one person can be “home free” after committing murders of innocent people. Since that is the truth of the world we live in and that resonated with Beyoncé, she has the platform to spread the word and express her opinion on the matter as a person. The root of the problem is that even Beyoncé has been reduced to simply be an entertainer in the eyes of the middle class. She is a woman with a voice and an opinion, not just someone who is displayed on your TV screen for your comfort.
I personally enjoyed Beyonce’s performance, I think she always puts on a great show. She is one of the most idolize people in the industry and is absolutely using it to her advantage. Even if people don’t watch the Super Bowl, they just turn it on for the half time show, especially if Beyonce is performing. I think that all of the controversy surrounding the performance says a lot about the problem of police brutality and the entire black lives matter movement. She is bringing attention to an ongoing problem and I don’t think there is an issue with that. Many people are saying this was her way of attacking the police force, but I do not think it was meant to be seen as an attack. She is Beyonce, but she is just like any other person with an opinion. It does not matter if she is a black woman or not, she is still allowed to defend what she believes in and expressing her views just like anyone else. She is obviously a huge icon in the industry and uses that to her advantage, and I think it’s a smart move on her part. She was not vulgar or offensive in any way and I don’t think there should be the outrage that has been occurring over the past week. She knew it would be a controversial performance, but I think the fact that she did this shows a lot about who she is as a person and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. The sad reality is that there will never be true equality in this country. She is taking a stand on what she believes in and what she believes is right. We all have an opinion so why is she getting criticized for having an opinion when she did it in a harmless performance? So many people are freaking out over her performance and saying that it was wrong of her to send that message, but many of those people are still going to be paying a crazy amount of money to see her on tour this summer.
Beyonce as an artist is undeniable a true icon in the music industry. She has been successful in gathering a large fanbase from all over the world. It seems that everyone was in love with how Beyonce was as an artist. Now at the pinnacle of her success she gets political and speakers her true mind, people want to her to keep quiet? Beyonce most definitely will not keep her mouth shut on the unfair treatment by the police against the American Black community. Her “Formation” video has many hidden messages provoking and shedding light on how predominant black communities in the U.S.A. receive extreme unfair treatment from both the government and the police. I deeply appreciate and look up to Beyonce when it comes to speaking on controversial matters. I think she wanted all of this controversy to happen, honestly. I believe she is happy with the performance, the Formation video and the outcome of it all. Beyonce’s message to those who oppose the Black Lives Matters movement is just the beginning for her. I foresee that she will partake in more political standpoints to help benefit those who have a hard time having their voices heard. Her new Formation Tour is supposedly to be helping out the victims of the Flint Water Crisis, and for that, I already purchased my tickets! (Also made a donation =])
I just want to leave this right here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ociMBfkDG1w
Lol. I was watching this over breakfast this morning and losing my mind-so funny! Thank you!
Beyonce’s Super Bowl halftime performance was without a doubt politically charged. At first I felt shocked by her political message in her video because it was unexpectedly rough and made a statement but after thinking carefully about it, I believed an artist like Beyonce should always use their platform to bring attention to society’s injustices. Just because the Super Bowl game is a family show where all races join at once to celebrate a sport, it does not mean everyone should forget about what is truly happening in America! Why should it be a problem if Beyonce or any artist wants to express her opinion on a political issue? If celebrities can bring attention to LGBT rights, which was often equated to the Civil Rights movement, then why is race a problem? What if Beyonce was not black or if a white artist would have brought attention to this problem? Would everyone’s opinion be different? Of course it will. On the one hand, you will have people think it is not appropriate for a white artist to display this type of stance on the issue, and on the other, people will think that it was brave for her to do it. My question is; why can’t Beyonce defend her own people, race and culture?
Furthermore, why can Donald Trump carry out his racist agenda and gain supporters for his hate campaign yet an artist cannot express her views with her voice and dance? I would love to see people cry louder against his hateful political message rather than waste time by calling Beyonce an “anti-police” activist. I have shared two videos; one on someone’s negative comments regarding Beyonce’s performance and message, and the other is a video of famous singer Nina Simone and her view on what it means to be an artist. I agree with Ms. Nina Simone 100% because an artist should always reflect the times in which they live in.
