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’.
So a challenge for you is to try and identify which of these remarks actually offer a post-feminist reading of the text.
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