Critical Autonomy Task
How far does Beyonce's visual album Lemonade promote the views and values of Black Feminism?
Word Count: 495
Black Feminism is a term referring to the empowerment of Black women, as a result of the oppression they have faced throughout the years. It first gained popularity in the 1960s, during the Civil Rights Movement in response to the sexism and racism they had faced. In today's society this term still remains relevant as certain inequalities are still being experienced by this particular demographic. In relation to this, Crenshaw's ''theory of intersectionality'' highlights the difficulties that black women face: since they experience race, class, and gender oppression simultaneously if it quite difficult for them to differentiate between them. This therefore shows us that due these combined inequalities, the movement of Black Feminism, is used to ''stand up'' and fight against discrimination.
Beyonce's visual album Lemonade, divided into 11 chapters, embraces the success of black women and empowers them though the use of historical/political context throughout the years. One of the key themes revolves around police shootings, which has seen a major increase in the last couple of years. In one of the chapters ''Forward'' , the mothers of the victims in recent shootings(in relation to race) are seen holding pictures of their deceased sons. This could in a way promote the ideals of black feminism as race and class is some what of a rationale behind the movement and could possibly be a reason for supporters to support the movement and in turn promote the values of black feminism. This could possibly link to Stanley Cohen's theory of ''moral panic'' as it shows us how a particular news story has provoked discussions about race and social status- which are the foundations of a typical protest/revolutionary movement.
Furthermore, the way in which each of the narratives are constructed allow Beyonce to effectively reach out to her target demographic and hopefully inspire a wider population to appreciate the black feminism movements. Songs such as ''Don't Hurt Yourself'' and ''Freedom'' connect with the audience as it allows them to identify with the narrative (Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory). In addition to this they way in which these narratives correlate with the recent events in the news such as police shootings, allows the audience to understand that this racial discrimination can be abolished, and encourages the listeners to therefore support the movement.
However, the album does in fact reinforce ideas about gender equality, in general, rather that race- which could suggest that the album did not necessarily promote the views and values of Black Feminism. For example, in the song ''Hold Up'', Beyonce is seen ''smashing windows, cars and cameras'', while laughing and dancing in a flowing, yellow dress. I believe that this song was about gender equality and how the ''typical woman'' portrayed in the media, is a false representation. Moreover, in her song ''Formation'' her striking authoritative performance subverts these stereotypical expectations. Nonetheless, Beyonce still maintains to spread and promote the ideals of the Black Feminism movement,by being a representative of the intended demographic.
Word Count: 495
Black Feminism is a term referring to the empowerment of Black women, as a result of the oppression they have faced throughout the years. It first gained popularity in the 1960s, during the Civil Rights Movement in response to the sexism and racism they had faced. In today's society this term still remains relevant as certain inequalities are still being experienced by this particular demographic. In relation to this, Crenshaw's ''theory of intersectionality'' highlights the difficulties that black women face: since they experience race, class, and gender oppression simultaneously if it quite difficult for them to differentiate between them. This therefore shows us that due these combined inequalities, the movement of Black Feminism, is used to ''stand up'' and fight against discrimination.
Beyonce's visual album Lemonade, divided into 11 chapters, embraces the success of black women and empowers them though the use of historical/political context throughout the years. One of the key themes revolves around police shootings, which has seen a major increase in the last couple of years. In one of the chapters ''Forward'' , the mothers of the victims in recent shootings(in relation to race) are seen holding pictures of their deceased sons. This could in a way promote the ideals of black feminism as race and class is some what of a rationale behind the movement and could possibly be a reason for supporters to support the movement and in turn promote the values of black feminism. This could possibly link to Stanley Cohen's theory of ''moral panic'' as it shows us how a particular news story has provoked discussions about race and social status- which are the foundations of a typical protest/revolutionary movement.
Furthermore, the way in which each of the narratives are constructed allow Beyonce to effectively reach out to her target demographic and hopefully inspire a wider population to appreciate the black feminism movements. Songs such as ''Don't Hurt Yourself'' and ''Freedom'' connect with the audience as it allows them to identify with the narrative (Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory). In addition to this they way in which these narratives correlate with the recent events in the news such as police shootings, allows the audience to understand that this racial discrimination can be abolished, and encourages the listeners to therefore support the movement.
However, the album does in fact reinforce ideas about gender equality, in general, rather that race- which could suggest that the album did not necessarily promote the views and values of Black Feminism. For example, in the song ''Hold Up'', Beyonce is seen ''smashing windows, cars and cameras'', while laughing and dancing in a flowing, yellow dress. I believe that this song was about gender equality and how the ''typical woman'' portrayed in the media, is a false representation. Moreover, in her song ''Formation'' her striking authoritative performance subverts these stereotypical expectations. Nonetheless, Beyonce still maintains to spread and promote the ideals of the Black Feminism movement,by being a representative of the intended demographic.
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