Enjoy!
White News Anchor Bashes Beyonce’s Performance –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ0_xz-wgzs&feature=youtu.be
Nina Simone: An Artist’s Duty –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99V0mMNf5fo
Hey, thanks for the link to The Blaze’s video. I watched this with my students in another class last night – off the chain!!!!!!
I’ll check out the other link too!
Beyonce’s performance at the SuperBowl was perfection personified. She is aware she has many loyal fans and followers who will support the message she wants to the send to the world. I don’t understand why her performance was deemed as “controversial” and shouldn’t have been showcased at the Super Bowl, all the matters and symbolism she displayed were all matters the world is already familiar with. I think the reason for so much uproar of Beyonce’s performance at the SuperBowl is due to how many people were in attendance that listened and were completely engaged when Beyonce appeared. Beyonce is an influential artist, her message was conveyed to a large audience that love and admire her work and singing of Black empowerment and solidarity made her the voice of the oppressed. Beyonce, a black woman that grabs the attention of both men and women, the poor, the middle class, the rich and to all races.
The people that identified with Beyonce’s message were enlightened by it and the ones who felt offended by her performance are the same people who think she created a “race war” because she promoted Black empowerment and this caused feelings of uneasiness to be people like Guiliani because they are not ready to publicly take fault for the harsh reality Black people face in their everyday lives THAT THEIR IS A PREVALENT INEQUALITY AMONG THE RACES and situations like the lead poisoning in the water of Flint Michigan which the governor was well aware of and the death of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman who is an openly racist and multiple offender of the law and the death of Eric Garner for selling loose cigarettes are the solid evidence of this inequality and but is too “uncomfortable” to talk about after these events have transpired and then quietly exited into the dark never to be mentioned again.
Another example Tomi Lahren a conservative political commentator for FOX news had the audacity to recall Jay Z selling drugs almost 15-20 years ago BEFORE the record label, BEFORE the millions of albums he sold that went platinum, BEFORE he became a notable entrepreneur and influential businessman, his past is brought up to shame him and Beyonce because her performance was “too controversial” and promotes “reverse racism.” This IS the problem that anchors can get on a television program intended to inform on such a bias network like FOX and portray themselves as victims as if Beyonce got on stage to put shame to white people when her message had absolutely nothing to do with that. Creating awareness and promoting values from organizations such as Black Lives Matter is a way to make people conscious of the inequalities black people face every day and by default this does not put the black and white race against each other however news stations like FOX that question their motives because its called Black Lives Matter and not White Lives Matter or All Lives Matter is because it is THEIR STRUGGLE that is constantly being ignored and swept under the rug.
Black empowerment/ power doesn’t necessarily mean anti-police. It is evident the relationship between police and minorities is growing to be non-existent. There is a sense of fear and mistrust of the police but for all valid reasons. How many times in the past 3 years have you heard on the radio or tv or online about ANOTHER unarmed black man shot by the police? How many times have you heard or seen police harassing and targeting black people? It is not the people themselves that are anti-police, it is the police who create this atmosphere. It is evident in NYC police use extreme force and it is also apparent when police are on the street ready to fight crime young black and hispanic men are usually targets and are approached due to profiling. The police step into the streets of NYC with preconceived notions of who the criminals are, so do minority men even have a chance to live a normal life everyday or will they always be subject to search and talked to as if they have already done something wrong. Being pro-police is believing these men who are ordered to protect and serve with our tax dollars will prevail and cut crime rates and put the bad guys away. Being anti-police is in case of an emergency people hesitate to call the police because they can ultimately make a bad situation much worse and often times people take these situations in their own hands. Anti-police isn’t just an irrational stance it is the fear police put into minorities after experiencing years of harsh treatment and the inequality prevalent in the 911 calls made by a family in Jamaica Estates (an upscale neighborhood) whose wait time for police arrival is almost half in comparison to Southside Jamaica 911 calls. The mistrust many minorities have is due to so many cases of police misconduct and this anti-police attitude will not change if the police department does not change. Cops need to erase the criteria that all minority men are criminals and properly learn how to distinguish between civilian and criminal and how to properly take action when an individual is suspected without using extreme force.
