Run the world- Beyonce analysis

Run the world- Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s world-famous video of ‘Run the world’ declared the singer as the epitome of feminism. Most of the westernised society picture Beyoncé as a pivotal figure within the current feminist movement.  The video not only depicts female empowerment but also a need for a revolutionary change in society.

Firstly, the apocalyptic environment the video occurs in is significant. It may symbolise a war between a patriarchal society and a matriarchal society. In other words, it’s a war of what gender gets to ‘run the world’. This idea is further enhanced as males in the video are wearing helmets and carrying protective shields. Their costumes initiate the idea that the women will go to extreme lengths to ‘run the world’. The preferred meaning in this video may be to intimidate those who perceive women as the weaker gender and for this reason, control and manipulate them. It is clear that the men in the video are astonished by the female empowerment they are witnessing. These men are defenceless which is ironic as women are usually outlined to be victimised and vulnerable. For this reason, it can be argued that the gender roles of society have been reversed in the video.

Furthermore, the animals that appear in the video portray significant ideologies. Lions and hyenas are wild animals that are difficult to tame. They’re the type of animals that people are most afraid of due to their unpredictable and callous nature. The intended meaning here is most likely to associate these animals to the nature of Beyoncé herself. She wants the audience to see her as an omnipotent, robust leader. Beyoncé is able to make these animals obey her because she is an authoritative figure. This is shown when the hyenas are kept on chains and the lion is sitting comfortably surrounded by the rest of the female army. During the video, Beyoncé’s middle finger is censored out. This action may be a message to those who undermine her authority or undermine her messages of feminism.  This once again portrays Beyoncé’s controlling behaviour.   

However, there are factors in ‘Run the world’ that contradict the idea of feminism. Firstly, Beyoncé can be seen as megalomaniac through her lyrics and the representation created in the music video. It can be argued that the video creates a frightening image of a woman that intends to dictate people. Beyoncé seems to be the centre of attention in the music video while, at some points, the other females seem to be there for show. They often seem to lack relevance.  Also, some feminists may argue that they don’t want women to rule the world but just want equal opportunities as men. Some feminists are likely to despise dictatorship which Beyoncé’s video seems to be promoting. She is the centre of attention which challenges feminism as it all about uniting together for a revolutionary change. It’s not really about an individual but rather a community. It’s a struggle that the majority of women face and a struggle that most women should be commended for. In addition, some women in the audience may argue that women are still leaning towards the male gaze. The clothes that are worn by the women in the video reveals their curves and figure and sexualise them. Beyoncé herself wears a green dress that show her cleavage and partial breast. However, other feminists may argue that women have a right to dress as they please and shouldn’t be judged for it. Just because they wear something that reveals their body doesn’t mean they are looking for male attention.

During the end of the video, it is clear that all women stand together when confronting the male army. The synchronised salute establishes a military environment which signifies the unity of the women in their plight to confront gender discrimination.  As Beyoncé rips the badge of the male figure and places it onto herself, it highlights the fact that she is now taking authority and control from a male dominated society. She possess the power to ‘Run the world’.