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[lomilly]

Race and Representation

Lolie Millspaugh

Song 1: "Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé feat. Shakira

Song Introduction:

“Beautiful Liar” is a song by Beyoncé and Shakira, released in 2006 as the only single from the deluxe edition of Beyoncé's album, B'Day. The mid-tempo track combines Shakira's Latin and Arabic styles with Beyoncé's contemporary hip-hop and R&B influences. Thematically, the song revolves around female empowerment, with the protagonists singing about being charmed by the same man but choosing not to compete for his attention. The collaboration received positive reviews from critics, earning Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations and winning an Ivor Novello Award. Commercially, it peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in several European countries. The music video, directed by Jake Nava won the MTV Video Music Award for Most Earthshattering Collaboration in 2007. The success of “Beautiful Liar” contributed to its inclusion in Beyoncé's world tour setlist, The Beyoncé Experience, in 2007.

Music Video: "Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé featuring Shakira

Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘Black’ in Black Popular Culture?”

Stuart Hall, in his essay, “What is this “Black” in Black Popular Culture?” describes the idea of the difference in the struggle over cultural hegemony– ruling maintained through ideological or cultural means– found within the positive margins of postmodern culture. More specifically, Hall argues that a mix of original African heritage and the experiences of the black diaspora, has given rise to black culture, often seen through style, music, and the arts. To connect to “Beautiful Liar,” Hall’s main argument in the essay is centered around the idea that popular culture is “where we discover and play with the identifications of ourselves, where we are imagined, where we are represented, not only to the audiences out there who do not get the message but to ourselves for the first time,” (113). I find this argument to be apparent in Beyoncé’s music video “Beautiful Liar” featuring Shakira because the spontaneity in the choreography and the collaborative spirit between the two singers contribute to the video’s exploration of black popular culture. We see Beyoncé exploring the identification of herself in the video through the lyrics, where she shows the power of women staying united, as well as through her appearance and choice of music, where she shows her culture. All of this aligns with Hall’s argument that I quoted above, in that Beyoncé is playing with her identification, how she is imagined and represented.

Henry Louis Gates, “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey”

Henry Louis Gates’ essay and the music video for “Beautiful Liar” by Beyoncé featuring Shakira can be related in the context of exploring African-American cultural expression and identity. In his essay, Gates discusses the concept of signifyin(g), a literary form rooted in African American traditions, involving repetition, cultural actions, and imitation that shape blackness in literature. I found this to be similar to the cultural expressions seen in the music video, where Beyoncé, who is African American, and Shakira, who is Latina, draw on their respective cultural backgrounds to create a mix and unique visual and musical experience. This can be seen through Beyoncé’s incorporation of hip-hop and more contemporary dance elements and Shakira through her inclusion of belly dancing. This mixing and merging of cultural elements in the video aligns with Gates’ concept of signifying as both artists symbolically express and signify their cultural identities through their music and performances. They use these cultural elements not only to entertain but also to symbolize their identities and celebrate the richness of their respective cultural backgrounds. And to go a step further, we see throughout the video, and specifically closer to the end of the video, the two singers appear to be mirroring one another, and sharing these aspects of their cultures. All in all, the music video for "Beautiful Liar" can be seen as a manifestation of the concept of signifyin(g), where cultural identities are expressed and signified through artistic collaboration and performance.

Song 2: "Formation" - Beyoncé

Song Introduction:

"Formation" is a celebrated R&B song by Beyoncé from her album Lemonade. Released in 2016, it’s known for its cultural celebration and references to Beyoncé’s Southern black identity. Critics praised its lyrics, production, and vocal performance, naming it the top song of 2016 and the decade by various publications. The song's music video, which premiered alongside the song, is directed by Melina Matsoukas, and showcases black pride and Southern culture, earning critical acclaim and being hailed as one of the greatest music videos of all time by Rolling Stone. Along with that, Beyoncé performed this at the Superbowl Halftime show, where Entertainment Tonight interviewed her afterward, Beyoncé saying "I wanted people to feel proud and have love for themselves." However, the song sparked controversies, with conservative commentators accusing Beyoncé of anti-police and anti-American messaging, leading to boycotts and protests. Despite the controversies, "Formation" became a protest anthem for movements like Black Lives Matter and the Women's March and has been studied at educational institutions for its cultural significance.