I am in full support of Beyonce’s Superbowl 50 halftime performance. Her performance brought attention to a major issue in our society. In my opinion, the issue of police brutality and the call for the Black Lives Matter Movement could not have been brought to light on a better stage. What better than the most-watched sporting event on television? Despite critiques, I believe the timing was appropriate. Certainly more appropriate than a mother’s innocent child being gunned down in the street by his protector, or a woman dying in police custody over a traffic violation. Besides, as it is impossible to make everyone happy, there is never a full consensus during a movement towards change in a society. I find it interesting that Coldplay was not attacked for his own political performance, bringing attention to world-wide poverty and LGBT rights. It seems as though people only become threatened and offended when race comes into play.
Efforts to equate Black Lives Matter, however, to an anti-police movement is absurd. With this same mindset, should blacks who are having their family members unlawfully beaten up, arrested and killed by police officers consider their pro-police government, anti-black? This equation is almost as ridiculous as the comparison between the terrorist group KKK to the civil rights group, the Black Panthers. Those that don’t know much about the Black Panthers often view them as a violent, hate group when in reality, the Panthers lived by a specific code and did not advocate physical violence against non-combatant persons. People fear what they don’t know, and those that they feel have conflicting interests, so it made sense that people would grow to fear a black group or leader preaching self-defense over non-violence. The outrage over Beyonce’s performance I feel is due to society’s desire to avoid conflict and protect the system in place, especially when those groups are not directly affected by the epidemic. I fully support this performance and any other non-violent act to bring attention the violent issue at hand.
After reading this article and listening to other peoples point of view, I still stand by my opinion that I personally believe Beyonce delivered an outstanding performance at the Superbowl this past Sunday. I loved every second of it. I’m glad that an internationally known icon is taking a stand on a very important issue that is going on in today’s world. An icon that many people look up to. Race, class and gender all operate in the performance due to the fact that she is a successful black woman that is showing power and no fear of standing against a huge institution that is targeting her racial group.I believe the reaction she is getting for this performance says a lot about the problem. Instead of Giuliani trying to fix the problem he points fingers at everyone else. He stated the performance was tasteless because it was an act against the police but the only thing that is really tasteless is the acts the police have done against the people.
The controversy that Beyoncé’s performance has provoked is a proof that African Americans are still striving to get fully accepted as citizens of the country with the same rights as any other citizens. Therefore, as an African American artist, she has used the right platform at a moment where the entire nation was focused on the game to deliver her message. Although I have not seen anything politically offensive in her show, if politicians believe that she has wrongly used the super bowl which is an entertainment for the American family, this the time for them to revise their justice system that seems to be very partial in regard to certain ethnic groups.
Loved Beyonce’s performance. She is sitting on top of the world making money and doing her thing. She sends a message to the world about how far we have come as people. She gave a better perspective on the history of the African Americans plight in addition to other minorities, who have also fought to get to the top. She expressing her feelings the truth and putting into light the truth, which is her truth. Just because she sitting on top of the world dose not mean she isn’t looking down and ignoring the issues , she is aware. Beyonce did her job as an artist, not only was she true to herself but she gave her story her truth her views. Beyonce put into light what isn’t being addressed. If you don’t hear the world hear me.she definitely was heard. I’m very glad she did make herself heard .No one expected it just like no one expected what’s going on with police to be a contagious virus.thank you Beyonce
I loved Beyonce’s performance, though I did not know the meaning at first glance. I looked up the lyrics and watched the music video. I can say that I am not offended by her performance and I don’t think anyone should be but I can understand that some people are afraid to face the topic of race. They would rather just gather together for a sports game and call it a day. I feel as if some White Americans felt threatened by her performance and the symbolisms used to describe the problems of this day and age. I do not think Beyonce is anti-police but she is anti police violence. I think people like the mayor have nothing intellectual to say but accuse Beyonce of being a police hater. Why don’t they see why people hate the police first and stop overlooking the problems and fix it!
