First analysis features music video “Formation” presented by Beyonce. Firstly, it should be stated that as the art is the subtle tool for demonstrating some of the key problems, it is not always necessary that the ideas are expressed very straight forward. Nor it should be expected from such videos to state the position openly and clearly. However, the mix of the images and statements made by Beyonce in the above mentioned video seems to be very unequivocal.
The video starts off with Beyonce laying on the police car which is drowning in the water, implying that the whole presentation will take a strong stance on a certain issue. Both the lyrics and the images illustrate the power of Beyonce, who, in that case, embodies, firstly, the strength of all black women, and, secondly, stands for the power of women as a whole. This serves as a tribute to feminism and ruining of the stereotypes that black women have faced throughout history and still are facing today. In particular, Beyonce refers to the distinguishing characteristics of the facial features of African American women, and proudly states that she also possesses all of them. Apart from that, she mentions that she is powerful and rich, however, that does not exclude her from the majority of women, and she calls on to the to get arms and stand up for themselves.
All in all, this video sends a strong feminism's message, where Beyonce embraces all the stereotypes and chit chat, and turns it in her favor, showing her pride and encouraging other Black women to be proud of who they are and where they come from.
Second Analysis
The second video which was recognized as the one that brings attention to the acute and the current issue is the composition “Borders” by M.I.A. Rightly noted, the message of the video is indeed connected with the current influx of refugees, that has shaken up the whole world.
The fact that the singer decided to bring up such a controversial issue in a song may be explained by the fact, the M.I.A. might have been reminded of her own story through the recent events. Her Tamil backgrounds, and personal history with refugee camps undoubtedly have made an impact on her perception of this issue and the common unfairness that people who flee their homes due to the danger are encountering on their way to safety.
It can be inferred from the lyrics, that people who “have it all” are more concerned with the trivial, unimportant issues, and frankly do not care when it comes to major problems. Right from the start M.I.A. sings about long-debated meaning and perception of freedom. The singer raises a painful topic regarding the fact that freedom is different for all people. And those who have achieved it no longer take interest in anything that is happening around, including the situations when people who search freedom and peace come running to their borders, risking their lives.
The video is even more powerful and adds a ton of emotions to the overall message. Showing the barbed wires and overcrowded boats, everything that refugees have to face in order to only meet the indifference and hatred was a brave move. After watching this music video one comes back to asking the question presented at the beginning of the song: when is it going to be “we’doom”, when will it be common for all, when will the humanity understand that the key to the survival and the prosperity is being united?
