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April 27th, 2010
10:08 AM ET
M.I.A. releases graphic music video testing captions Lady Gaga is not the only artist stirring the pot these days with graphic music videos. Sri-Lankan singer/rapper M.I.A. is raising some eyebrows with her violent and explicit new music video for her song “Born Free.” The almost nine minute video shows a police force rounding up young, red-headed men and includes such graphic scenes as a young man being shot point-blank in the head and another being blown to pieces.
On Monday, Rolling Stone reported that the music video had been pulled from YouTube. M.I.A. also tweeted from her official account that it had been banned from YouTube and appeared to take her anger out on her record label, Universal Music Group. “(Expletive) UMG who won’t show it on YouTube,” M.I.A. wrote before directing fans to her website, MIAUK.com, to watch the video in its entirety. She later backtracked to acknowledge that it was not UMG's fault. While “Born Free” is not included in the VEVO channel which features many of her other videos, a search of the site on Tuesday morning turned up the uncut version of “Born Free” on a few account holders’ pages. The video was directed by filmmaker Romain Gavras, the man who was behind another graphic video for the song “Stress” by Justice. He is the son of acclaimed film director Costa Gavras.
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This stuff happens, sure, but its the enemies of the United States that are inflicting the genocide. Saddam tortured the families of, and then murdered the national soccer team because they did lousy in the Greece olympics. What bothers me so much about this video (other than a way to sell her crappy records) is the American flags on the soldiers inflicting the genocide. its simply not accurate, not artistic and not relevant to the day. Its one rich brat (oh yes.. she grew up wealthy) trying to be provocative, but only succeeding in being obscene.
Rudolph standing by.
All stores checking in.
Red Cross standing by with bandages.
Copy.
What music? Could be a political short subject. For what? Red headed kids. So this is art. Sorry, I don't get it.
I never heard of her until now. So I guess all the morons that protested this video just did th eopposite. She is obvioulsy trying to send a message, god people are stupid to be upset over this but they ignore the real violence that goes on daily.
I am not sure how you can call that music...The video was disturbing, but she has no musical talent what so ever.
i believe the message is supposed to be along the lines of how pointless and horrid genocide is. the video uses shock tactics to make this point – everyone knows theres nothing wrong with people with red hair and freckles (come on, i know the jokes that have been circulating recently, but deep down everyone knows there's nothing wrong with them), so MIA uses an utterly graphic and ridiculous depiction to get the reaction "why are they killing gingers???" from the viewer because this is EXACTLY the reaction that should be made when any other group of people is faced with genocide. it shows how illogical the desire for genocide is. it is to make you think "if i feel this way if gingers are murdered in a scripted music video, then why don't i react similarly when i hear about real genocide?"
How timely that this video would come out at the same time that Arizona enacts a law " that requires local police to question the legal status of anyone they "reasonably suspect" of being in this country illegally". The law—noted by our immigrant son President as being "misguided"—will no doubt lead to increased racial profiling and harassment of ethnic Native, Mexican, Hispanic, and Latino peoples, regardless of legal their status.
While cable news can be scary, it is not nearly as frightening as the government mandated discrimination that provides the framework to the Arizona law. For those concerned about civil liberties, regardless of political affiliation, this law should be of concern. It brings us, as a country—developed nation and all— one step closer to the police state depicted to in the M.I.A. video.
http://thekabosh.wordpress.com/2010/04/28/m-i-a-s-born-free-violence-media-and-artistic-representation/
This was disgusting and stupid. What's up with the American Flags on the uniforms? Lousy music and this shouldn't be shown at all. What a waste of money to make this piece of crap video.
I personally loved the song, and the video was quite daunting. I'm a fairly steely-gutted person who isn't easy rattled: this rattled me.
Red Rover, Red Rover send you know who right over!
It's funny how these "artists" always have to put out some outrageous video to promote a song. The song usualy sucks, and if it wasn't for the video, the song wouldn't even be noticed. A good song shouldn't need a video to promote itself.
Everybody should listen to this video. Its not just some redheaded kid getting shot. The video is talking about stuff that happens right now and could easily happen to us in the near future. Dissidents being rounded up and executed. Police states with Marshal Law.
This could be the US's future in just as little as 10 or 20 years. Look at whats going on. Our government is taking control of the auto industries, our banks, and our hospitals. You already have to go through stringent security measures at the airport. Controlling the auto and airline industries vastly restricts your movement. The new financial bill will allow banks to deny you using your own money. The health care bill allows the government to decide who gets medical coverage for what ailments.
The US has already been practicing martial law in the middle east. Iraqis and Afghanis regularly have their houses busted into by our soldiers. Some of them are pulled of into the night without warning. Its practice for whats coming to our country.
Our government is already building large fenced in areas with processing stations and rail access (internment camps). Theres even a new official Army job for it, a 31E Internment/Resettlement Specialist. Everybody should watch this video and try to understand what could be happening to them.
I know I'll be moderated but I had to say it anyway.
Is this what it takes to sell the product that major labels are spewing these days and trying to pass off as music?! We can see these images DAILY on the frickin' news so is this edgy or somehow giving this music or artist more cred?!
Music is a great place to feed the soul and retreat from the ills of the world. If you want to change politics or otherwise become informed about politics please read a book or write an article. Great thought evoking lyrics are fine too but this graphic gratuitous violence just for the sake of shock value and controversy is old!
absurd meaningless lyrics, no singing involved, horrendous "music", ridiculously amateurish video. who is this hack and why does anyone care?
A terrible video to go along with a horrible song. One part trainspotting, and too many parts Tarantino held loosely together with bad acting, fail special effects and a pointless plot. Yet another sad attempt to capitalize on shock value while hiding behind a veil of "social consciousness." It's been done to death. Do something original, or better yet if that's the best you can come up with, don't do anything at all.
M.I.A. has made quite a name for herself, mixing the culture of hip hop, pop while infusing third world points of view. I am concerned that Youtube's stunt is another way to direct us away from a person with a prominent voice, showing us through art, life in "3rd world democracy."
you can't compare MIA to mr.gaga. MIA has been shakin stuff up for a while now and her musics cool. But besides that, gaga is od weird and off the wall but MIA is just mad real. Always speakin truth///
what the hell?
I'm glad to see true red haired actors actually used for something.
Modern Hollywood pretty much bans them.
The few that make it through, like Kidman, have to cover their freckles with makeup (equivalent to black people having to shave or straighten their hair). Most of the time Hollywood uses obviously non-red-haired people with dyed red hair (equivalent to black-face from a red-haired perspective).
Red Monkey Butt is squeezin' it
I suppose if you are going to make a video about American imperialism you should at least get the American Flag on the shoulder correct. In war time the stars go first... like as if you are carrying the flag into battle.
Art isn't always pretty. This one's pretty disturbing, but I suspect it was meant to be. Good art reflects life... sadly, this one does. Very powerfuly.
Well gee...there's 8 minutes of my life that were completely wasted. Who is mia and why should anyone give a rat's furry ass about her and the obvious attempt to be controversial, making herself known by some other means than the wholly unlistenable gunk she umm..sings.
It seems like a lot of people have something to say about M.I.A. without knowing anything about her or where she has come from. do your research about the artist before making assumptions about her. I wasn't a fan of the song but the video itself is definitely reflective of what she has seen when she lived in Sri Lanka.
I am the redhead "shot in the head" in M.I.A’s video. She was cool on set and it was a great chance to to tell everyone that bully’s suck no matter what country you are from or who you are picking on. Jewish, Black, Asian, Indian, yes even redheads. There are countries killing their own people! Their own relatives and families! Kids that get blown up in old landmines and even more horrible things in world. I am proud to be a part of M.I.A.’s shout out to the world.
Boring song...stupid lyrics...the video is "shocking"?? It's a total rip off of an old movie and the song is so boring that the video keeps you from falling asleep.
Thanks....but feel free to stay M.I.A.
Why should anyone be surprised at the expression of violence in her. This woman has connections to rage in her blood with her dad receiving training extremist Palestine camp in the 70's against Sri Lanka. Now she can't go back to her adopted country, UK, since Scotland yard wants to question her connections to current times terrorists the infamous Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers.