Music Video: "Formation" - Beyoncé

Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘Black’ in Black Popular Culture?”

In the music video, we see a celebration and representation of black culture, incorporating various cultural elements, historical references, and symbolic imagery. In this music video, Beyoncé utilizes her platform to assert her identity and embrace her cultural heritage, challenging dominant narratives and stereotypes about being black. The music video shows diverse representations, from scenes depicting New Orleans culture and traditions to more powerful shots referencing historical events like Hurricane Katrina and the Black Lives Matter movements.

These representations emphasize the range and richness of black experiences, echoing Hall’s idea of cultural formations stemming from the convergence of multiple traditions of dominant and subordinate positions. Along with that, “Formation” is a place where Beyoncé explores and asserts her identity, both externally to the audience and, importantly, internally, to herself. This directly connects with Hall’s idea that popular culture is where individuals discover and play with identifications of themselves. Overall, I see Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video aligning with Stuart Hall’s concepts by presenting a multifaceted representation of black culture and engaging with historical and contemporary aspects while actively contributing and changing the current dialogue and portrayal of being black in popular culture.

Henry Louis Gates, “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey”

Henry Louis Gates, in his essay “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey,” focuses on the concept of signifyin(g), which refers to a verbal strategy within African American culture that involves the indirect expression and exploitation of the symbolic meanings of words. It involves a practice of linguistic interaction that leads to a gap between the word’s literal meaning and the interpretation of the word. I found that in Beyoncé’s music video. “Formation” the concept of signifying can be interpreted throughout. The video is filled with rich symbols and references that signify aspects of black culture. It shows New Orleans culture, as well as more historical events/movements like Hurricane Katrina and the BLM movement. Along with that, we see through the lyrics and visuals that show Beyoncé's pride in her black heritage and roots, asserting her identity boldly; there are lyrics or clips of soul food, black dance groups, black church community, black women's hairstyles, et cetera. All of this is an example of Gates’ idea of signifying because what we see are just the signs, but with exploration, these hold a much deeper meaning.

Discussion Questions:

Hall says that popular media “is a theater of popular desires, a theater of popular fantasies. It is where we discover and play with the identifications of ourselves, where we are imagined, where we are represented, not only to the audiences out there who do not get the message, but to ourselves for the first time.” Do you agree with this? If so, where do you see this being true in popular media (TV, movie, music, et cetera.) today? If not, what do you think popular media is? 

Henry Louis Gates talks about “signifyin(g),” a verbal strategy in African American culture. Can you identify ways people use indirect expressions or cultural references in today's media or conversations to convey deeper meanings or messages?

In what ways does contemporary popular culture provide platforms for marginalized racial identities to be represented and explored, aligning with Stuart Hall’s discussion on the exploration of identities? Can you think of instances in recent media where underrepresented racial groups showcase their identities and experiences?

#discussionleader #oxyvisualanalysis

[lomilly]

oxyvisualanalysis-fa23

Race and Representation

Lolie Millspaugh

Song 1: "Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé feat. Shakira

Song Introduction:

“Beautiful Liar” is a song by Beyoncé and Shakira, released in 2006 as the only single from the deluxe edition of Beyoncé's album, B'Day. The mid-tempo track combines Shakira's Latin and Arabic styles with Beyoncé's contemporary hip-hop and R&B influences. Thematically, the song revolves around female empowerment, with the protagonists singing about being charmed by the same man but choosing not to compete for his attention. The collaboration received positive reviews from critics, earning Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations and winning an Ivor Novello Award. Commercially, it peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in several European countries. The music video, directed by Jake Nava won the MTV Video Music Award for Most Earthshattering Collaboration in 2007. The success of “Beautiful Liar” contributed to its inclusion in Beyoncé's world tour setlist, The Beyoncé Experience, in 2007.

Music Video: "Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé featuring Shakira

Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘Black’ in Black Popular Culture?”

