Beyoncé Gets Political
Queen Beyoncé Knowles used the VMA’s as an opportunity to make her own statements about sociopolitical issues.
In the past, the MTV Video Music Awards have been a hub for the juiciest gossip, raciest performances, and tantalizing celeb scandals (a la Kanye’s “I’mma let you finish…” speech.) Although this type of award show usually lends itself to light-heartedness and superficiality, outspoken sociopolitical activism has exponentially increased this past year, and the 2016 VMA’s were no exception.
Beyoncé is one of the leading celebrity faces of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and she used the VMA’s as an opportunity to stand up against gun violence and racial & gender inequality. She made a huge statement on the red carpet when she stood in solidarity with the mothers of gun violence victims Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Michael Brown Jr., and Oscar Grant. These mothers lost their children to senseless police brutality, and she brought these issues to light using the red carpet as a platform to protest racially charged violence.
During the medley performance of her 2016 chart-topper Lemonade, Beyoncé continued to even further emphasize her activism. In the beginning of her performance, she crooned the first lines of Pray You Catch Me as a single spotlight illuminated her. Then, the rest of the stage was illuminated and an army of dancers dressed as angels surrounded Beyoncé, each with their own glowing white spotlight. Then, the façade of peace was shattered as each angel fell to the ground, now illuminated by a red spotlight. This is a clear metaphor for mass gun violence and police brutality, as each angel represented a fallen victim of such brutality.
After the song finished on a somber note, Queen Bey continued to slay every other song, brimming with female empowerment. She belted about heartbreak and betrayal and sent the message that women can be strong do not have to deal with mistreatment in any form. Beyoncé has always been outspoken about her unwavering support of women’s rights, and she really hammered in the message during her set.