No, actually her words in context of her experience in Sri Lanka do make sense. I see the message and understand. For those that can not understand I really feel sorry for you in that you live in an artifice 1st world. This is social art if you want feel good bubble gum go watch Disney channel videos.
well read standing by
YouTube editors are eroding the legitimacy of their website as a media outlet for the public by censoring its content for things like this which can be found on late night TV. If Comedy Central can broadcast explicit language after midnight without the wrath of the FCC why can't YouTube have the balls to just slap a warning on a video depicting a kid getting shot in the head. All they do by removing content is to force everyone to search Vimeo or the artists' personal sites (miauk.com) for the now overly-hyped videos. Why is YouTube worried about offending anyone or are they trying to maintaining some sort of prude, conservative image?
I enjoyed this video. I liked the images of white people getting rounded up and killed. I am now a MIA fan!
Needs a light. Oh, standing by...
That was totally awesome! Powerful statement on modern day America.
Bravo!!
GINGERS HAVE SOULS!!!!
You know people are always trying to make things relate-able for other groups. Since you have a platform, why dont you show ways to fix things?Be truly different. This video is no less violent than anything else, but the music is garbage-and yes I know that's not the point.
MIA speaks truth STOP GAZA GENOCIDE kill all JEWS back to the ovens JEWS
I was alerted of this post and I just want to make it clear that even though we share the same first and last name, we have completely different approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Your comments here and on other pages reek of anti-Semitism, and I do not want to be associated with them.
Fahad M Sajid
Political Science
University of Michigan, 2010
Correction: University of Michigan, 2011
An engaging video that covers up how terrible this song is musically. Also, think it was trying a bit too hard for shock value and could have told the same story in better taste. Of course, it wouldn't be on CNN.com then, would it?!
We live in a country that has freedom of speech and expression. It is a powerful statement on freedom that should make every person that is criticizing M.I.A.'s artistic and political stance to be thankful that they live in a country where they can voice their opinions without the fear of repression or death. Common Sense.
I have no problem with the graphic stuff. The message is lost on me. Is it suggesting he American military is racially profiling? Turning it around to so we can understand it by making them male redheads? Maybe I enjoyed it because my wife is a redhead:) Banning it only made it more popular. The photography was excellent but the premise was obviously religiously motivated. Muslim vs Christian. Both going to destroy the planet.
the only thing remotely offensive to me about this video is the lazy use of that classic Suicide sample. I like that she's venturing away from her trademark 'worldbeats' and dabbling in some post-punk/industrial sounds, but did she really have to use frigging 'Ghost Rider'?
I think the video is somewhat clever,as it does pretty effectively push the horror and absurdity of genocide in a very up front way. but honestly most american dummies are just going to see stylish bloody explosions are hardly going to ponder the horrific suffering that has affected bosnia, rwanda, afghanistan, and countless other countries for decades.
It's pretty hilarious to me that none of you noticed the reason for using redheads in this video was to make everyone in the video Caucasian.
Ahh...ignorant American commentary on subjects with which few of you particular commentators are well-learned. Tell me, what do you know about cinematography, music production, and, more importantly, international genocide?
That chick is fugly.
oh M.I.A. you are so edgy and thought provoking. please. this idea has been done to death. do you really think this video is going to be some big eye opener for those who turn a blind eye to what goes on in other countries? the violence in the video is pointless and needless. if anything it took away from the video and its supposed message. they took an un-original idea and tried to make it seem like a new idea by adding graphic violence and choosing a different minority. *yawn* they are trying way too hard here. the video could have been great, visually it looks good (except the violent parts that just looked fake) this directors videos are all like this though.
to the people who are saying, "if you don't like it then don't watch it" I would like to know how I can un-watch what I have already watched??? I wont watch it again but it's a little late. I don't have a problem with graphic images but I feel like they are trying to trick the viewer into thinking that they are watching something artistic and meaningful.
Buffalo 7 checking in
Red like the blood of GAZA you Jew dogs
Oh. I see Red Foxx already checked in. Helen Reddy – checking in
Jew censors out of our government!
This video is the truth of Gaza Jewish record companies don't want you to know!
This is Gaza free free out with Jews!
Red Skelton, Red Foxx, and Red (my self named cousin) all checking in...
That was the dumbest video I have ever seen. Music sucked, and obviously MIA does not like gingers.
red baron standing by
I love everyone getting upset about a music video.
None of this happened. No one really was murdered. Go back to your sad little lives.
Thanks.
Red Fern ... standing by.
Reloading 1-2-3-4-5-6
Reign in Blood checking in.
red stripe checking in hooray beer
Yes indeed folks. Here we have a piece of absolute, brilliant art, the most profound thing since Hamlet. She's a tortured artist, trying to rip aside the hypocritical facade of our society's gin and tonics, and leaving a lot of sacred cows rolling around in agony...
I'm with you Redneck, and afterwards, let's go hang out in the Red light district...
Freedom of speach. There's a lot of crap on YouTube that ought to be banned, just not enough people gettin upset over it. I say play it all and let folks watch what they want, take the PC away from the kids, and play like adults.
Red Light district checking in.
Very easily the dumbest video and closely the worst song I have ever had the displeasure to experience. Not only is this artist massivly reliant on technology for the noise, the use of redheads as a means to express the overwheming oppressiveness in all of our lives is just stupid. Terrible. F!
It is the most VIOLENT video I've seen. The authorities MUST to ban it by pubic view. I am an African_American and I feel offended when people from my race incite HATE and violence against others race. It the guys from the video were black, I am sure that the authorities banned it. Why not to have the same standard for everybody?
Red Neck checking in.
Gonna go beat Ross.!
There will be blood
Rojo checking in.
I love how Americans are so preachy about violence and for some reason always reference the middle east and "its" problems (mostly caused by America) but never look on their own doorstep. The USA is the most dangerous country in the world. Talk it from an American ho has spent many years living in the ME. You guys are off your rocker. A bunch of pathetic right wing christian fools preaching bs over and over.
AMERICA IS A HATE FILLED GUN LOVING, RED NECK COUNTRY
Quite graphic indeed but, the message is clear enough to me. The artist may have an unusualy way of showing what racial bias can bring us to do, but it is a thought provoking piece. Unfortunately, the majority of the poeple who take the time to see it, will not be the ones that need to see it.
Hmmm...illegal immigrants being required to follow the law and being deported = killing people because of their looks
Must be modern math.
Sounds like Ross has a case of the RED ass!
Ross?
Sounds like someone pooped their britches again. Come over here and let Mommie look.
Reds rule!
Even I get bored
There is only one reason why this video was pulled from Youtube....and it wasn't because of the two "graphic" scenes.
It was becuase it showed the US as the bad guys gathering up a visable group of boys/men...taking them to a compound....spliting them up and using one group for a little "practice" run......
Man when I read it was pull from Youtube....I thought....is Bush still in office??
They have much much worse videos on Youtube then this one.....
Der checking ni
Dyslexic and PRUOD
Rhater 1 checkin in now... new target in sight!
it's a color thing...you woulnt understand
Played out yet? tiRED now?
I think its funny because you tube has much more graphic footage then this, except a lot of it is real. this isn't. I think it's kind of funny to see all the gingers get capped. What a hoot
what F'n losers – need to announce their 'checking in'.
get a life boys!
WOW, we are going backwards, soon we will have gladiators and Christians thrown to the lions again....GOD help us....
He's red, Jim!
I respect M.I.A. musically, but if there is any weight to some of her recent words, it seems like she's got a jealous beef with Lady Gaga and is desperately trying to catch up. Good luck with that.
its a video rounding up Gingers! this must be south parks idea
Red wings checking in !
Daniel, I think you are onto something here....
Red sky's at night checkinh in.
Oh oh oh uh uh uh ooooooooohh.
Red Dawn standing by
Seems like M.I.A. is getting exactly the reaction she wants to this video if people are offended. She's generating hype around her video to make it seem like it's offensive and shockng. In reality, in the realm of music videos, it's fairly tame. Compared to the masters of music video controversy (Aphex Twin, Madonna, N.I.N.) this video is tame.
For real music video shock value look for Trent Reznor's Pseudo-Snuff Film: Closure.
Yes, it's kind of violent. I don't blame the label (or whoever) for pulling the video from youtube; not because of the video itself, but because the music sucks.
'Born free'? Whatever...
Nothing happened BIG RED ONE Out!
Red, brown, black, I don't give a rats ass as long as they ain't white?
I'll round 'em up for ya.
I'm jes saying is all.
Red Hot Chili Peppers standing by
Purple helmet Checking in....
"Ruh Rho Rorge, i think he's red"
Redheads?