Stuart Hall, in his essay, “What is this “Black” in Black Popular Culture?” describes the idea of the difference in the struggle over cultural hegemony– ruling maintained through ideological or cultural means– found within the positive margins of postmodern culture. More specifically, Hall argues that a mix of original African heritage and the experiences of the black diaspora, has given rise to black culture, often seen through style, music, and the arts. To connect to “Beautiful Liar,” Hall’s main argument in the essay is centered around the idea that popular culture is “where we discover and play with the identifications of ourselves, where we are imagined, where we are represented, not only to the audiences out there who do not get the message but to ourselves for the first time,” (113). I find this argument to be apparent in Beyoncé’s music video “Beautiful Liar” featuring Shakira because the spontaneity in the choreography and the collaborative spirit between the two singers contribute to the video’s exploration of black popular culture. We see Beyoncé exploring the identification of herself in the video through the lyrics, where she shows the power of women staying united, as well as through her appearance and choice of music, where she shows her culture. All of this aligns with Hall’s argument that I quoted above, in that Beyoncé is playing with her identification, how she is imagined and represented.

Henry Louis Gates, “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey”

Henry Louis Gates’ essay and the music video for “Beautiful Liar” by Beyoncé featuring Shakira can be related in the context of exploring African-American cultural expression and identity. In his essay, Gates discusses the concept of signifyin(g), a literary form rooted in African American traditions, involving repetition, cultural actions, and imitation that shape blackness in literature. I found this to be similar to the cultural expressions seen in the music video, where Beyoncé, who is African American, and Shakira, who is Latina, draw on their respective cultural backgrounds to create a mix and unique visual and musical experience. This can be seen through Beyoncé’s incorporation of hip-hop and more contemporary dance elements and Shakira through her inclusion of belly dancing. This mixing and merging of cultural elements in the video aligns with Gates’ concept of signifying as both artists symbolically express and signify their cultural identities through their music and performances. They use these cultural elements not only to entertain but also to symbolize their identities and celebrate the richness of their respective cultural backgrounds. And to go a step further, we see throughout the video, and specifically closer to the end of the video, the two singers appear to be mirroring one another, and sharing these aspects of their cultures. All in all, the music video for "Beautiful Liar" can be seen as a manifestation of the concept of signifyin(g), where cultural identities are expressed and signified through artistic collaboration and performance.

Song 2: "Formation" - Beyoncé

Song Introduction:

"Formation" is a celebrated R&B song by Beyoncé from her album Lemonade. Released in 2016, it’s known for its cultural celebration and references to Beyoncé’s Southern black identity. Critics praised its lyrics, production, and vocal performance, naming it the top song of 2016 and the decade by various publications. The song's music video, which premiered alongside the song, is directed by Melina Matsoukas, and showcases black pride and Southern culture, earning critical acclaim and being hailed as one of the greatest music videos of all time by Rolling Stone. Along with that, Beyoncé performed this at the Superbowl Halftime show, where Entertainment Tonight interviewed her afterward, Beyoncé saying "I wanted people to feel proud and have love for themselves." However, the song sparked controversies, with conservative commentators accusing Beyoncé of anti-police and anti-American messaging, leading to boycotts and protests. Despite the controversies, "Formation" became a protest anthem for movements like Black Lives Matter and the Women's March and has been studied at educational institutions for its cultural significance.

Music Video: "Formation" - Beyoncé

Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘Black’ in Black Popular Culture?”

In the music video, we see a celebration and representation of black culture, incorporating various cultural elements, historical references, and symbolic imagery. In this music video, Beyoncé utilizes her platform to assert her identity and embrace her cultural heritage, challenging dominant narratives and stereotypes about being black. The music video shows diverse representations, from scenes depicting New Orleans culture and traditions to more powerful shots referencing historical events like Hurricane Katrina and the Black Lives Matter movements.

These representations emphasize the range and richness of black experiences, echoing Hall’s idea of cultural formations stemming from the convergence of multiple traditions of dominant and subordinate positions. Along with that, “Formation” is a place where Beyoncé explores and asserts her identity, both externally to the audience and, importantly, internally, to herself. This directly connects with Hall’s idea that popular culture is where individuals discover and play with identifications of themselves. Overall, I see Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video aligning with Stuart Hall’s concepts by presenting a multifaceted representation of black culture and engaging with historical and contemporary aspects while actively contributing and changing the current dialogue and portrayal of being black in popular culture.

