The organization of inter-particle contact forces in static, or quasi-static, granular matter is surprisingly complex. As a result, the problem of understanding stress distributions in a tilted granular bed – a prerequisite for predicting the onset of fluidization in gravity driven flows – is not a simple one. In this talk, we discuss multiple approaches towards analyzing force anisotropy in granular matter as it is tilted under gravity. We use particle dynamics to model the granular material as a two-dimensional system of polydisperse disks, and observe the changes in the contact network that precede fluidization. We then examine the non-trivial relationship between the principle orientations of contact forces and the tilting angle. We also discuss the concept of ‘strong' and ‘weak' contacts – granular contacts with compressive force above and below the mean, respectively, which tend to exhibit contrasting orientations. By treating ‘strong' and ‘weak' contacts as distinct subsets, we generate a more complete picture of how evolving force anisotropy leads to failure.