I think the video should have been about border patrol agents "deporting" Hispanics ("illegal aliens") in Arizona. Just change the "Irish" actor for Mexicans.
I swear I saw Sheriff Arpaio driving the truck!!!
BIG RED ONE Still standing. by?
This video would have been soooooo much better if they used red headed midgets instead.
Seth for the win. nice comment.
Standing By
"Apparently a lot of people don't realize that M.I.A. was born and raised as a young child in Sri Lanka, where there has been mass genocide and violence for centuries.
The video just exhibits what's going on there and in other Middle Eastern and African countries."
Nah, I'm pretty sure she just wanted the views caused by the controversy she knew it would stir up. She's not in a position right now to be making a political statement, considering that she's filthy rich, has a kid, is engaged to a millionaire, and never has and never will serve in the forces.
Jon C, I think your comment put you in that mass stupidity column. Sorry but I think the mass stupidy is the misinformed, missed the point comments directed at this "talentless" (she had a hit record before Slumdog Millionaire people, oh and she's one of the most innovative musicians today) musician
I am not sure if its a matter of being prudes or a matter of being ignorant. When offering their opinion, some American let others know how limited they are. If its 'different' then it is not American and if it's not American then it must be to a'third world country' thing.
I can't shake 'em
Best video ever.
Go Big Red!
Art always evokes strong emotions. The test is seven years; come back in seven and tell me if it was real or not.
I've seen all this in any horror movie from the late 70's to early 80's. How is this news? and how are you people calling this Art? Musicians have been doing this for years, i guess you just watch whats played on MTV and don't listen to any other music.
Open your minds people, get out from under your rock and watch something different.
It also appears that MIA is just as stupid as her fans by blaming her record company when it was YouTube that took it down.
Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm.[2] Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared (below red), and cannot be seen by the naked human eye. Red is used as one of the additive primary colors of light, complementary to cyan, in RGB color systems. Red is also one of the subtractive primary colors of RYB color space but not CMYK color space.
Ummm... ermmm... I'M NOT WITH COCO!
Under a Blood Red sky checking in.
Red Zeppelin checking in.
Red Square checking in.
The mass stupidity here is dangerous. First of all, you do realize that this is very anti-American. That is the first thing that put me off. When someone has something to say about our country I am always interested....good or bad. But this is using imagery to build the guise of a tyranical government bent on genocide. America has nothing to do with her history. Nothing at all. And unfortunately, the director, who is trying to make more of a name for himself, made a video based on his own political motivations. And the special effects were way less than special. Bad music, bad video, bad concept. You could have taken this idea and made something special with it. But no, there had to be overblown, rich kid propoganda that could have been done way better with a director that actually was creative. This wasn't creative, just violent for the sake of violent. I love creations that are obscure and odd, but this wasn't even an effort. Just dumb.
Concentration camps people getting shot, everybody getting shot has 1 characteristic in common. Hummmmmmmmmmmmmm. Lol what else does the artist have to do, spell it out 4 u. MESSAGE WRITTEN ALL OVER THIS ONE.
Awesome video, wraps up exactlly how I see cops treating us. It's good to see someone putting attention to the brutality of cops and how they think they can beat, taze, mase or even shoot who ever they feel like.
Red Rain checking in.
Well I guess when she realized the only reason her talentless self was heard was because of a song being used in "Slumdog Millionaire", she decided she need to do someting attention getting. end the 15minutes
caught red lobster redhanded mispelling "seafood"
the sea food lover in you checking in
I love Red heads.
I'm checking in.
"The closest citizens in this country who can empathize perhaps are African Americans during slavery...and the real Americans, the American Indian."
Right now, I think the closest group who can identify are Muslim Americans. There religion is bashed every day. They are represented by the media as terrorists and worse. Their cultures are being all lumped into Iran, despite the religion being well spread in the entire world (note Europe, Africa, Southeast Asian, and the US). And since 9/11, I am constantly hearing implications and threats to nuke their homelands, round them all up, and blow them all away. The video's depiction of red heads I think is perfect. Because when I was in highschool not long ago, there was a sudden popular streak for attacking 'gingers', perpetuated by South Park and other media. It was just all good fun. Except for the gingers, who were constantly being heckled, humiliated- even beaten up. Just because enough people agreed with it or found it funny. That same rhetoric I heard then is being directed to the Muslims. It'd never happen in the US, but the possibility is startling when it's provoked by something like that. What little dark violence I've seen in the 3rd World is well represented here.
Red is my favorite Color.
So checking in.
I thought the music was really well done....very original, and for the video..again original. Is it graphic? Push buttons? YES...but America need to take off their blinders and fire the censors...this stuff happens all around the world, and we need to quit being prudes.
It's okay. Gingers have no soul.
Simpsons did it!
No, music isn't always supposed to be uplifting. please! Have you ever HEARD a country song? ha!
This song makes sense if you have 2 brain cells to rub together – which it seems, an alarmingly high number of you do not. And the video is actually quite good. Maybe not what you expect from a music video, it's more like a short film. And Noooo, you are terribly mistaken if you think this is an attack on red-heads. Please don't be so shallow.
And finally, to the random person who complains because it 'looks nothing like LA'. Um, I'm pretty sure that is completely off-point AND irrelevant. No one ever said it was supposed to look like LA. It was about the situation, NOT the surroundings.
Yes, even the US could end up like this one day if we keep on with the hatred, discrimination and profiling.
THANK YOU M.I.A. I just hope there are enough intelligent people out there who can look past the surface of everything in our world and not just skate through life thinking, "ooh, I love this video because it's pretty." And "I love this singer because she dresses nice", and "Ew, I don't like to think of the problems of the world...it hurts my brain!"
Red Hook ESB, standing by . . .
rhed-torical... standing by asking questions I already know the answer to
Jim, I'm glad to see someone else commenting here is sane.
Lucy I'm home!
I enjoyed the video for what it was, makes you wonder. I see this country going this way not anti-red head but anti-government supporters.
I'm not the biggest fan of this kind of really noisy techno music.
Doesn't matter though – the video is brilliant. Anyone who thinks there isn't a worthy and TRUE message to be found in this video is completely stupid.
The absurdity of rounding up red-headed, blue eyed people (whom so many callously call "gingers") illustrates the absurdity of ALL ethnic and racial crimes.
Genocide wears many faces.
Red Crescent, standing by!
Evan,
Just to let you know, she's british and of Sri Lankan descent. Good one!
FREE TOMATO HEADS!
Giddy Up!
Red next to black is a friend of Jack
On stand by!
she is one ugly little third-world mongoloid thats for sure. oh and her music sucks ass. who would ever get THAT pregnant?
ship her ugly ass back to the third world hell hole from which she was spawned.
and then we have Grand Theft Auto, which like football, builds character and teaches teamwork... Merica. They hate us for our freedom. Let us pray...
This is Fallowt, dying out. My half-life is over. You supply the heavy neutrons for a while.
Carrot Top checking in.
This video might make more of a statement if the music didn't suck so bad. Only someone supremely talented can make this kind of statement. Otherwise you are just like lady gaga minus the adams apple.
Big Red Shoes On and ready to go
Redio Man, do you red me? I red you!
We suck and since we can't play baseball...We are ...you guessed it...standing by!!!
Red Toyota standing by... no, check that... CAN'T STOP!!!
id like to see MIA in a thong!
Colors of the Incredible Hulk throughout history:
Purple, gray, green, red.
this is not gonna happen on my watch
Marklar,
Finally, an intelligent commenter. I love how everyone here made no effort or has a complete lack of understanding of things that happen in the world. Here's a hint for the viewers, it's not crimes against redheads. It could be any ethnic group, religious group, hell, even americans. And seriously, if you don't like the music (or you don't get it), don't listen to it. And for the record, sure MIA is from Sri Lanka but she's also British. Did you guys bother to look that up?
Red Eye standing by ready for another
I have now lost 10 IQ points by watching this video.
The Red-Eared Slider Turtle can mate at the age of 5 years.
Color related comments shoudl be....um coloful..otherwise please 'fall owt'
@Red Leader. Get set up for your attack run.
That is not a music video its just bull- to get attention, it is not something I would want a kid or teenager to see. No music, no sense, she should find another line of work.
Red Robin Bacon Cheeseburger:
Calories: 1030
Calories from Fat: 630
I liked the video! For once, its not about blacks or gays being rounded up!