Henry Louis Gates, “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey”

Henry Louis Gates, in his essay “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey,” focuses on the concept of signifyin(g), which refers to a verbal strategy within African American culture that involves the indirect expression and exploitation of the symbolic meanings of words. It involves a practice of linguistic interaction that leads to a gap between the word’s literal meaning and the interpretation of the word. I found that in Beyoncé’s music video. “Formation” the concept of signifying can be interpreted throughout. The video is filled with rich symbols and references that signify aspects of black culture. It shows New Orleans culture, as well as more historical events/movements like Hurricane Katrina and the BLM movement. Along with that, we see through the lyrics and visuals that show Beyoncé's pride in her black heritage and roots, asserting her identity boldly; there are lyrics or clips of soul food, black dance groups, black church community, black women's hairstyles, et cetera. All of this is an example of Gates’ idea of signifying because what we see are just the signs, but with exploration, these hold a much deeper meaning.

Discussion Questions:

Hall says that popular media “is a theater of popular desires, a theater of popular fantasies. It is where we discover and play with the identifications of ourselves, where we are imagined, where we are represented, not only to the audiences out there who do not get the message, but to ourselves for the first time.” Do you agree with this? If so, where do you see this being true in popular media (TV, movie, music, et cetera.) today? If not, what do you think popular media is? 

Henry Louis Gates talks about “signifyin(g),” a verbal strategy in African American culture. Can you identify ways people use indirect expressions or cultural references in today's media or conversations to convey deeper meanings or messages?

In what ways does contemporary popular culture provide platforms for marginalized racial identities to be represented and explored, aligning with Stuart Hall’s discussion on the exploration of identities? Can you think of instances in recent media where underrepresented racial groups showcase their identities and experiences?

#discussionleader #oxyvisualanalysis

[lomilly]

tumblr.com/blog/oxyvisualanalysis-fa23.

Race and Representation

Lolie Millspaugh

Song 1: "Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé feat. Shakira

Song Introduction:

“Beautiful Liar” is a song by Beyoncé and Shakira, released in 2006 as the only single from the deluxe edition of Beyoncé's album, B'Day. The mid-tempo track combines Shakira's Latin and Arabic styles with Beyoncé's contemporary hip-hop and R&B influences. Thematically, the song revolves around female empowerment, with the protagonists singing about being charmed by the same man but choosing not to compete for his attention. The collaboration received positive reviews from critics, earning Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations and winning an Ivor Novello Award. Commercially, it peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in several European countries. The music video, directed by Jake Nava won the MTV Video Music Award for Most Earthshattering Collaboration in 2007. The success of “Beautiful Liar” contributed to its inclusion in Beyoncé's world tour setlist, The Beyoncé Experience, in 2007.

Music Video: "Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé featuring Shakira

Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘Black’ in Black Popular Culture?”

Stuart Hall, in his essay, “What is this “Black” in Black Popular Culture?” describes the idea of the difference in the struggle over cultural hegemony– ruling maintained through ideological or cultural means– found within the positive margins of postmodern culture. More specifically, Hall argues that a mix of original African heritage and the experiences of the black diaspora, has given rise to black culture, often seen through style, music, and the arts. To connect to “Beautiful Liar,” Hall’s main argument in the essay is centered around the idea that popular culture is “where we discover and play with the identifications of ourselves, where we are imagined, where we are represented, not only to the audiences out there who do not get the message but to ourselves for the first time,” (113). I find this argument to be apparent in Beyoncé’s music video “Beautiful Liar” featuring Shakira because the spontaneity in the choreography and the collaborative spirit between the two singers contribute to the video’s exploration of black popular culture. We see Beyoncé exploring the identification of herself in the video through the lyrics, where she shows the power of women staying united, as well as through her appearance and choice of music, where she shows her culture. All of this aligns with Hall’s argument that I quoted above, in that Beyoncé is playing with her identification, how she is imagined and represented.

