Factualism In Beyonce's Activism
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Factualism In Beyonce's Activism

Controversial issues don't blend with kick-offs.

21
Factualism In Beyonce's Activism
Clash Daily

The United States of America has come together for 50 games of pure patriotism. Forty-nine days went down in our country's history where nothing but a simple game mattered. Where players of all colors, beliefs, and origins competed together and against one another. Forty-nine days where fans of all colors, beliefs, and origins joined in cheering for a team that they believed in. Where they all stood – hand over heart as our national anthem was sung beautifully and with pride. The game that brought all of this in a single day: The Super Bowl.

This year however, something changed; we were robbed of the escape that a good ol' football game can give us. The 111.9 million viewers were abruptly redirected to social movements, both current, and historical during the halftime performance. I'm not saying that the performances given were not pitch perfect, visually entertaining, or overall spectacular. However, I was caught off guard when Beyonce's dancers came out in a signature black leather jacket, black beret, and late 1960s hoop earrings. To some, this may have just appeared as a "you don't want to mess with us" look, but the truth is that they were representing a black activist group that was created in 1966, known as the Black Panther Party. With my love and over appreciation for Beyonce since Destiny's Child aside, I did not think this was appropriate in the slightest to be aired on the same programming that we have always, and should have still been watching with those unfortunately still prejudiced preoccupied by the sport.

For those who do not know, the Black Panther Party has been seen as a violent social party and movement that began in the late 1960s in California. Their platform was based on stopping police brutality towards African Americans in Oakland, CA, which grew to spread across the nation. But unlike other civil rights activists at the time, they were not entirely peaceful, or more so – didn't appear that way. The group wore blue shirts, black leather jackets, black berets, and many carried guns openly, exercising their 2nd amendment rights. They held free breakfasts for school children in church halls, gave out clothing, and even medical needs for those in the BPP. But this isn't seen. What is focused on is the group being defined as communists in America, a revolt of gun control, many not completely nonviolent rallies, a want for what would be a revolutionary war, and the FBI taking action on putting an end to the movement. Their goal for equality is overlooked.

While there is no doubt that social movements are needed and civil rights are a necessity for the United States of America, having dancers represent a group that may be one of the most controversially viewed black activist group should was not appropriate. I'm as much of a fan of Beyonce and football as many of us likely are. But there is a time and a place for everything. Super Bowl Sunday has been a tradition of coming together as a country for what should have been the 50th year. So why did the halftime performance try to segregate that?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70987
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132552
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments