There is a reason the women of the world are talking about Beyonce Knowles this week.
She did not just perform at the 50th Super Bowl Halftime Show in California – she ripped apart every African American and female stereotype that exists and spat it back in the faces of the world.
And most of us roared.
Today it has dawned on the world Beyonce has delivered one of the most politically charged musical performances in recent history.
And in a genius masterstroke, she did it during the most-watched television event of the year in the United States.
Beyonce onstage during the Super Bowl Halftime Show Image: Kevin Mazur / Getty images
Many people are not happy with some politicians and right-wing media in America already coming out and calling her a “hypocrite.”
Rudy Giuliani, a onetime Republican presidential contender, and former NY Mayor, rebuked Beyoncé on Monday for what he described as an “attack” on police officers during her Super Bowl halftime show performance.
“This is football, not Hollywood, 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,” he said during an appearance on the Fox News channel.
The critique came in response to a question from Fox News anchor Anna Kooiman, who appeared to suggest hypocrisy on Beyoncé’s part:
“Beyoncé got a police escort there, and then she gives a salute to the Black Lives Matter movement. … It was a nod to 1966 founding of the Black Panther Party. What did you think of that?” Kooiman asked.
“I think it was outrageous,” Rudy said.
Beyonce performed her new single ‘Formation’ – a mind-blowing musical composition that strongly references the Black Lives Matter movement. There was no mistaking the black berets of her army of back up dancers – they were the Black Panther Party.
The Black Panther Party was a militant organisation set up 50 years ago to defend black people against violence and challenge police brutality.
At one point Beyonce and her Black Panthers raised their fists to mimic the Black Panthers salute.
During the invincibly choreographed dance routine, Beyonce and the Panthers formed the X shape. A physical move that is believed by some watching to have been a clear reference to Malcolm X – the black civil rights leader, shot dead in 1965.
Then there were the black bands around all of their legs, including Beyonce. She was pointing to the black lives tragically lost in America due to race wars and police brutality in years past.
Top Comments
I actually quite like the visuals in the film clip and while the song isn't my style, can see that it is of a certain genre.
I just don't like all this blind hero worship of Beyonce. Can't she deliver the same message and be the powerful woman that she is without calling herself the queen; make references for others to bow down; use of the word bitch to describe other women and references such as albino alligators for white people?
And of course she timed the release of her song for maximum impact. She is a brand after all, and this is all part of a clever marketing plan.