Henry Louis Gates, “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey”

Henry Louis Gates’ essay and the music video for “Beautiful Liar” by Beyoncé featuring Shakira can be related in the context of exploring African-American cultural expression and identity. In his essay, Gates discusses the concept of signifyin(g), a literary form rooted in African American traditions, involving repetition, cultural actions, and imitation that shape blackness in literature. I found this to be similar to the cultural expressions seen in the music video, where Beyoncé, who is African American, and Shakira, who is Latina, draw on their respective cultural backgrounds to create a mix and unique visual and musical experience. This can be seen through Beyoncé’s incorporation of hip-hop and more contemporary dance elements and Shakira through her inclusion of belly dancing. This mixing and merging of cultural elements in the video aligns with Gates’ concept of signifying as both artists symbolically express and signify their cultural identities through their music and performances. They use these cultural elements not only to entertain but also to symbolize their identities and celebrate the richness of their respective cultural backgrounds. And to go a step further, we see throughout the video, and specifically closer to the end of the video, the two singers appear to be mirroring one another, and sharing these aspects of their cultures. All in all, the music video for "Beautiful Liar" can be seen as a manifestation of the concept of signifyin(g), where cultural identities are expressed and signified through artistic collaboration and performance.

Song 2: "Formation" - Beyoncé

Song Introduction:

"Formation" is a celebrated R&B song by Beyoncé from her album Lemonade. Released in 2016, it’s known for its cultural celebration and references to Beyoncé’s Southern black identity. Critics praised its lyrics, production, and vocal performance, naming it the top song of 2016 and the decade by various publications. The song's music video, which premiered alongside the song, is directed by Melina Matsoukas, and showcases black pride and Southern culture, earning critical acclaim and being hailed as one of the greatest music videos of all time by Rolling Stone. Along with that, Beyoncé performed this at the Superbowl Halftime show, where Entertainment Tonight interviewed her afterward, Beyoncé saying "I wanted people to feel proud and have love for themselves." However, the song sparked controversies, with conservative commentators accusing Beyoncé of anti-police and anti-American messaging, leading to boycotts and protests. Despite the controversies, "Formation" became a protest anthem for movements like Black Lives Matter and the Women's March and has been studied at educational institutions for its cultural significance.

Music Video: "Formation" - Beyoncé

Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘Black’ in Black Popular Culture?”

In the music video, we see a celebration and representation of black culture, incorporating various cultural elements, historical references, and symbolic imagery. In this music video, Beyoncé utilizes her platform to assert her identity and embrace her cultural heritage, challenging dominant narratives and stereotypes about being black. The music video shows diverse representations, from scenes depicting New Orleans culture and traditions to more powerful shots referencing historical events like Hurricane Katrina and the Black Lives Matter movements.

These representations emphasize the range and richness of black experiences, echoing Hall’s idea of cultural formations stemming from the convergence of multiple traditions of dominant and subordinate positions. Along with that, “Formation” is a place where Beyoncé explores and asserts her identity, both externally to the audience and, importantly, internally, to herself. This directly connects with Hall’s idea that popular culture is where individuals discover and play with identifications of themselves. Overall, I see Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video aligning with Stuart Hall’s concepts by presenting a multifaceted representation of black culture and engaging with historical and contemporary aspects while actively contributing and changing the current dialogue and portrayal of being black in popular culture.

Henry Louis Gates, “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey”

Henry Louis Gates, in his essay “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey,” focuses on the concept of signifyin(g), which refers to a verbal strategy within African American culture that involves the indirect expression and exploitation of the symbolic meanings of words. It involves a practice of linguistic interaction that leads to a gap between the word’s literal meaning and the interpretation of the word. I found that in Beyoncé’s music video. “Formation” the concept of signifying can be interpreted throughout. The video is filled with rich symbols and references that signify aspects of black culture. It shows New Orleans culture, as well as more historical events/movements like Hurricane Katrina and the BLM movement. Along with that, we see through the lyrics and visuals that show Beyoncé's pride in her black heritage and roots, asserting her identity boldly; there are lyrics or clips of soul food, black dance groups, black church community, black women's hairstyles, et cetera. All of this is an example of Gates’ idea of signifying because what we see are just the signs, but with exploration, these hold a much deeper meaning.

