The backlash against Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance has almost been as fierce as the show itself. With the conservative US media drawing comparisons to the KKK, and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani slamming it as an “outrageous” attack on US police, the urge to burst into violent sobs can be uncontrollable. Why is Beyoncé, one of the world’s most successful black performers, being criticised for addressing her heritage? And why is the country’s terrible race record still not getting the attention it deserves?
Just to add to all the despair, a group of absolute bores are now planning on staging an anti-Beyoncé protest rally outside the NFL Headquarters in New York. Apparently, according to the event page, the “Formation” singer’s show was a direct affront to US police – promoting both “hate” and “racism”.
“Are you offended as an American that Beyoncé pulled her race-baiting stunt at the Superbowl?” reads the page. “Do you agree that it was a slap in the face to law enforcement? Do you agree that the Black Panthers was/is a hate group which should not be glorified? Come and let's stand together. Let's tell the NFL we don't want hate speech & racism at the Superbowl ever again!”
Granted, the show was provocative. The Black Panthers, while being a key part of black history, did advocate physical self-defense against police, and support for them can be seen as support for violence. However, they also offered a much-needed sense of unity at a time when it was desperately needed. And sadly, with the rising rates of police brutality and racism tearing the country apart, that sense of togetherness is now needed more than ever.
If you haven’t already seen it, you can watch the star’s Super Bowl performance here to form your own opinion.