The reactions shown by political and non political americans show their thoughts on the current issues of police violence. They can careless of making changes and so i am glad that Beyonce stood up and delivered her message to middle America because we have to press on with our movement.
Sharmila Taveras
2/11/2016
I enjoyed Beyonce’s performance at the Superbowl very much. I think she was showing that African Americans have come a long way and they are still struggling. For instance during Hurricane Katrina many people lost homes and families just like during the times of slavery, when slaves were sold like property. A lot of families were split up. If we are going to survive the minorities must unite and pray for the better. African Americans are not punitive or easy to get rid of they are resilient people. Throughout History we have seen their struggles and they still do not give up. They follow the teachings of W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr. It is important to go to College or find a trade school. Do not retaliate in a violent way but use your education to fight your battles for you.
First off I would like to say that Beyoncé’s performance at the super bowl was phenomenal. I believe that all lives should matter and what Beyoncé did was bring to the open her beliefs and her identity. She was not attacking the police and only saying the police are bad people, but supporting the Black Panthers and protesting that Black Lives Matter.
I didn’t notice the symbolism initially when viewing Beyonce’s performance. I was surprised to hear the lyrics “I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils” and “You might be a black Bill Gates in the making”. I can see the political aspects in the lyrics and it’s incredibly prominent in the music video, especially when a row of police surrender in an “arms up, don’t shoot” motion to a young child dancing. I don’t see an issue with there being a political message in her performance. Plenty of songs have messages for the public which often reflect what is going on in society. Given the racial turbulence of the past year (and centuries before, since racism is not new), the lyrics are very tame. There were no names of cops or African American victims of police brutality mentioned in the lyrics. There is no call to start an uprising against white people or authority. Had the song been as intense as a certain N.W.A song, I would perhaps understand a backlash.
People complaining about her performance need to realize that African American struggles exist regardless of whether the public acknowledges them or not. Rather than settle for the usual Black History Month documentaries about the civil rights movement and abolitionists, which I’m sure most people skip over, Beyonce took it upon herself to send her own message during one of the most watched moments of the year. This was the time to say something in front of a huge crowd. While it was not a bouncy club song, she took to the field with her usual bravado and millions watched her send the message out that one should not give up due to the clash of their skin color against systematic discrimination. Do not succumb, but show the oppressors that one can rise above racism. African American issues exist regardless of any broadcasted event; they never stop. Thousands of people would have shared her music video on social media, but there is something I admire in Beyonce’s takeover of an event that people of all races, gender, and age tune in for. There was nothing but strength and self love on the field during the half time show and I don’t think it could be negated nor polluted by Black Panther outfits or the formation of an X. Those who felt uncomfortable or “attacked” ought to channel their feelings toward fixing the problem instead of trying to silence the whistleblower.
Beyonce is combining her talent with different types of movements. She collaborated Michael Jackson because it is Black History Month and he’s still a significant African-American figure. I feel that everyone will have their own personal opinion towards the performance because people have different perspective of what message she was trying to send through the audience. She is aware of the wrongful behavior going on, she’s showing her support and trying to make a difference in her own and unique way.
This is unbelievable, artists that deliver a message should be respected not criticized. The first amendment should apply to everyone but apparently freedom of speech is only for a selected group. When politicians lie to over 300 million Americans everyone wants to support them but when a black women presents real issues that we have in this country people decide to go after her. In order to fix this problems people need accept them but there’s a group of people that refuse to face reality. Many people believe that in the United States we have equality and freedom of speech but that’s very far from the truth. Equality does not exist in this country and freedom of speech ends when you say something that the government does not like. we spend so much time criticizing communism but we have it in our own back yard.
Do you think it is appropriate to conflate Black power/empowerment with the political position of being anti-police?
