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So we have all become accustomed or desensitised to seeing controversial music videos. Artists like Madonna, The Prodigy and, more recently, Lady Gaga [explicit links] have released videos that have offended many viewers,
These are a far cry from Michael Jackson’s Thriller video released on December 2, 1983, which got banned by the B.B.C. for being linked to the a-cult.
Are we using Social Media more and more as a vehicle for free speech, or is it time more regulations and internet advisory policies come into effect?
But the British band M.I.A seems to have gone a step further than most, with its political message and highly violent imagery. The video is still available on M.I.A.’s website (miauk.com) and Vimeo. Embedded is the Vimeo version below, but be warned that it includes disturbing images, including full-frontal nudity, exploding bodies and — perhaps most shocking of all — a child executed by a bullet to the head. Needless to say, it’s not for everyone.
M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.
So there are two trains of thought here:
These artists are making shocking music videos, more like mini vignette movies, just to be controversial and thus increase a viral following and, therefore, popularity. – Lack of clothing seems to be the driving factor of this.
Or, as I think with the M.I.Video using Social Media more and more a vehicle for free speech.
The Music industry has always been one of the most influential mediums. It’s always hard to decide if the music affected the people or the people and the times affected the people. Punks, skinheads, 60’s flower power etc
But they needed the influential power of the internet to go with it. You may see the occasional really offence T-shirt that said, “Frankie says Relax, don’t do it” 😉 But I don’t think that would cause too many issues, perhaps the day suspended from school or something.
One comment I received yesterday via this blog stated this is creative freedom, saying if you don’t like it, don’t watch it. (via @Mmm_Cherry_Hill).
But the M.I.A video was online on Youtube for the world to see for a few days before finally being labelled with an age restriction. http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/m-i-a-video-for-born-free-is-pulled-from-youtube/
In its community guidelines, YouTube advises that videos will be taken down from the site for violations like excessive violence, and users can flag them if they believe videos violate these guidelines. YouTube declined to say if any versions of the M.I.A. video were taken down due to its violent content.
So what is too excessive? Does (uncensored) in brackets – cover all the multitude of viewing sins.
If you happen to stumble upon a pornography site on the web, you know what to expect.
However, a music video is just a music video, correct? Bullets are not executing children; how do you know the content until you press play? Is that not why a coffee cup now comes with a warning ‘contains a Hot drink’ so everyone knows so you don’t have to scald your mouth first?
A listener directed my attention towards comments regarding the movie trailer, ‘the human centipede,’ which says: “I no longer feel shocked. Perhaps the internet_ has ruined me…”
When you purchase a video or computer game, it comes with a reasonable rating system, sometimes a description of offensive content.
These could be hilarious, for a rap song may contain 250 offensive words, 75 in the repeating chorus. And a lot of booty shakin’ 🙂
But the internet does not come in a package with a friendly warning label.
Is it about time more regulations and Internet advisory policies come into effect?
Or are we shutting down an avenue for free speech?
Youtube is encouraging people to discuss more political and controversial topics, and you do notice it is becoming less of a platform to share your holiday movies and more of a this is what I have to say about that.
Perhaps the t-shirt for today should say, ‘Youtube say Relax… don’t do it’, and I am copyrighting that idea right now.