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I am both shocked and yet, excited to see that the topic of Beyoncé’s new song, “Formation,” has not been addressed. The first and only time that I’ve encountered this song was during her performance at the Super Bowl. Since then, I’ve heard a multitude of controversy arising on social media in regards to the song, the YouTube video, as well as her Super Bowl performance.

Naturally, with anything focused on the topic of race and gender, there are two sides (which in 2016 still baffles me). From what I’ve experienced thus far on social media, one side is in favour, while the other side is filled with critiques. For the most part, individuals of all races are proud to see Beyoncé using her celebrity platform as a means to promote racial equality. Her performance and music video (which I have attached at the bottom), feature an all black and female cast/crew. Moreover, her song alone is focused on staying true to her Black culture with lyrics like,

“My daddy Alabama, Momma Louisiana

You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bama
I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros
I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils
Earned all this money but they never take the country out me
I got a hot sauce in my bag, swag.”

(I have also attached a link with the song lyrics, which are helpful in defining the significance of each line of the song.)

With something that seems otherwise beneficial and an attempt at achieving equality, the question I am still struggling to understand is, what is the problem? Well, a quick search on Google provides plenty of explanations. Moreover, simply scrolling through Facebook, which is what initially introduced me to this debate, reveals even more. What struck me initially was everyone’s claim that the ladies in her Super Bowl performance resembled those of the “The Black Panther Movement.” The more I encountered this argument, the more I was intrigued. After a quick search, I discovered that “The Black Panther Party,” accounted for a Black organization, which sought to limit police brutality of African Americans during the 1960’s. The “Black Panther Party” itself, is still considered to be one of the most controversial Black movements. Unfortunately, I don’t know enough about the Black Panther Movement to contribute to this claim, and have to admit, I don’t care to know more. Why? Because if indeed, it was something negative in the past, I think it’s important to remember that it was, “the past.”

I think the main issue at hand, does not lie in Beyoncé’s possible tribute to the Black Panther Movement, nor does it lie in her suggestive choreography which pays tribute to the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” protest. There is an excessive amount of racial and gender critiques against her. It is in this excessive list of critiques, that the main issue lies. It lies in the fact that in 2016, the world still holds its racist attitudes. I don’t intend to speak on behalf of everyone, nor do I discredit the progress we’ve made, however, the fact is, millions of White American celebrities perform on stage, create their music and their videos with their all White cast/crew and NOBODY, thinks otherwise. ONLY when a woman of colour mirrors the same actions of a White woman does controversy suddenly arise.

And yet, my question still remains…

Why?

Here are some of the articles and websites I used to create this post and further understand this controversy. Please be warned that the following video and lyrics feature suggestive language and images. Viewer discretion is advised:
Lyrics: http://genius.com/Beyonce-formation-lyrics
Video: https://vimeo.com/154783794
Article: https://www.rt.com/usa/332936-beyonce-protest-miami-police-union/
Black Panther Web Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Panther_Party

I think both these posts subtly allude to the topic of equality and how such a level cannot be attained since society still does not operate on an equal field. In analyzing my previous posts (under "The Power Hungry"), it can be assumed that I don't believe that a perfected quality can be attained. While I believe this to be true, I also mention that the effort should be made regardless. In turn, the equal opportunity should also be presented for society to attempt such a standard. If equal opportunity and system is not put into effect, sadly the effort will be in vain. I leave this video to emphasize the capability of a partially equality system that can come to pass if the appropriate ideals are brought to the forefront

Honestly, I would have to agree with Hannah. I understand that Beyonce's Super Bowl performance was meant to promote racial equality and advocate the importance of celebrating different cultures, but it came off a bit pretentious. I do not wish to insult or belittle any culture by any means, all I am trying to explain is the fact that by Beyonce taking a very over the top approach to her African-American culture-publicized event, an all black female dance crew and cast, racially/culturally laden lyrics-she is eliminating the presence of other cultures; coming full circle and acting in a similar fashion as the people she is trying to exploit for being racist. Instead of fighting inequality on a global scale by addressing the issues of degradation and demoralization of others, Beyonce's performance can be seen as contributing to the overall issue. The lascivious dance moves and revealing attire worn by the female dancers may not have anything to do with the issue of race, but when combined, they contribute to the problem of gender inequality.

There are many mixed signals that are being given off; young girls and grown women may begin to believe that the only way the world will hear their voices-the only way they will be able to obtain even a fraction of the amount of power held by men-is by using their bodies instead of their minds. In which case, maybe we have it all wrong. Maybe Beyonce's performance was not meant to challenge race inequalities, but to educate people on their tendencies to pass judgement. I mean, look how quick everyone assumed the performance to be a disgrace and demanded that Beyonce be banned from certain states and countries. Yet, no one had solid grounds to actually make such a request.

The world claims to be more accepting than it once was-the times have changed and the world has changed along with them-then why is it that we are constantly pointing fingers at everything that is wrong with the world instead of drawing attention to everything that is right? Beyonce's performance was on the other hand, a part from the racial/gender controversy, rather empowering. It can be seen as providing all women with a new found sense of pride; that they do not have to conform to the unoriginal, female image that the world has created thus far. Every moment does not have to be defined by race or religion, gender or social status-there does not have to be an argument every time someone decides to present themselves in a different light than what we are accustomed to-it can simply be a moment where we can come together by our love of a single thing.

Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video caused feelings of both outrage and empowerment.

Saturday Night Live reacted with a sketch titled "The Day Beyoncé Turned Black" wherein white people are shocked that Beyoncé is black, as she is often held on a pedestal within the white community. One actor says "Maybe the song isn't for us.” “But usually everything is!" Another woman replies.

Beyoncé’s video is empowering for the black community on top of being a plea to white police officers to stop killing innocent black people. Beyoncé’s global recognition allows her music video to be extremely influential and it does not go unnoticed.

I'd like to share Kate Forristall's article written in Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-forristall/formation-doesnt-include-me-and-thats-just-fine_b_9188496.html

Forristall writes "If you check the “Caucasian” box on a job application, your place is in the bleachers for this dance." I couldn't agree more.

This means that white people shouldn't be posting covers of Formation on Youtube and singing the lyrics "I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros/I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils" which unfortunately, has happened already: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obC7X3WUsNQ

I think the dislikes speak for themselves in that one.