Black power shouldn’t be considered as being anti police some people don’t understand being black in America. Black power is about feeling good about your race its about being able to make it in America without having the government or anybody else restrict you from doing that. I think people are afraid to see that black people will make something of themselves.
As we perceived, Beyonce’s music video was influential but she made it powerful by performing it in the Super Bowl. This is what made people’s heads turn which also caught them by surprise because they weren’t expecting for her to do that. Although many people feel negative about her song, her video, and her performance, she still voiced out a message which represents a social and political development. This is a social and political message she has ever shared! Beyonce’s video illustrates vigorous images of black culture vanity, domination, affliction, and resilience. She is making it like it is the new Civil Rights Movement which is incapacitated in the Black Lives Matter. I found it provocative when the little boy was dancing in a line of police officers with their hands up which was a very powerful moment for the police when they had their hands up because it advocates that black people really have their body and having the ownership of their body. The dance was a way to show that power MEETS power which also represents an inspiring and political power meeting the institutional power, making it equal between the blacks and the police officers. We can also become aware of colorism which plays a huge role in the video, showing a kind of privilege in their space and that is when race and class comes along. Beyonce is a person who is self-sacrificing who knew that a lot of attention was going to be sparked up but she was willing to sacrifice herself in order to have a broader conversation about the police brutality and the use of force that they have used and continue to use on black lives. Overall, not only is her song/video about police brutality, but it exemplifies the fullness of the black reality in America which incorporates the grace, disempowerment, and most importantly, the black culture that has been shared in the past and present history.
I think Beyoncé aka Beyonslay did an amazing job! This is not the first time that a celebrity has used the superbowl to express their opinion on politics and what is happening in the world. Michael Jackson did it and Beyoncé’s co-performer Coldplay also made big political statements. It troubles me that people honestly found it offensive, but those are also the same people who not only forgot Beyoncé was black but are also extremely afraid when Blacks start speaking up. There is a screenshot going around that shows a woman by the name of Monica Howard’s status. In this status she goes on to talk about when Beyoncé was the “go to token black celebrity entertainer and sex symbol suitable enough for your entertainment and gaze. You were trying to copy her fashion trends. You were using her phrase “bootylicious” so much was added to the Oxford English dictionary in 2004.” She then goes on to talk about how quickly they switched on her because she used her “platform and notoriety to address the ills of anti-blackness, racism, misogynoir, and police brutality.” This reminds me so much of the white people that say they aren’t racist because they have a black friend. I’m so sorry to tell you but if you don’t support black issues and take offense to simple things such as black people letting their voices heard, then you my friend might just be a closeted racist who only tolerates those “well spoken, “oh my gosh, you’re so different from the rest” type of blacks.
“Until someone can show me a single white child brutally tortured and murdered by the Black Panthers (Emmett Till), a single White woman gang raped by Black Panthers (Harriet Smirl), a single white church firebombed by the Black Panthers (16th street Baptist Church)…I could go on and on and on and on, I’d better not hear any comparisons made between the Black Panther party and the Ku Klux Klan.”- Victor Bradley. Mr. Bradley listed quite a few more examples of racially motivated killings of the KKK to get his point across. Yes, the Black Panthers were not peaches, but they chose violence when they realized that the non violent actions of Dr. King and others were not working as well as they hoped. They did not go around tormenting and torturing people based on the color of their skin and religious beliefs. To compare them would be to compare apples to oranges. Yes they are both fruits, but hate is what separates the two. The Black Panthers started breakfast programs for children and did so much for their communities, no matter the race of the individuals living their. SO I am so sorry, but your argument that compares the KKK to the Black Panthers movement is invalid just like your ignorant hatred for people based solely on the color of their skin.
Also being “pro-police accountability does not mean you are anti-police. It just means that we are tired of things happening and the proper actions not being taken. If we can question the merit of teachers, doctors, Congress and even the President, then why not the police force?
