Representation of Feminism - 'Bad' Fragrance Advertisement and 'Formation'
"Feminism is the struggle to end sexist/patriarchal oppression", according to bell Hooks. i feel like formation is challenging patriarchal oppression due to the fact that the ubiquitous view is that males are at the top of the charts, both economically and socially, whilst females operate on the latter end. However, Beyonce is represented as powerful and dominant. She is the focused protagonist in the music video, grasping all the status and in one scene, she is surrounded by all male bodyguards; this shows her importance and that she must be protected at all costs. This is constructed by the men wearing all black suits; incredibly smart. Beyonce is also wearing quite professional clothing by just a little more exposed. The camera goes from left to right of the screen, highlighting all of the participants and showing the contrast in status between the males and Beyonce.
Another things that subverts patriarchal oppression is a scene where Beyonce is lined up with all her 'girls' and is leading them; empowering them. She says "Let's get in formation". This is an axiomatic battle against the colloquial way that people speak about women in society. They fighting this, putting up a united front and showing strength in numbers within the gender. Also, there is a very short scene (02:56) showing Beyonce on top of a car with her hand held high in the sky. This also the girl power.
In heavy contrast though, the 'bad' fragrance advertisement reinforces patriarchal oppression because the male protagonist is the one controlling the actions. You could say both figuratively and literally that the omen is being depicted as a passenger. The mise-en-scene show the male to be wearing quite dark and mysterious clothing; with a hint of sneakiness.All the while this character is carrying out some thrill-seeking and adventurous activities such as: Riding a motorbike, driving in reverse (with the woman being the passenger) and boxing. The camerawork displays incredibly fast jump cuts that feature erotic flashing of light. This shows that it crazy and outgoing.There are many different angles on the camera and show mostly the guy. Meanwhile, the only scene with the female is a kissing scene with the guy and ONLY when he allows it too. This clearly does reinforce the idea of patriarchal oppression because in a patriarchal society, women are expected to be obedient and submissive at all times and this is what that was; a difference to Formation.
Moreover, i feel like there is also a side message of empowering black people as a whole too. Black people whether they are male are female,are the only beings being shown in the video and there was a scene that showed a wall with the writing "stop shooting us". This is a clear statement of the abuse they have suffered and this is trying to combat the prejudice and discrimination black people are facing. Furthermore, an ebony hair shop is displayed within this music video which may support this assumption.
Lastly, I believe a similarity the two share are the target audience; men. In 'bad', it is suggested that the fragrance will bring out some internal qualities such as: Control, power, confidence like the male was showing, enticing them to buy the product. In 'Formation' the group could also be men too as she could be making the axiomatic message that women do also have power, status, confidence and can also dominate and so giving women a voice matters.
Another things that subverts patriarchal oppression is a scene where Beyonce is lined up with all her 'girls' and is leading them; empowering them. She says "Let's get in formation". This is an axiomatic battle against the colloquial way that people speak about women in society. They fighting this, putting up a united front and showing strength in numbers within the gender. Also, there is a very short scene (02:56) showing Beyonce on top of a car with her hand held high in the sky. This also the girl power.
In heavy contrast though, the 'bad' fragrance advertisement reinforces patriarchal oppression because the male protagonist is the one controlling the actions. You could say both figuratively and literally that the omen is being depicted as a passenger. The mise-en-scene show the male to be wearing quite dark and mysterious clothing; with a hint of sneakiness.All the while this character is carrying out some thrill-seeking and adventurous activities such as: Riding a motorbike, driving in reverse (with the woman being the passenger) and boxing. The camerawork displays incredibly fast jump cuts that feature erotic flashing of light. This shows that it crazy and outgoing.There are many different angles on the camera and show mostly the guy. Meanwhile, the only scene with the female is a kissing scene with the guy and ONLY when he allows it too. This clearly does reinforce the idea of patriarchal oppression because in a patriarchal society, women are expected to be obedient and submissive at all times and this is what that was; a difference to Formation.
Moreover, i feel like there is also a side message of empowering black people as a whole too. Black people whether they are male are female,are the only beings being shown in the video and there was a scene that showed a wall with the writing "stop shooting us". This is a clear statement of the abuse they have suffered and this is trying to combat the prejudice and discrimination black people are facing. Furthermore, an ebony hair shop is displayed within this music video which may support this assumption.
Lastly, I believe a similarity the two share are the target audience; men. In 'bad', it is suggested that the fragrance will bring out some internal qualities such as: Control, power, confidence like the male was showing, enticing them to buy the product. In 'Formation' the group could also be men too as she could be making the axiomatic message that women do also have power, status, confidence and can also dominate and so giving women a voice matters.
Comments
Post a Comment