formation

• What is the title of the music video discussed in the guide?

  Formation
• In which section of the A Level Media Studies exam does Formation appear?

  Component one section A
• What type of question does Formation appear as in the exam?

  Representation question
• What is the significance of the audio sample at the start of Formation?

  It references cultural icons and themes
• Who is the YouTube star sampled in Formation?

  Messi Maya
• What themes does Beyonce's sampling of Messi Maya's voice signify?

  Racism, crime, and violence
• Why might Beyonce's sampling of Messi Maya's voice be controversial?

  She didn't get permission from his family
• What does the imagery of police sirens and lights in Formation communicate?

  The theme of police brutality
• What social movement is referenced in Formation?

  Black Lives Matter
• How does the use of profanity in Formation contribute to its themes?

  It expresses anger and passion
• What does Beyonce's position on the sinking car symbolize?

  Isolation and power in adversity
• What does Beyonce's confident body language in Formation challenge?

  Gender expectations of women
• What does sitting on a police car represent in the context of Formation?

  Dominance over police and authority
• Why did Beyonce have to clarify her stance regarding the police after the video's release?

  People interpreted her as anti-police
• What type of clothing does Beyonce wear in Formation?

  Expensive clothing
• What message might Beyonce convey by wearing expensive clothing in Formation?

  Success and wealth in black communities
• How does the imagery of children in Formation relate to its themes?

  It highlights ongoing issues of discrimination
• What historical figure is referenced in Formation through a newspaper image?

  Martin Luther King
• What does the reference to Martin Luther King signify in Formation?

  Longstanding issues of racial discrimination
• How does Beyonce's reference to her cultural background contribute to the video's message?

  It celebrates diversity and cultural pride
• What band does Beyonce reference in Formation?

  The Jackson 5
• What ethnic trait does Beyonce celebrate in her reference to the Jackson 5?

  Wider noses
• How does Beyonce's reference to ethnic features challenge mainstream media representations?

  It promotes pride in ethnic characteristics
• What cultural elements does Beyonce celebrate throughout Formation?

  Fashion, food, and hairstyles
• Who is the other artist sampled in Formation?

  Big Freedia
• How does Big Freedia's identity contribute to the themes of Formation?

  It represents LGBTQ visibility and diversity
• What effect does including celebrity friends in Formation have on Beyonce's image?

  It enhances her perceived success
• How are LGBTQ individuals typically represented in media, according to the guide?

  Often misrepresented or excluded
• What does the inclusion of Big Freedia in Formation suggest about representation?

  It challenges traditional gender binaries
• What is Big Freedia's gender identity?

  Gay male
• How does Big Freedia refer to herself?

  She uses female pronouns
• Why is Big Freedia significant in the bounce communities?

  She attracts a pre-sold audience
• How does the presence of celebrities in music videos affect artists' success?

  It makes them appear more successful
• What issue do LGBTQ individuals often face in media representation?

  They are often misrepresented or excluded
• What does Big Freedia's involvement in the music video suggest about Beyonce?


  She is inclusive and progressive
• What cultural aspect is referenced through the hair shop scene?

  Black culture and fashion diversity
• What does the shot-reverse-shot between the boy and police officers convey?

  Power dynamics and vulnerability
• How do the police officers appear in the video during the boy's dance?

  Impotent and non-aggressive
• What does the phrase "stop shooting us" signify in the video?

  Police violence against black communities
• What do the female dancers represent in the video?

  Unity and community among black women