Formation- Beyonce Flashcards
(42 cards)
What effect does the line “When he f** me good I take his a** to Red Lobster”* have on Beyoncé’s representation?
It adds a passionate, assertive tone and reclaims sexual agency, challenging typical representations of female artists.
How does the use of reclaimed language contribute to the video’s message?
It reinforces themes of racial discrimination, empowerment, and reclaiming previously suppressed power.
What does Beyoncé’s position on top of the police car suggest?
It symbolizes dominance over the police and challenges systems of oppression in the U.S.
How is Beyoncé represented through her costume and body language?
Loosely dressed, wearing masculine styles and assertive posture, she appears powerful, independent, and in control.
What does the use of the word “cocky” in headlines and lyrics say about her image?
It frames her as confident and self-assured, embracing boldness.
How might some audiences interpret the scene with the sinking police car?
As anti-law enforcement or anti-American, sparking controversy.
What’s the effect of tracking the camera toward her face?
It centres her as the focal point, creating a sense of power and importance.
What do Beyoncé’s costumes and accessories in Formation connote?
They suggest wealth, success, and power—challenging stereotypical media representations of Black people as poor or disadvantaged (Gauntlett).
How might her luxurious styling appeal to audiences?
It can inspire admiration and aspiration, positioning her as a role model.
What does the juxtaposition of antebellum clothing with symbols of Black wealth signify?
It highlights how Black people were once enslaved and contrasts this with modern empowerment, celebrating progress.
How does the use of children in the video function symbolically?
It suggests both ongoing discrimination and hope for a better future for Black youth.
What does the intertextual reference to “hot sauce” or “Red Lobster” imply culturally?
It draws attention to cultural identity and pride in Southern Black traditions, connecting personal and political themes.
How does the video reference Beyoncé’s heritage?
Mentions of her mother and father’s cultural origins show pride in her background and celebrate Black cultural diversity in America.
What is the impact of referencing Hurricane Katrina and police brutality?
It brings focus to ongoing racial injustice, especially against Black communities in the U.S.
What does Beyoncé reference by addressing colorism and skin tone in Formation?
She highlights negative historical practices like the “paper bag test,” drawing attention to colorism within and against Black communities—though some audiences found it divisive.
What is the significance of Beyoncé praising wider noses in Formation?
It challenges colonial beauty standards and affirms Black physical features often misrepresented as unattractive in mainstream media (hooks).
How does the video celebrate Black southern culture?
Through cultural references like hot sauce, braids, and Southern dialects, Beyoncé affirms and uplifts specific regional Black identities.
Why is Big Freedia’s voice featured in the breakdown of Formation?
It introduces the bounce music genre, rooted in Black queer culture, helping diversify representation and embrace LGBTQ+ voices.
How does Formation reflect bell hooks’ idea of decolonizing beauty?
By proudly showcasing and valuing Black features, fashion, and culture, the video resists white, Western beauty norms.`
What is the impact of celebrity collaborations in the video?
They reinforce Beyoncé’s success, but also spotlight underrepresented communities such as LGBTQ+ and Black southern subcultures.
What does the inclusion of Big Freedia’s voice suggest about Beyoncé?
It presents her as inclusive, progressive, and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
What does the tracking shot through the hair salon signify?
It celebrates Black beauty culture, showing wigs, hairstyles, and fashion as expressions of identity—emphasising that Black femininity is diverse and complex.
How are the police represented through initial low-angle shots and uniforms?
They appear powerful and intimidating, especially when contrasted with the calm, confident young Black boy.
What is the effect of the eye-level shot with the young boy?
It aligns the audience with his perspective, encouraging empathy and highlighting his composure despite the implied threat.