Great, great video. Very deep. Humans being rounded up because they are redheads, what a twist on a profound subject. Good job.
Way to reach Mike.
I'm sure 50 cent's "U not like me" is a haunting message of the every day struggles of the black man to reach for the sky and strive for well earned success and finding self worth through artistic expression.
Red Bull, standing by...
Red Alert, standing by...
Who ever decided that musicians should distribute morality to the rest of society? She is simply soliciting publicity to sell records. All of you who think she should be put on a pedestal because she is "exposing the truth" are so gullible it's ridiculous. It is YOUR fault that every two bit entertainer (like her) has developed the tendency toward shocking displays. It's because YOU give them the reaction that makes them more money that they repeat this over and over.
The quality of people's ethics and quality of public behavior is in some serious decline.
This is not a music video. For one, there is no music except for some sounds generated by a yamaha keyboard you can buy at Wally Mart. It's too long and it's too graphic. Even if this depicts something that is really going on in the world, it just shouldn't be brought to everyones attention as a 'music video'.
IMO, music videos should be fun and make you feel good. Please bring back old school MTV with Martha Stuart and some 80's music videos.
Red diamonds are the rarest of gem stones, worth a million dollars a carat!
The people who made this video clearly need long term medical help.
Red Rider standing by...
When your singing is beyond pathetic you have to do something to get some attention/sales. Guess what, it worked.
Red Adair standing by...
Little red riding hood standing by...
I never watch music videos anymore. They are all sick, or stupid and ruin the song for me. So release all the stupid and sick minded videos you want, i will not be watching.
"Kim" sorry, the girl isn't making a statement, some dude down below copy/pasted the lyrics, it's complete nonsense masquerading as art.
Then you add some sensational graphic to the nonsense and it's supposed to be poignant?
It's garbage for the mindless philistines who have no appreciation of what art or the aesthetic is.
Protanopia is the inability to see red.
So- thanks to whoever posted the lyrics. But what didn't you understand?
She's basically saying she's been down n' out, frozen out, driven out, counted out- either figuratively or literally- and still managed to survive and thrive. The reason why is that she never forgets that she is a person like all others, created equal and worthy of freedom and opportunity. Hence, born free.
And why is it so weird that a non-American would dare espouse the thought that it was "self-evident that all men (sic) are created equal," not just "all Americans?"
Now if you take into account that she is a storyteller, it is not difficult to see how she uses herself as an analogy (literary tool #1) for her entire culture, or for the dark-skinned, historically subjugated peoples of the planet (please don't pretend they don't exist- virtually the only white-skinned people who have ever been subjugated to any degree for any amount of time were the Irish- the rest are dark folks, period).
PS- Red Dwarf standing by...
She a dog – BARK! BARK!
Redd Foxx checking in
Red Ring of Death standing by....
pincusion late...but standing by
Why do i feel like I just got rick-rolled
I don't believe this video is about her music, as much as it is a venue for MIA to demonstrate a view that sheds light on hate, racism and genocide.
The video is indeed very graphic and violent. I do not recommend it for kids. However, she conveys a message that may reach a vast audience -and quite possibly make them think! We all know thoughts lead to actions. Hopefully for the betterment of people...
Sending someone right over...
Those claiming there is no artistic merit to this video must have an incredibly limited knowledge of history. I think the choice of red heads as the target of prejudice is not meant to inflame violence against "Gingers" as eljaykid suggests nor is it meant as a way to single out Europeans, but as a means to show the complete arbitrariness of prejudice in general.
Roses are red
Roses are Red, Violets are blue, I need another shot of jack... How about you !
tgif
I'm embarrassed to say it ... red face standing by.
This is one of the sickist video's I have ever seen. This girl needs to get some serious help! I am glad they banned it on u tube. just sick!
The funk doctor spock...
Redman...
Check Checkin' in...
Roses are Red, Violets are blue, if you read all of these comments then you need something else to do.
United Colors.... Great ! They can all bleed together.
Red October checking in
Well that was a total waste of my time watching that video. This shows she has talent how? The song sucked and she wasn't even in the video. It does not show she is talented or creative. It proves she is an idiot. Pointless really. Music is supposed to be uplifting not bring you down. I'll watch the news if I want to see horror like that or rent a movie. At least Lady Gaga shows she is creative and actually has talent. She should stay in her country and not bring that garbage to the States or Canada.
Ummm, I don't get it. What's the message? People sukk? No Duh!
I don't get the US flag on the uniforms. That's offensive. A swastika would have been better. Those red headed guys needed 2 things: a tan and a big bottle of Just For Men: Dark Brown. It also proves that not only can we white men not jump, we can't run for **** either. This video is not worth the attention.
I like militancy of my fellow reds!!m
Nuke....we have a set of washable crayons in case of mistakes
Red Blooded American standing by.
Were is the professor Mary Ann?
politics dosent belong in music. its suposed to be about the music, this video is junk and she is no artist..
Red Fire Ants lined up and standing by.
Ginger Ale popping over
It is not an easy video to watch, but it makes a very good point about the discrimination and human rights. This video should be on a "to watch" list of all those who do not see a problem with the new Arizona Immigration law, to those who say "I have no problem with carrying my papers on me". Take a good look at how the non-red head residents are treated in this video-give the police a few years and the treatment of legal residents of AZ won't be much different than in this video.
United Colors... Kool....I need a box of crayons
Ginger Grant standing by
Red Cross standing by with medical kit.
United Colors ...calling all colors to order
you ignorant people! Europe was at one point populated by redheds they were all displaced and killed by the romans, so it's really not that cool. or shocking it happened MIA is irresponsible and immature to add to the strange anti ginger sentiment in the world. Remember redheds are a symbol to other races of the whitest people. mia is just trying to spread the hate.
who cares....
Red Skies as Night . . . . . oh ohhh
I've been hit, have to go back to the base again.
Red Baron standing by
svn nailed it: "What I object to in the video is the fact that the 'soldiers', more like municipal tactical units, are displayed with a US flag. Whats the matter. Her country of Sri Lanka who rounded up Tamil Tigers and summarily executed them on video wasn't egregious enough to warrant a politically irresponsible video?"
Why the U.S. flag? Someone, please enlighten me why the U.S. flag.
The video is a true piece of art. We need more videos like this one.
Deep Reds have infected all cells and standing by.
6 shots checking in.
The music was terrible and the video more stupid than violent, what kind of artist we have these day?, seems like the most disgusting one is the best, it's just ridiculous.
Ruby Red Slippers standing by ready to click my heals.
this is as interesting as a bucket of white cat hair
While I appreciate MIA's attempt at a statement, I find her choice of using Gingers as ill advised. I think she wanted to pick an easily identifiable trait amongst those of European descent. But she ended up picking a group that really is picked on and sometimes harmed for that trait. It would be like trying to show the harm of slavery by illustrating it with Native Americans.
I'm the father of a beautiful Ginger and am very sensitive to the prejudice. I remember before she was born people saying they would hate to have a red head, or calling someone a "red-headed step-child". This video will fuel some insensitive idiot to do something stupid.
Infared standing by in the dark. Ready to commence second assault!
I get the video and all but the song/music was awful.
Well with all of the comments on here I see the desireed effect has come about.
For those of you trashing her music as not art or whining about the fact that the depictions on the video make no sense.
You are doing alot of talking about something you all seem to find fault in.
If her goal was to stir conversation about the violence and killing she has done so now.
If it is to make you all like her and her music ( idoubt it) then she may have some up short.
But for a minute think back to when you were a kid and the "adults" bashed your music. Did you stop listening to it....? NOPE bet not.
Some I would say this to all of you...... Stop and think give some consideration to what she may be trying to do with the video.
Dont like it if you dont like it.. But you might just want to think of the message she is attempting to deliver regardless that her music may fail you. We all live on the same planet.....
WE ARE GOING TO BE TREATED LIKE THIS IN AMERICA SOON IF OUR PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT FEMA ALONG WITH OUR OWN GOVERNMENT ARE TRAINING OUR TROOPS AND MAKING MORE PRIVATE MILITIA TO TAKE AMERICANS AND THROW THEM IN FEMA CAMPS AFTER TAKING OUR WEAPONS AND STRATEGICALLY BREAKING THE ECONOMY ON THEIR OWN
The formula has not changed, Either outrageous lyrics or video, get people talking about it and poof instant million seller.Doesn't matter if the artist (sic) has any talent.
This is not even a close depiction of the areas in Los Angeles, in which the video was shot.