Discussion Questions:

Hall says that popular media “is a theater of popular desires, a theater of popular fantasies. It is where we discover and play with the identifications of ourselves, where we are imagined, where we are represented, not only to the audiences out there who do not get the message, but to ourselves for the first time.” Do you agree with this? If so, where do you see this being true in popular media (TV, movie, music, et cetera.) today? If not, what do you think popular media is? 

Henry Louis Gates talks about “signifyin(g),” a verbal strategy in African American culture. Can you identify ways people use indirect expressions or cultural references in today's media or conversations to convey deeper meanings or messages?

In what ways does contemporary popular culture provide platforms for marginalized racial identities to be represented and explored, aligning with Stuart Hall’s discussion on the exploration of identities? Can you think of instances in recent media where underrepresented racial groups showcase their identities and experiences?

#discussionleader #oxyvisualanalysis

[lomilly]

Race and Representation

Lolie Millspaugh

Song 1: "Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé feat. Shakira

Song Introduction:

“Beautiful Liar” is a song by Beyoncé and Shakira, released in 2006 as the only single from the deluxe edition of Beyoncé's album, B'Day. The mid-tempo track combines Shakira's Latin and Arabic styles with Beyoncé's contemporary hip-hop and R&B influences. Thematically, the song revolves around female empowerment, with the protagonists singing about being charmed by the same man but choosing not to compete for his attention. The collaboration received positive reviews from critics, earning Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations and winning an Ivor Novello Award. Commercially, it peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in several European countries. The music video, directed by Jake Nava won the MTV Video Music Award for Most Earthshattering Collaboration in 2007. The success of “Beautiful Liar” contributed to its inclusion in Beyoncé's world tour setlist, The Beyoncé Experience, in 2007.

Music Video: "Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé featuring Shakira

Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘Black’ in Black Popular Culture?”

Stuart Hall, in his essay, “What is this “Black” in Black Popular Culture?” describes the idea of the difference in the struggle over cultural hegemony– ruling maintained through ideological or cultural means– found within the positive margins of postmodern culture. More specifically, Hall argues that a mix of original African heritage and the experiences of the black diaspora, has given rise to black culture, often seen through style, music, and the arts. To connect to “Beautiful Liar,” Hall’s main argument in the essay is centered around the idea that popular culture is “where we discover and play with the identifications of ourselves, where we are imagined, where we are represented, not only to the audiences out there who do not get the message but to ourselves for the first time,” (113). I find this argument to be apparent in Beyoncé’s music video “Beautiful Liar” featuring Shakira because the spontaneity in the choreography and the collaborative spirit between the two singers contribute to the video’s exploration of black popular culture. We see Beyoncé exploring the identification of herself in the video through the lyrics, where she shows the power of women staying united, as well as through her appearance and choice of music, where she shows her culture. All of this aligns with Hall’s argument that I quoted above, in that Beyoncé is playing with her identification, how she is imagined and represented.

Henry Louis Gates, “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey”

Henry Louis Gates’ essay and the music video for “Beautiful Liar” by Beyoncé featuring Shakira can be related in the context of exploring African-American cultural expression and identity. In his essay, Gates discusses the concept of signifyin(g), a literary form rooted in African American traditions, involving repetition, cultural actions, and imitation that shape blackness in literature. I found this to be similar to the cultural expressions seen in the music video, where Beyoncé, who is African American, and Shakira, who is Latina, draw on their respective cultural backgrounds to create a mix and unique visual and musical experience. This can be seen through Beyoncé’s incorporation of hip-hop and more contemporary dance elements and Shakira through her inclusion of belly dancing. This mixing and merging of cultural elements in the video aligns with Gates’ concept of signifying as both artists symbolically express and signify their cultural identities through their music and performances. They use these cultural elements not only to entertain but also to symbolize their identities and celebrate the richness of their respective cultural backgrounds. And to go a step further, we see throughout the video, and specifically closer to the end of the video, the two singers appear to be mirroring one another, and sharing these aspects of their cultures. All in all, the music video for "Beautiful Liar" can be seen as a manifestation of the concept of signifyin(g), where cultural identities are expressed and signified through artistic collaboration and performance.

