SNL Perfectly Parodies The White Reaction to Beyoncé’s “Formation”

Recommended Videos

We all know where we were when Beyoncé released the video for her newest single “Formation”–and then utterly slayed her performance the following day during the Super Bowl halftime show. There’s definitely a lot to take in when it comes to the “Formation” video–from references to the Black Lives Matter movement to Beyoncé’s own unapologetic professions about being a black woman.

Shortly after the video’s release and the song’s subsequent performance, there were (ridiculously) haters coming out of the woodwork to criticize. Many of them, it seemed, couldn’t wrap their minds around the concept of a black woman proclaiming her identity loud and proud.

SNL couldn’t resist poking fun at those who seem to have missed the fact that Beyoncé is, well, black. In a skit from last night’s episode, you see the looks of confusion blossom over the faces of white people as they listen to the song for the first time. “Maybe this song isn’t for us,” one man (Bobby Moynihan) says, almost disbelievingly. “But usually everything is!” a distressed woman (Cecily Strong) wails.

As a white woman, “Formation” is not for me. But, to quote a Twitter friend, I love the song because it educates me–and I love it for what it teaches me.

—Please make note of The Mary Sue’s general comment policy.—

Do you follow The Mary Sue on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, & Google +?


The Mary Sue is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Men Are Proving the Whole Point of the Man vs. Bear Debate
A mama bear with her cubs
Read Article ‘Cabaret’ Is Back and More Timely Than Ever
the cast of cabaret with joel grey and director rebecca frecknall
Read Article Ryan Gosling’s Iconic ‘Fall Guy’ Red Carpet Surprise Is Incredible Commitment to a Bit
Ryan Gosling at the Fall Guy premiere
Read Article Which ‘Tortured Poets Department’ Song Are You Based on Your Zodiac Sign?
Taylor Swift on the album cover for The Tortured Poets Department
Read Article Foghorn Leghorn Officially Can’t Stand Seeing All These Anime Characters Beat Themselves Up
Edited photo of Foghorn Leghorn talking to Naoto in "Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro"
Related Content
Read Article Men Are Proving the Whole Point of the Man vs. Bear Debate
A mama bear with her cubs
Read Article ‘Cabaret’ Is Back and More Timely Than Ever
the cast of cabaret with joel grey and director rebecca frecknall
Read Article Ryan Gosling’s Iconic ‘Fall Guy’ Red Carpet Surprise Is Incredible Commitment to a Bit
Ryan Gosling at the Fall Guy premiere
Read Article Which ‘Tortured Poets Department’ Song Are You Based on Your Zodiac Sign?
Taylor Swift on the album cover for The Tortured Poets Department
Read Article Foghorn Leghorn Officially Can’t Stand Seeing All These Anime Characters Beat Themselves Up
Edited photo of Foghorn Leghorn talking to Naoto in "Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro"
Author