By Caleigha Lunarde
A lot of people see the super bowl as a time for family and friends to get together and have a good time. While everyone enjoys the game a lot of people specifically tune in for the halftime show. As with past halftime shows, this year’s performance brought on some negative publicity for R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles.
This year’s show consisted of Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé who all put on a great performance. Although there were tons of positive comments about Beyoncé’s performance,
“I think she slays all the time, especially at the halftime show.” said Karmin Wright
There were also some negative remarks. Some say that the dancers that were dancing with Beyoncé were dressed up as the black panthers.
All of the dancers were sporting all-black outfits and signature black berets around their Afro’s. During the routine they formed an X which symbolized Malcom X… the leader of the Black panthers.
The Black Panther Party for self-defense was formed in 1966. They were originally formed to protect their communities from police brutality.The BPP also founded many community health programs and clinics.
Even with all the good and positive effects the BPP had on the community, there were many who did not agree with the coalition and set up strategies designed to challenge the Panther Leadership. As this happened the BPP gained more support from some and less support from others dividing Americans based mostly on race.
Due to the controversial history of the Black Panther Party it was considered the most influential black movement organization many still feel the Party was more criminal than fundamental of her portrayal was offensive. We have a right in America known as the 1st amendment… “freedom of speech,” which states we all have the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint. Which is what Beyoncé did in her newest song.
Most Beyoncé fans had positive reviews on her new song “Formation”.
“I love it, it’s one of my favorite songs.” said Shaunda Miller.
Beyoncé’s song “Formation” has multiple messages in the song. Formation does touch on her heritage, “My daddy Alabama, Momma Louisiana… You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bama,” The song also makes a statement responding to all the recent media coverage where accusations and opinions have been made.
Another claim made against Beyoncé and her husband were suggesting they were involved with the illuminati, which she responds… “Y’all haters corny with that illuminati mess” This song / performance was definitely a message to set her haters straight.
There is no proof as to why Beyoncé had her dancers dress as the Black Panthers or if the X formation was actually to reference Malcolm X. It seems that throughout the years all these instances have built up, and Beyoncé decided to make her statements because that is her right as an American citizen.