As a photogrpaher, I shoot in Los Angeles all the time, even in the areas off Skid Row. Obviously, she is clueless to the clarity of her message and has been jaded by her unmerited claim to success (if you can even call it that).
I don't get flustered by many things, but when it comes to the depiction of LA, at least they could have made an effort to get that right.
It's a lame video and should be pulled from YouTube just for its crappiness.
What's all the fuss about. This is typical network TV, and has been for years.
What the article doesn't make clear (journalism FAIL) is whether the footage in this video is special effects or real footage from war or something. If it is special effects, how is this any different than any slasher film out there? If it is real footage, then I would find it incredibly tasteless to use for something as banal as a music video. Either way, it's not something I'm rushing to see...
something stinks here
Red Foreman Checking in
An earlier poster commented on how teachers will try to spin this with children as compared to his/her experiences with Madonna for "Like a Prayer" video. As a teacher, I can say we won't. MIA is not that popular with teens. She is much more bigger in the 18-28 crowd (hipster types). I doubt any of my students even know who she is. Madonna was a much bigger deal because of the Pepsi commercial and the fact that she was Madonna. That being said, I wouldn't say anything about that either because I enjoy taboo subjects being tackled by popular artists.
http://www.picpaste.com/misifitsinactionneedtodie.JPG
So you people love seeing kids killed in videos? Here's a 9yo, hes about to have a bullet in his head.
Yawn! I guess her career was tanking and she needed to get her name and her lipstick out in the news. Yawn!
I'll get that wanna-be ace, Blue Leader... first, let me pull this pizza out of the oven.
UB40 checking in!
(You've gotta know this ref!)
Cartman loves the Ginger kids!! Love it!
I saw only part of this vid before I clicked off in disgust. It is VERY GRAPHIC, stupid song and well beyond the usual "pushing of the envelope". Horribly disappointed with M.I.A and her newest show of so-called talent :-/
Have you seen Woody Allen's "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Red, But Were Afraid to Ask"?"
Who killed blue? I blame Ms Scarlett in the library with the lead pipe!
Umm...who let that blue guy in?
hukt on foniks wurkt fur mi.
This is a horrible song and the video needs to be removed from being seen anywhere. The video has no art form to it. It singles out a stereo type and is in bad taste all around.
reminds me of South Park episode that was recently edited
WARNING – Red catches people's attention, and can be used either in a negative way to indicate danger and emergency, or in a positive way in advertising to gain more viewers, or in nature, as a ripe fruit announces its readiness with its red color.
Blue leader checking in.
Ruff and Reddy, standing by!
Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm.[2] Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared (below red), and cannot be seen by the naked human eye. Red is used as one of the additive primary colors of light, complementary to cyan, in RGB color systems. Red is also one of the subtractive primary colors of RYB color space but not CMYK color space.
English: Red
Spanish: Rojo
French: Roux
German: Rot
Greek: κόκκινος
Dutch: Rood
Korean: 빨간
Arabic: أحمر
Klingon: Doq!
Chihuahua: Yap!
@whoever thinks this: "The music is bad and the video makes no sense." – Silly rabbit, trix are for kids. Get out from under the rock you live in, develop a sense of mental flexibility, and pick up a history book (or "better yet" hit up Wikipedia) and look up the history of conflict in Sri Lanka. What you see in the video at times were daily occurrences. In other news, there are at least eight ongoing armed conflicts in S.E. Asia including the Philippines (NPA, ASG, and MILF), Myanmar/Burma, Southern Thailand, Jemaah Islamiah, Indonesia (Aceh and Papua), and even East Timor still isn't out of the dark yet.
Sorry Really?, no refunds or exchanges. All views are final. We cannot "red"-act on said contracts.
Did anyone else watch that sorry excuse for a video? What the heck is going on in it? That video makes me want that 9 minutes of my life back. That music "video" was a sorry excuse for art.
Beware of AMEE!
Red-tired to be continued......
I was born free too. Free to turn my face away from the glorification of violence in the name of artistic freedom. I am an artist- capturing the beauty of this world; we need art.
I was born free too. Free to protect my children from the psychological pollution that this kind of garbage creates. Free to direct their attention to positive and productive pursuits.
Cheers!
Red, White & Blue a good color for those idiots after five across the jaw.
Checking in
I am better then JD Drew
The plural of oxymoron is oxymora
Are we there yet? I gotta go potty.
I love this video. Remember " Lest We Forget "
We'll keep 'em guessing for you boss.
Hunt For Red October will blow you out of the water.
Eric Cartman checking in.
Got room for me boys?
Lady In Red wants to make you green.
I lived in Sri Lanka for 16 years... One of the most beautiful places in the world. The war over there ended last year and the country was selected as the place to visit in 2010.
I always wonder why people do this sort of graphic video? The Govt't in Sri Lanka absolutely used to treat the Tamil people as second class citizens, So did half the world until Apartheid ended not too long ago, when I think discrimination stopped on a grand scale.
Discrimination will go on as human beings are around. This is what makes the human race "crazy" to say it mildly. Like all other countries, Sri Lanka continues to move in the right direction thought at a pace not appreciated by people. Then again some people will never be happy. If 10% of a given situation is bad and and beg to get better, people will ignore the 90% of good and concentrate on the 10% to make it the focal point. or NOT come up with a logical solution to decrease the 10%. In 1983, there were communal riots, where hundreds of innocent people got killed. People from the same ethnic background as "M.I.A". This was the beg of the Civil war in Sri Lanka until it ended last year almost 30 years to date. The greatest country in the world where I live went thru very similar but very diff age of discrimination which went on for centuries and started to come crashing down thru the 1960's and I think reaffirmed to the rest of the world why this is the greatest country on the planet when it elected a minority(African Amer) as President in 2008. Not even 50 years before since it was illegal for my mother in law and father in law to be married.
I'm sure if you ask Osama or any other terrorist for that matter as to the reason they are fighting that they probably could make a valid argument as to why they feel the way they do. Still it's how they go about fighting for whatever their cause is... which is by terrorizing others, making something out of nothing to justfy their existence and radical thinking. So because some people did not like where the US stands, it decided to blow up a bunch of building on a beautiful Sep day and kill thousands of innocents. Where does this make sence?
The group M.I.A glorifies, invented the human suicide bomb. The name of the group is/was The Liberation Tigers Of Tamil Eelam or better known as the "L.T.T.E." Do a search online to see how they stack up against Al Queida or any other similar nut job. They were the most dangerous terrorist group on the F.B.I list until their extinction last year. Yes....more lethal than Al Queida....Al Queida and other terrorist groups around the world still to date use the L.T.T.E as a model for organization. So If M.I.A thinks she belongs in the Rock Hall Of Fame then the L.T.T.E should be way above in the world Terrorist Hall Of Fame for their contribution to the misery of all Sri Lankan People and not to go unmentioned, their contribution to the growth and advancement of world terrorism.
If M.I.A or anyone similar cares so much, why not take care some of her own people back home? i'm sure the record sales gets her a lot of royalties. How much of that goes to helping the helpless people she constantly talks about? Then again if she did not find a way to get attention in this manner, she would probably have the same number of album sales as Milli Vanili did last year. At least the skills are the same.
If anyone thinks that M.I.A has a good point with her propaganda video, then all the terrorist videos on you-tube about how brutal our U.S soldiers are must make sense to as well. As I said... Even as these terrorists continue to kill hundreds of innocent people in the name of a "cause" PROPAGANDA WILL ALWAYS BE A TERRORISTS BIGGEST WEAPON. It is the way Al Queida recruits and it is the same way the L.T.T.E recruited women and children to blow themselves up in the name of a cause. Go figure. A terrorist is a Terrorist...The term should never negotiate with wack jobs definitely has a meaning.
My only hope is that the Sri Lankan Gov't and people take the opportunity to make amends for past mistakes. Regardless of race we are all one. Congratulations to the President and People of Sri Lanka for doing the unthinkable and anhialating a band of unforgiving terrorists. My wish is that all other Terror groups come to the same conclusion,
I'm not going to direct anyone to any website. Just google up LTTE and see how these jokers have contributed to the misery of human beings all over the world.
Pardon me for the little book of a post but I definitely felt like I had to chime in. Always used to staying on the side lines and complaining myself.
God I think I really wasted 4 years in college studying music and theory....I could have just put out the crappiest most hideous garbage, and all the stupid people in the world would make me rich! People like this are the pits when it comes down to real talent....but I guess the musical mentality matches the mentality of the idiots who buy it.