Song 2: "Formation" - Beyoncé

Song Introduction:

"Formation" is a celebrated R&B song by Beyoncé from her album Lemonade. Released in 2016, it’s known for its cultural celebration and references to Beyoncé’s Southern black identity. Critics praised its lyrics, production, and vocal performance, naming it the top song of 2016 and the decade by various publications. The song's music video, which premiered alongside the song, is directed by Melina Matsoukas, and showcases black pride and Southern culture, earning critical acclaim and being hailed as one of the greatest music videos of all time by Rolling Stone. Along with that, Beyoncé performed this at the Superbowl Halftime show, where Entertainment Tonight interviewed her afterward, Beyoncé saying "I wanted people to feel proud and have love for themselves." However, the song sparked controversies, with conservative commentators accusing Beyoncé of anti-police and anti-American messaging, leading to boycotts and protests. Despite the controversies, "Formation" became a protest anthem for movements like Black Lives Matter and the Women's March and has been studied at educational institutions for its cultural significance.

Music Video: "Formation" - Beyoncé

Stuart Hall, “What is this ‘Black’ in Black Popular Culture?”

In the music video, we see a celebration and representation of black culture, incorporating various cultural elements, historical references, and symbolic imagery. In this music video, Beyoncé utilizes her platform to assert her identity and embrace her cultural heritage, challenging dominant narratives and stereotypes about being black. The music video shows diverse representations, from scenes depicting New Orleans culture and traditions to more powerful shots referencing historical events like Hurricane Katrina and the Black Lives Matter movements.

These representations emphasize the range and richness of black experiences, echoing Hall’s idea of cultural formations stemming from the convergence of multiple traditions of dominant and subordinate positions. Along with that, “Formation” is a place where Beyoncé explores and asserts her identity, both externally to the audience and, importantly, internally, to herself. This directly connects with Hall’s idea that popular culture is where individuals discover and play with identifications of themselves. Overall, I see Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video aligning with Stuart Hall’s concepts by presenting a multifaceted representation of black culture and engaging with historical and contemporary aspects while actively contributing and changing the current dialogue and portrayal of being black in popular culture.

Henry Louis Gates, “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey”

Henry Louis Gates, in his essay “The Blackness of Blackness: A Critique of the Sign and the Signifying Monkey,” focuses on the concept of signifyin(g), which refers to a verbal strategy within African American culture that involves the indirect expression and exploitation of the symbolic meanings of words. It involves a practice of linguistic interaction that leads to a gap between the word’s literal meaning and the interpretation of the word. I found that in Beyoncé’s music video. “Formation” the concept of signifying can be interpreted throughout. The video is filled with rich symbols and references that signify aspects of black culture. It shows New Orleans culture, as well as more historical events/movements like Hurricane Katrina and the BLM movement. Along with that, we see through the lyrics and visuals that show Beyoncé's pride in her black heritage and roots, asserting her identity boldly; there are lyrics or clips of soul food, black dance groups, black church community, black women's hairstyles, et cetera. All of this is an example of Gates’ idea of signifying because what we see are just the signs, but with exploration, these hold a much deeper meaning.

Discussion Questions:

Hall says that popular media “is a theater of popular desires, a theater of popular fantasies. It is where we discover and play with the identifications of ourselves, where we are imagined, where we are represented, not only to the audiences out there who do not get the message, but to ourselves for the first time.” Do you agree with this? If so, where do you see this being true in popular media (TV, movie, music, et cetera.) today? If not, what do you think popular media is? 

Henry Louis Gates talks about “signifyin(g),” a verbal strategy in African American culture. Can you identify ways people use indirect expressions or cultural references in today's media or conversations to convey deeper meanings or messages?

In what ways does contemporary popular culture provide platforms for marginalized racial identities to be represented and explored, aligning with Stuart Hall’s discussion on the exploration of identities? Can you think of instances in recent media where underrepresented racial groups showcase their identities and experiences?

#discussionleader #oxyvisualanalysis