Alert: This video is the original version of her song with explicit lyrics and video. The video is not for children. Cover their ears and eyes now. This post, however, is for everyone to help #IGNITEyourLife with awareness and an open mind to view more than one perspective of what has become quite a controversial video probably unintentionally especially to the degrees of some interpretations that exist. So for today’s spark on Valentine’s Day -what do you choose to see?
So what do you see? I won’t say you’re wrong for whatever you choose to see because I am not you. In the same vein, there is a freedom of expression that liberated Beyonce to direct the video’s content which has received both praise and criticism from all races. She doesn’t care because she is making a statement to everyone about how she feels, which — last time I checked is her opinion. So what is all the fuss about? Exactly! Various opinions.
So the genius part of it all is the fact that Beyonce set rumors straight, expresses Black pride and pride in one’s heritage (Native American and Black “African-American” ) , speaks out against police brutality, encourages female empowerment, and calls for all to unite at the same time with a great hook, story line, and stellar visual production AND choreography all in one music video. Not that it hasn’t been done before, but I will say this is the most excellent I’ve seen it since the days of Michael Jackson, who she gets a lot of her influence from. I loved her Superbowl tribute to him with her outfit while performing Formation this year. However, I slightly digressed. Back to topic – the perfect blend of love, life, politics and music to create the masterpiece we now know as “Formation”.
To be clear: Music is all about perspective: Aside from the great black pride heritage references (pictures on the walls) that deal with our prominent features, hair, skin color, and #blacklivesmatter awareness mentions… I choose to see the other positive aspects. Here are my favorite lyrics that run through my head when I’m working out and on my grind: #IGNITEyourLife
“I see it, I want it, I stunt, yellow-bone it
I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it
I twirl on my haters, ..”
“I might get your song played on the radio station, cause I slay
I might get your song played on the radio station, cause I slay
You just might be a black Bill Gates in the making, cause I slay
I just might be a black Bill Gates in the making”
“Sometimes I go off (I go off), I go hard (I go hard)
Take what’s mine (take what’s mine), I’m a star (I’m a star)
Cause I slay (slay), I slay (hey), I slay (okay), I slay (okay)
All day (okay), I slay (okay), I slay (okay), I slay (okay)
We gon’ slay (slay), gon’ slay (okay), we slay (okay), I slay (okay)”
“Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper”
Slang Definition of “slay”: (v.) succeed in something amazing
And as I keep bobbing my head to this song…(just like Beyonce) …I close with this:
I also saw an AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated) shout out (through our hand movement) in Beyonce’s Formation video…and possibly a shout out to at least two other sororities…DST (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated) and ZPhiB (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated) through color choices for outfits worn. I really don’t think it was coincidental. Perhaps it was.
Regardless, I feel everything happens for a reason and it purposefully called for us to level up and “get in formation” like the Divas we are (like we do when we entertain in step shows) and slay with her on real issues (utilizing massive audiences to use our influence to bring awareness) more often than we already do. There are so many possibilities.
I’d personally love to have actual conversation with her about it all, but until then, I write this in support of her bold and successful effort to set the record straight about issues that needed to be brought to light outside of everyone’s comfort zone. Even the men beside her in black dress suits, though silent, were symbols of masculinity, respect and protection. That was powerful but again, how many noticed that? In love, life, and business, you get what you focus on. Always remember that. #IGNITEyourLife
I think one of my close friends and sisters in the Pan Hellenic Council, Shauntai DeVonne said it well also:
“I would’ve preferred to see a different side of Beyoncé visually, but who am I? I’m not a director and I am not a music entertainer. She is. She used her gift to express these issues the way she felt was best. So, I too have chosen to see the positive in it. Her song has forced people to have more conversations about race in America. To me, that’s a good thing. At least it should be!”
On Valentine’s Day, I think it’s great that there’s a song out that encourages people of color to love their features regardless of their hair texture, their nose size and bodies just the way God designed us. Self love is just as important as the love for one another as a people as individuals and in relationships. This song also is a plea for justice and equality.
We have come a long way with race relations in our country and based on the chain of events over the past decade alone, we still have a long way to go as a country. There is always hope for a better tomorrow so reality can live up to the dream. So, yes, as displayed in the newspaper in your video, Dr. Martin Luther King did more than dream. He was a drum major for justice and you, Beyonce, my dear sister, are a creative voice for the same! As a lifelong Michael Jackson fan myself, I believe in my heart he would be so proud of you! Let freedom sing!
#AndThereYouHaveIt #Edutainment Kudos Beyonce for being proud of who you are and where you came from. #KeepPushingTheEnvelope #Formation #SheSlay #ISlay #WeSlay
If you are ready to #UnleashYourInnerGenius and #IGNITEyourLife in love, life and/or business today, set your #BreakthroughSuccess session with Toy Parker today!
#IGNITEyourLife with Toy Parker™️ 