Red Dragon will blow out their flames!
Red States standing by...
I part for no man, except our fearless Red Leader.
Big Red will chew them up and spit them out!
Fallowt has red a thesaraus!
Red Red Whine and a pint too.
Worst comes to worst, I will rust em out.
Red-uce the butt sucking.
Its funny how controversy stalks MIA for things that for the most part are done time and again by other musicians without anywhere near the controversy. I guess she just unfortunately straddles the line between musician and disneyfied pop star. If you are a musician you can do things like this and no one cares... if you are a pop star then its a major controversy if you do anything even slightly challenging or outside of the disney norms.
Some seldom used words that mean "red": rubescent, sanguine, vinaceous, gules, stammel, carmine,roseate.
I'll keep the evil doctor distracted...
Nastydaddy reporting.
Red underwear....standing by.......
in the corner.
We're coming in on the next Ebb.
not all americans are sheltered. just because you are an american does not mean you are sheltered. there is violence, discrimination and racism galore in small towns to big cities. i may not have a bomb going off but i've heard gunshots and people are murdered in my city. people get mad because we don't share other people's horrible experiences. why? the whole point is to get away from it, why should you admonish me for leaving the ghetto?
STOP!
.
.
.
Ok...go!
You can watch this video for yourself at www. another pop star with no talent . com
Red-edicate chedking you out.
Don't mix me up with those gasy stars. I'm the other dwarf! I will bite you in your ankle if you come any closer!
The music is very experimental. I don't think getting a top 40 hit was the number one priority with this song.
As for the video, when reading about it, I didn't think it the video would have any effect on me. But it did.
Coming soon, by the regime, to a gulag, i mean city near you....
Red Tape ready, willing and able.
This is a day in the life of a Black man n Amerikkka
Let me get the rest of the Reds and we will be on our way!
Red-undant – how many ways can we say it?
Some duct tape oughta fix that blowed-up guy nicely.
Red Sonya and Conan ready to bust some skulls.
Red Shirt says you're all expendable
We're meeting in Moscow right?
Red-onculous checking in.
And herding red heads! That was funny.
So let me get this right: you like red?
What a truly bad video. Could not care less about the violence or message, it is just bad.
I got my possum van and Harold here with me. Let me pick up a few tools from the Possum Lodge and I will be ready to go.
Red-eal those cards you were dealt!
Pathetic what these talentless hacks will do to sell crappy records.
I just watched the Video on Youtube....It is still there
Red Hat Society for grannies, by grannies. And Bran.
Ma? Ma?! Are you m'a ma?
Have you seen her?
Pa?
If you're going to ban the video, should it be because her music sucks? It's my EARS that are insulted here, not my eyes...
Pathetic, the extremes these talentless hacks must go to to sell their crappy records.
Wow some who makes music as bad as mine. I am impressed. I much rather perfer to putting a yam in my butt to blowing someone up.
American Foreign policy? The Genocide? Bullying? Kick-A-Ginger Day? This video is a weak attempt at symbolism that may be graphically shocking but does not make a definitive statement.
Zach de la Rocha for President.
Red-ocorate with red.
Redwings skating in. We'll score on those commies for ya!
I just watched the video in it's entirety and then began to read through the comments listed here. Whether this is art or not is going to be debated, argued, and discussed. whether it's effective political commentary or not is also up to interpretation. That said, it's pretty clear the objective here is to make some simple statement about the nature of war, genocide, and the human condition today. People have suggested she may be making some statement about genocide in her native Sri Lanka and others point out the Palestinian/Israeli conflict as similar. What she does effectively is show how singling out a people for persecution is irrational and illogical and certainly inhumane. For many like myself, the violence is shocking but that's what's going on in Iraq and Afghanistan everyday. And we Americans are willingly funding it. It may have started as retribution for 9/11 and to combat terrorism but it's become crazed assassination and often of individuals who have no power or resources to bring any significant harm to the United States. we've been so brainwashed with ethnocentric thinking and racism for so long, we don't see any contradictions with our views of moslems or africans or even immigrants in this country. it's only exposed when we see red heads singled out. but the logic is no different. we pigeon hole and categorize and sometimes use this sort of prejudice to justify killing and taking away the freedom to which all of us are initially born. it's apropos of our times, even if you don't like the production sensibilities of MIA's work. Everyone in the video was "born free" but egoism led some to subjugate others for their own gain. sounds like the way of the world to me.
I just watched this video and it's awful. Good for YouTube for pulling it. Also, as the mom to a 2-year-old redheaded son, screw you MIA! The scene of a child being shot in the head is deplorable.
yes cecilia?
Red Thumb just nailed it.
I am glad somone is doing somethinh about thoses evil gingers. They have no souls you know
Got ya covered Big Red!
red-tarded..... um...? what was I supose to say?
Red Rum – heeeeere's Johnny!
I loved it. I got to admit that the last scene was shocking but this is the world we are living. The message is clear "America, wake up and don't look the other way, this is what people in other countries have to deal with". I loved the idea of using red-headed boys as an example of racial and cultural profiling.
We are here to help
DAVE...congradulations you have now joined the club with Bran as big RED IDIOTS!
Red Fisher checking in from Scuttlebut Lodge
read-a-book... standing by
The Reddler standing by
wow, you guys really ARE dense if you can't see the message and meaning in this. Yes, the words make sense, you should try critical reading. Yes the video is violent. There's a reason. And to those who say she is nobody...tell that to the radio stations who played 'paper planes' for 6 months straight.
bran is a commie!! a big RED commie!
Red Letter Day ready to make this special!
thank God for the genius of this artist to tell me racism and violence are bad
who here likes rap and who likes music instead
anyone can shout, it is not a talent
oxymorons
military intelligence
responsible drinking
rap music
Red Velvet Cake with all my yummy goodness reporting in
big red toe...yupp
Bran, you are a reh-tard.
Red Mist... standing by
REDiculous...ready for action!
Red Right reporting in. I won't drop the ball for you!
Red Tape just got sticky.
The video is shocking and disturbing BUT is needed. Those that don't get it don't understand what has gone on in the world and still is going on in the world today. Genocide continues to happen and this is a reflection of that. Musicians aren't there to only sing pretty songs for you – where are you going to get your political information, from our pathetic news agencies. Also, learn about MIA's background and what happened to her, her family and her people before you even begin to comment.
Red Menace... standing by
99 here...don't mind me. Just floatin' by.
red Bran...Bran, stop pretending you know anything about what your talking about...
COMMON SENCE 101 BRAN!!
Red Skelton checked out.
music sucks but the special effects are pretty good.
Red Foxx – I'm coming to join you Elizabeth.
I think I just saw Shaun White do a double McTwist at the end....
Yeah, because this was 100% done as a political message and not for publicity. My god we american's are gullible when it comes to this. This "uproar" and "ban" is so fabricated I can smell the plastic.
Stop trying to read into how "deep" the message is or how "meaningful" the symbolism is. It's grade-school level symbolism at best. The song's terrible and the visuals aren't innovative or something "stirring". It's a transparent attempt at shock-value so MIA can get some free PR for being "edgy" and "out there".
Entertainment PR 101 folks.
red light district checking in
Let's pop!
Red Hot Chili Peppers... giving it away, now
Red Head – fire in the bed
just checkkin in...now where did I put my helmet?
red headed stepchild checking in
Oh and Brad, i think you should red...I mean read some books....or get RED!
dvn -I agree with you... if this is a fictional story about a universal problem, then why the slagging off of the American flag or forces? Make it a fictional armed force killing off gingers to keep the focus on the topic of racial profiling or genocide.
As artists we have the opportunity to highlight human issues and conditions that might otherwise be obscured by the day to day banality of mass media or our grind to make ends meet. –But, I see way more value in presenting solutions than horrors. Create new visions for this world/country /society and end art that keeps us in pain or in focus of what we need to move on from. Raise the vibration ya'all!
Red.....you're the only one that really gets it.
Paint The Town Red checked in.
Woof Woof!
Red Rum Checking in
Red-dy Freddy checking in.
I like red....here
Fleet's floating R&R reporting in.
Oh and Brad, ever read up on the Chinese Internment Camps during WW2? Might want to check up on it if you aren't familiar with it.
In The Red just checking in.
I'm with red checking in
Red Grange standing by.
Red In The Face just checking in.
