Contemporary music is not only an expression of artistic creation, but also an important carrier of social, cultural, and political concepts, especially playing an important role in discussions of feminism and racial issues. Artists break down the boundaries of gender, race, and social class through music and visual expression, conveying their call for fairness, freedom, and equality.

As stated in this article, ‘The Politics of Music: Race, Gender, and Identity’, music has become a way for ethnic minorities to express their unique culture, social reality, and protest against historical injustices. Female artists also use music, lyrics, and visual expressions in music videos to promote feminist issues, challenge gender inequality, and gender stereotypes.

Taking female singer Beyonce’s “formation” as an example, this song expresses her racial identity, pride in black culture, and social inequality. The visual symbols in the MV are extremely rich, depicting symbols of black culture, such as street scenes in New Orleans, glamorous black female groups, and the power of black women expressed through fashion, dance, and other means. At the same time, the MV also portrays social issues such as police violence, highlighting the current situation of racial inequality. The rhythm of the song is dominated by strong drum beats and complex arrangements, accompanied by bold and powerful dance movements, showcasing a sense of presence that cannot be ignored. Beyonc é’s dance movements emphasize the power and independence of women, and the visual transitions and camera use in the MV strengthen the expression of this emotion, conveying a sense of urgency in race and gender politics.

Therefore, contemporary music is not only an artistic expression, but also plays a hidden role in political and social change, especially at the intersection of race, gender, and identity. The combination of music and visual effects enables these social and political issues to be more widely disseminated in popular culture, promoting deeper reflection and discussion on gender and racial issues.

By Xin Lin 33740092

References:

Weisbard, E. (2014). Sounding off: The political nature of music in the 21st century. Oxford University Press.

Floyd, S. A. (2017). The Power of Black Music: Interpreting Its History from Africa to the United States. Oxford University Press.

Girod, E. (2019). Sounding the Politics of Race: Music, Cultural Identity, and the Politics of Race in Contemporary Media. Palgrave Macmillan.

Ramnarine, T. K. (2011). The politics of music: Race, gender, and identity. The Cambridge Companion to Music and Globalization, 255-270. Cambridge University Press.