By Logan and FIIOOONNNAAAA Media Language By Logan and FIIOOONNNAAAA

Claude Lévi-Strauss · The idea that texts can best be understood through an examination of their underlying structure · The idea that meaning is dependent upon pairs of oppositions (known as binary oppositions) · The idea that the way in which these binary oppositions are resolved can have particular ideological significance. (Shared ideas and/or beliefs)

‘Underlying Structure’ These shots are spread throughout the video from the very first shot to one of the last shots. It shows Beyonce on top of a police car which is continuously sinking. The meaning created through this underlying structure is that Beyonce is such a powerful figure she is actually above the police and therefore more powerful

‘Binary Oppositions’ This shot shows a young black boy dancing in front of an all white male police squad and making them surrender The binary oppositions shown here are Police vs black americans Whites vs Blacks Peace vs Violence

Roland Barthes Semiotics- the connotation and denotation of images to convey meaning in media texts. There is generally two meanings: the denotative (literal) and the connotative (deeper meaning)

Formation Semiotics: Denotative: 6 women in period clothing Connotative: their antebellum outfits represent slavery in the south, referencing the civil war, however, they also contrast typical ‘pop’ genre stereotypes The colour white signifies purity and hope. Their body language evokes confidence,directly playing into the songs themes of female empowerment.. Denotative: all-female formation dance scene in drained swimming pool Connotative: Their clothing signifies empowerment which is further enforced through them all wearing it, hinting at equality. The drained swimming pool conveys the idea that they have been drained of their rights. The formation of the women relates to the themes of the song, idea of unity and strength in numbers.

Formation Semiotics: Denotation: Beyoncé is sitting on top of a police car in a flooded landscape Connotation: Beyoncé is sitting on top of the police car to suggest that law and order is beneath her. The flooded landscape represents New Orleans after hurricane Katrina, referencing the little aid given to those affected. The police car also symbolises the riots that broke out within new orleans as well as across the USA after the disaster and the shooting of an unarmed teenager, highlighting police brutality towards African- Americans Denotation: Beyoncé accompanied by four males in antebellum clothing outside a house Connotation:Beyoncé’s body language and stance suggests that she is above the men around her as she is central, she evokes confidence despite being outnumbered further highlighting her power. The antebellum clothing references the slavery within the south, as outfits like those worn would be signs of affluence generally worn by White-Americans. The house shown is highly similar to those inhabited by slave owners, the placement of the 5 african-americans outside enforces the idea that though the past is behind them it is still close behind and still relevant to the history.

Formation Semiotics: Denotation: Young audience members shouldn’t watch this video Connotation: The videos advisory stands as a warning not only for the language but also for the themes and images within the video as the topic area may be highly sensitive to some. The video recognises this and places the advisory however it only lasts a few seconds, implying that whilst it was necessary the messages within the video need to be seen as they act as a platform for many peoples views which aren’t being expressed or recognised