Yawn. Let the one-upsmanship continue. Who can/will top this one for the free publicity of the "news" media making a big deal of it and some special interest group ranting about the need for more than just record labels and violence in music/video games? Both just give these people what they want...free advertising.
My prediction for what's next: a video from inside a toilet while someone takes a dump.
baseline....or she wants to use her platform to recruit terrorists
Yawn. Let the one-upsmanship continue. Who can/will top this one for the free publicity of the "news" media making a big deal of it and some special interest group ranting about the need for more than just record labels and violence in music/video games?
My prediction for what's next: a video from inside a toilet while someone takes a dump.
Bran, ever hear of the Chinese Internment Camps along the west coast during WWII? I suggest you read up on em a bit more.
Oh and...
Rose Red reporting for duty.
Caught Red Handed just checking in.
Red Robin checking in
ronald RED regean standing by
Why all the hate? I guess the message is lost upon you. What's not to like? No actual human beings were harmed in the making of this video. If you deem it unworthy of your attention then move on.
It takes more guts to put yourself out there then it does to be a critic and this woman wants to use her platform not for money but to send a social message.
Red Dawn just checking in.
Red Lobster checking in
Red Roses just checking in.
Bran...nobody in america has to think about?? I take it you have never been in the military then......
Red Lobster just checking in.
I got the big bad wolf in my sights.
Beet Red just checking in.
red gorrilla standing..err swinging by
Color Me Redd just checking in.
That picture of MIA above reminds me of Claire Huxtable for some odd reason.
The music and lyrics are horrible, but the video itself portrays subjects that nobody who lives in America has to think about...nor wants to think about. When was the last time you had to worry about being rounded up with hundreds of thousands of your fellow race and killed senselessly?
Green boy is here – Get HIM! Make MIA proud!
red faction here who wants to join?
Red Fox checking in
Redrum...redrum want to play too.
triumph quote? derrrrrr?
Green Leader here, I think i picked up the wrong script...
Red Skelton Checking in
Look kids, the plight of the Rebellion.....(explosions heard)....Roll 'em up!
red stupid standing by, check that, attacking this blog!
red rocket checking in
redbud checking in...smokin
The ones saying "Pointless trash" are probably the ones who have no idea that there actually IS *gasp* a world outside of North America. Don't kid yourself with your backhanded comments, you probably couldn't even find Sri Lanka on a map.
who dat checking in
tone – you obviously have bad taste, as evidenced by the grandfatherly was you screwed up that triumph quote.
the video is asking if we would feel different about the situations if darfur and sri lanka, if we were rounding up redheads. it's pretty obvious.
red star......you will only like the art I say you like comrade!
Watch out Crazy Redd, they are out there... waiting... Be careful! They already got King!
Red Man, Standing High.
Anything that makes you react to it is artistic in nature.
Brandon is forgetting that art is free expression and subjective. He needs a wake up call that he is not the end-all be-all of artistic opinion. Everyone is a critic, especially online. I think it's quite telling the intelligence shown by the people who cast off the song immediately because of their distaste of the music or the graphic violence. We are sadly an ADD, topical society that doesn't care to look much into or delve into possible deeper meaning of...well pretty much anything.
Go back to watching American Idol, the 7-11 convenient store of artistic expression.
Crazy Redd, attacking....
red hair, not worried about genocide.....worried about....red hair standing by
I'm hit! They got me. I'm going down. Bailing out... Send help!
How many of you reading this have red hair? Does the idea of this sort of thing disturb you, that you could be singled out for a specific genetic trait that you have no control over? Welcome to the wonderful, arbitrary, horrifying world of genocide.
Red Dawn, at your service.
red wings....laying down cover!! lol
Most posters here haven't missed any point, because the point is that the video has nothing to do with the song. The song is horrible crap, and the whole "genocide" thing is not even brought up in it! Nothing is mentioned at all in that craptacular "song" about killing, or wrong-doing, or unfairness or any of the crap that the "video" is supposedly trying to get us "stupid Americans" to "comprehend". It's pure shock value simply to try to get her name back out there since no one gives two craps that she decided to "unretire" and start making "music" again. She must have great PR people because although her "music" is undeniably wretched–here she is, getting talked about.
I'm going in, give me cover fire!
The video would have been great if she herself would have been blown up. Garbage propaganda against the United States.
red rocket....delivering..lol
Red Wolf, receiving.
attacking....
She's quite the little radical, daughter of a Tamil Tiger terrorist.
yea, um....this video is awful. funny pulled from you tube, not from mtv....since mtv is so lame they dont play videos. losers
and this chick sucks....to quote trimuph "id poop on her"
Red Squadron Leader to all Reds, commence attack!
thanks for censoring my post cnn... what, are you guys offended that I called the LTTE a terrorist organisation?
Red XIII checking in
red planet standing by
Helen Reddy ... standing by
I understand the opinion of her calling attention to genocide and so on, especially due to her native background.
However, I do believe that this is ill-timed considering the problems that happened in California, with a 12 y/o redheaded boy being beaten by his classmates. A Facebook post claimed that Friday was 'Kick a Ginger Day'.
Its obvious that folks are being influenced by various types of media, regardless if its 'wrong' or 'right'. Regardless if you think that 'those people are stupid to actually believe it', it still happens. That needs to be acknowledged.
Now, how can anyone be surprised at things like Columbine and other group-targeted violence??
Detroit Red Wings standing by.
The music is catchy, and the video is interesting. However, I think Springsteen did this concept better with Born in the USA. Also, I think you actually have to live in the US to comment on it. Just saying...
red rocket....lol
Rediculous....sitting by
Filmed in LA not in Gaza! was violent with nudity as well! so what? enough of people crying about everything!
Rojo standing by...
Anything to take viewer attention away from the terrible music.
The nice thing about all of this is, that down the road nobody will remember her, her name, nor her music (to use the term loosely.) She is having her 15-minutes of fame, and proving to most people that she really has nothing to offer. So, let her do her thing, and the best way to handle it is to just ignore her.
Red Bull, Checking in.
What I object to in the video is the fact that the 'soldiers', more like municipal tactical units, are displayed with a US flag. Whats the matter. Her country of Sri Lanka who rounded up Tamil Tigers and summarily executed them on video wasn't egregious enough to warrant a politically irresponsible video?
Aren't there enough countries in the world who practice genocide as a national sport to choose from?
If she had real courage she would attack repressive religious targets. That would make a statement! Of course, she may have to pay for her art with something more than free publicity, but we all know between art and money, she chose the latter. She's a coward!
Actually I think the lyrics to her song are pretty darn good. She wasn't writing a Shakespearean sonnet; it's a pop song after all.
Brian, to live through genocide doesn't mean you're artistic. It doesn't mean you're a hero or a villian.
It means only this: that you have lived through genocide.
If you want to be an artist and depict the event in your work, great. But BE AN ARTIST.
I wouldn't say anything less to a survivor of any atrocity. If you're going to write a memoir, for instance, make sure to do it well. The art is not the subject matter, the art is the medium. You can't just take someone with no talent, whoever it might be, stick in some material like this, and say now that it has become 'art'. Even if it's from thier own experience.
If M.I.A is a rap artist it needs to be the lyrics and ideas first, the subject matter second.
Things are just getting worse, since we are living in the last days. People get more numb each time they see something even more violent. It continues to get worse and worse. 2 Timothy chapter 3 describes how this is happening in the last days. We are so close to the end of this system of things before Harmageddon.
the dumbing down of society
read the book
Redrum... redrum... standing by.
seeing red....red-e
Red headed Mexicans?!?
Uhhh, Scuse me, I farted.
Red Rover checking in.............
If you don't like it. Don't watch it and go back to your safe little dream worlds where you are most comfortable. Sleep tight.
Right Said Fred, checking in...
@ Its not checking in.... They are quoting Star Wars (Family Guy later quoted it as well)
I guess all of us who were "BORN FREE" wouldnt get it. Perhaps this is her interpretation of what is going on in Sri Lanka? Something that we as Americans wouldnt know anything about. The closest citizens in this country who can empathize perhaps are African Americans during slavery...and the real Americans, the American Indian.
The comment thread on this article is a whole pile of "missed the point." It isn't violence for the sake of violence, and it isn't profane for the sake of being profane. The people who think it "has no point" just obviously don't get that things like this happen every day. That people are tortured and humiliated and murdered simply because of their ethnic origin every day. The entire point of the video is to put it in a perspective that we sheltered Americans can actually understand. Obviously some of you are too ignorant to handle it even if it's spelled out for you.
