Beyonce's Formation: Economic & Political Contexts

Question 1

Economic context

Answer 1

• The video was released the day before her Super Bowl performance.
• The combination of this release date and a performance to over 100 million people impacted the global circulation of the video and the financial gain for Beyonce and her collaborators.

Question 2

What intertext is referenced in Beyonce’s Formation?

Answer 2

• None of the filming of this music filming was actually completed in New Orleans. All the footage of the city (the shots of the neighbourhoods, the people, etc.) was yanked from a 2012 documentary called B.E.A.T, which forcuses on New Orleans Bounce music.
• The creators of the documentary didn’t even know that their footage was being used until after the “Formation” video dropped online.

Question 3

What are the negative interpretations of Beyonce’s take on Hurricane Katrina?

Answer 3

• It is suggested that by using images inspired by the tragic events of New Orleans and inserting herself into the storm narrative, Beyonce not only courted controversy, but lacked sensitivity about and event where many lost their lives, livelihoods and property.

Question 4

What criticisms have been raised of Beyonce’s in the framing of her music video sequences?

Answer 4

• It is also suggested that Beyonce casually discovered her ‘Louisana heritage’ when it suited her.
• Essentially, she is accused of exploiting the trauma of others to sell and image of herself which was not genuine (she experienced no loss during these events).
• In fact, many of the sequences of the music video are framed more like high-end fashion shoots. For example, Beyonce straddled atop a half submerged Police car as she pouts and poses for the camera seductively.

Question 5

What is this video often cited as an example of?

Answer 5

• Many cite this music video as an example of Agitprop - political propaganda, especially in art and literature.
• The slick nature of the music video combined with its placement and timing of release so soon after Beyonce’s Superbowl performance could potentially turn even her most avid fan into a cynic.