I am totally for Beyonce’s “unapologetically black” song, video, and performance. I think it’s important for someone with her status to give a voice to those that are so frustrated with systematic racial injustices. I watched the Daily Show snippet earlier today and particularly liked Jessica Williams’ response to Giuliani’s comments about Beyonce’s performance being inappropriate for people in Middle America. She says, “Are you saying you can’t talk about race issues in Middle America? What are they so delicate and unaware and maybe so white that Beyonce is too much for them?” I scroll through my Facebook and can’t believe how many memes are posted calling her a racist and comparing her tribute to the Black Panthers to that of the KKK. My thing is, people are so OUTRAGED by Beyonce’s performance so much in fact that they plan to rally outside NFL headquarters in Manhattan yet there are still major issues at hand, such as, the Flint water crisis. People don’t seem to be outraged about that and that is bothersome. People are so quick to call Beyonce a racist and boycott her yet thousands of children have been poisoned with lead in a primarily black city and no one is outraged!!! It seems that it’s okay to marginalize a group but once that group starts speaking about the injustices they encounter they become dangerous and must be quieted.
Concerning Black Lives Matter: I firmly believe All Lives Matter. What I don’t believe is police should murder black individuals and not be held accountable for their actions. There has been ENOUGH “looking the other way” when it concerns questionable police shooting(s). There has been far too many heads of those in authority turning away, not seeing, not wanting to see what is in most cases very obvious. If taking a stand makes one anti-police; then what does one do to show intolerance of police taking lives of African Americans so unjustifiably? Not everyone has the resources or means to be heard………..But Beyoncé Does!!!
I feel Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, & Chris Martin did exactly what they came to do for the “Super Bowl Halftime Show”……..They entertained, separately & together, and they did a wonderful job of it. Furthermore, Beyoncé’s “Statement” couldn’t have been done at a better time than the Superbowl Halftime Show because that platform provided the “Perfect Place” to showcase her beliefs, and to express those beliefs with meaningful song & dance. It is unfortunate that some have chosen not to acknowledge that Beyoncé’s message was delivered with style, class, & grace. But then….Who Cares???
I thought the performance was amazing. I love when events like this happen and you can see the real beliefs of people who claim to be not racist. It’s really amazing that images from her video like, stop shooting us was taken as “attacking police and threatening them” but the same people weren’t outrage at the fact that hundreds of unarmed people have been killed by the police. I think it is understandable that people perceive black empowerment as anti-police because to be empowered as black people you must fight against powers that oppress you, the police being one of them.
Sharmila Taveras
2/10/2016
Honestly I did not watch the Superbowl ! I saw Beyonce’s performance in class on You Tube. I was stunned to see her video. But once again we need to go there. Just like the Black Panthers had to address difficult situations like Police Brutality and economic injustices towards African Americans. Middle America needs to wake up! All of the atrocities need to be addressed.
I personally enjoyed Beyoncé’s performance; I think it is very eye-opening for people that don’t understand the concept of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. I don’t think her message is to convey anti-police, I think what she is trying to do is to show and tell people especially African Americans to embrace their roots and to not let the police make them afraid of becoming someone better than the stereotypes that circle around them. Beyoncé’s message is to make sure black people are proud of where they come from. At the end of the video “formation” she says “always stay gracious; best revenge is your paper”. This means don’t let anything, anyone or the police take away your ambition to provide for your family and become financially stable. I can honestly go on about what I perceived her message to be, but this is basically the idea that I believe is behind Beyoncé’s performance.
Let me start off by saying I loved Beyoncé’s performance during the Super Bowl. I feel like she did a tremendous job and a great mocking of the black panthers. I do not agree with the controversy that has been going on because of it. I do not understand how they could relate the cruelty of the KKK to the black panthers, if it wasn’t for the people like the KKK the black panthers would have never existed, Black Panthers were created when black people started to feel like there were no other ways to protect themselves and make racist white people understand that black people were tired of them treating them unfairly, killing them, beating them and many other terrible things. so I applaud Beyoncé for her brave performance and hopes she does more advocacies for black people.
I don’t think she was “mocking” them as you say. She was pointing to their relevance in Black movement activism/politics, appropriating symbols from the movement and tying them to the contemporary moment of protest – BlackLivesMatter, etc.