Ethnic cleansing happens every day. It's reprehensible and pushed under the rug. Sorry that's too much for you to understand.
redster mc reddingbocker checking in.
It's called "free speech" Lee. If you don't like something don't watch it. Problem solved. This is an incredible political statement and she shouldn't be silenced.
Gloria Allred, standing by...
Brandon, i think you missing a few things here.
She is the child of a country where mass genocide has been a daily occurance for quite some time. Her father was the leader of the Tamil Tigers, a revolutionary group in Sri Lanka.
So I think it is you who is a 'tad simplistic' and not understanding that 'oh teh artist lived it, oh my'.
So in conclusion, she's experienced it, and a 'tad' more than an artist in this subject matter. She's far more experienced than you, myself, and 99% of the journalists out there who might try to write about it with some depth.
Get rid of the terrible music and this is a pretty good video in terms of the social commentary. I'm not sure what its really directed at in the US, but it sure is an interesting take on the social injustices seen in other parts of the world.
Pretty ironic that this video came out the same day that one of our states started requiring minorities to carry paperwork with them to prove they are approved to live amongst us. Love MIA.
I am disgusted at the comments left here by those who are afraid of what they see. I am more so disgusted at the ones who claim that this video be banned because of your children.
Unless you are a dimwit, you understand completely what this video is about, I do not need to reiterate the what or the why's. It is in-your-face and accepts no apologies.
Those of you complaining about the violence, look around you, the world is not peaceful. There is a universal police state happening and you are being indoctrinated with a lack of reality in the media and press. People die everyday while your precious child goes to their prep school, you turn a blind eye because you are disgusted. I say get disgusted, like the holocaust, like Darfur, and any other atrocities you choose to close your eyes to. If you do not wake up, your precious children may be the next to get rounded up for what you taught them, or worse, what they cannot change.
I say thank you M.I.A. for opening my eyes to reality, we re not safe.
M.I.A. is making a statement: My song sucks, so I'm gonna try to prop it up with a provocative video. Good choice by YouTube, listening to that drivel once was enough for me.
A little known fact. Almost all terrorist are gingers.
Sincerely,
The US Government.
Red October Standing By.
Want to see graphic, check out 1brokengirl on youtube. Her child abuse video blew me away. Seriously.
Hey Red instead of checking in why don't you check out for good
Better Red than Ded checking in.
To those that would say the video is not violent for being violent or that M.I.A is Tamil so that makes it art:
So what?
I don't object to the violence in and of itself. I don't object to even MORE graphic violence. What I object to is it just being dumped in my lap without anythying to say for itself. That's what artists should do.
Sure, these things happen. We already know that. Or if we don't know it happened in Sri Lanka we sure as heck know it's happening in a lot of OTHER places. Why does it happen, M.I.A? What's going on beneath the surface? Or if you can't do that that, at least show some love for your medium and make it sound or look innovative.
If you're not willing to use either imagination or insight, you're not an artist: you're a reporter. And it's perfectly fine to be a reporter - reporters out there do damn good work. But if that's what you're going to do, that's what you should call yourself.
If people want to make a statement about violence, let them do it.
If people want to make music, let them do it.
If peopley want to push lousy music with 'making a statement' as a pretext, let them do it.
Of course we don't have to buy it.
Simply Red Standing By
I haven't seen the video, but after the description I don't believe I want to. I have red hair myself and it's basically insult to injury, because we are a minority as it is and our genes are getting cut out of DNA of future generations with all the intermixing of haircolor marriages, and the fact that most of us are last on the list of favorite hair colors, making the breeding process much more difficult. But don't worry M.I.A., your video won't have to be reality because nature is doing that by itself. M.I.A., you don't need a video for your songs, "*gat*,*gat*, *gat* and take your money..." is controversial enough.
Redd Foxx standing by
This is to all of you who tried to quote Family Guy.....it is "Red Leader standing by" and so on, not "checking in" lol...kudos for trying anyway!
red five standing by
The totally meaningless words of her "music."
What garbage.
This is art?
Whooo!
Yeah man made powers
Stood like a tower higher and higher hello
And the higher you go you feel lower, oh
I was close to the end staying undercover
Staying undercover
With a nose to the ground I found my sound
Got myself an interview tomorrow
I got myself a jacket for a dolla
.............
And the car doesn't work so I'm stuck here
Yeah I don't wanna live for tomorrow
I push my life today
I throw this in your face when I see ya
I got something to say
I throw this s*** in your face when I see ya
Cause I got something to say
I was born free (born free)
I was born free (born free)
(bo-bo-born free ....)
You could try to find ways to be happier
You might end up somewhere in Ethiopia
You can think big with your idea
You ain't never gonna find utopia
Take a bite out of life make it snappier yeah
Ordinary gon super trippyer
So I check s*** cause I'm lippyer
And split a cheque like slovakia
Yeah I don't wanna live for tomorrow
I push my life today
I throw this in your face when I see you
I got something to say
I throw this s*** in your face when I see you
Cause I got something to say
I was born free (born free)
I was born free (born free)
I was born free (born free)
(bo-bo-born free ....)
Ooooh
I don't wanna talk about money, 'cause I got it
And I don't wanna talk about hoochies, 'cause I been it
And I don't wanna be that fake?, but you can do it
And imitators, yeah, speak it
Oh Lord? whoever you are, yeah come out wherever you are
Oh Lord? whoever you are, yeah come out wherever you are
And tell em!
Born free (born free)
I was born free (born free)
I was born free (born free)
(bo-bo-born free ....)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow. A truly meaningless compilation of words.
I need to go wash my hands now.
Brandon,
Your argument is stupid. By your statements you act like you know it all. I imagine if you were successful multi platinum selling artist that perhaps you would be tempted to share your views on the world and possibly experiences that you gone through. And I dont think she came to you with this video. I think she distributed it for people who wanted to look at it. So if you have something bad to say about the video, then you can blame yourself because you my friend, are the one who choose to watch it.
Love,
Butler
Helen Reddy checking in
That video was disgusting and pointless to me.
This video is not violent just for the sake of being violent. It's depicting the horrors of genocide. It's not making violence look cool. It's showing how terrible it is. It's definitely too graphic to be shown everywhere, but there is a deeper message that is important to recognize. Many people in the US don't have any clue what is going on other places in the world. This video is a small look into what other people have to experience every day.
For what it's worth (and I'm not trying to justify her choices) but she's a Sri Lankan of Tamil origin- you know, the minority that just lost their 20-year civil war against the majority Sinhalese? She and her family were heavily invested in the conflict and I think that a lot of her pent-up anger is finding an outlet through her music (and video). Again, not saying that this justifies graphic violence, but I'm putting it out there for those geographically-challenged Americans who may simply think it's just another kid from the hood trying to up the ante. The things shown in her video actually took place- to Sri Lankans during the war.
I've got a great idea if you don't like it then don't watch it. There are no longer videos on TV so you are going out of your way to find these videos.
one word......stupid
Red Buttons checking in
I think we are all missing the point of this intriguing article...female, Sri-Lankan, rap artist.
I guess if your talent value is marginal, you can always go for shock value.
I have never understood why violence is acceptable in music videos in the first place. I find it worthless drivel.
And if I want a political statement, I'll seek that out elsewhere. I don't think musicians are exactly the best source for political information.
Why is it artists can't seem to combine the shocking and the thought-provoking any more?
Great, you have someone shot in the head. Good for you, M.I.A: you get how "tough it is out there". You get the great brutality of existance.
Now tell me how it's art?
If you want to just show this stuff and have nothing else to say, enter politics. Better yet, enter journalism. But don't come to me with these tales of woe as an artist unless you're willing to provide some insight. You can't just say 'oh teh policemen, they is bad!'. Sure, ok - maybe they're bad. But that's a tad simplistic for an artist, don't you think?
It's all for show and shock value. Everyone is posing and trying to out do the others. The music industry is a joke. it's all fabricated.
Hmmm... I'd like to see her take that video to Sri Lanka & see what would happen to her-probably wouldn't be a very good outcome. I get so sick of everyone always bringing their trash here-we have enough of our own wonderful artists' trash for all our children to adore-we don't need any more violent & bloody videos. But that's what we call freedom of speech-go figure!!
People do not understand that this video depicts thing that DO occur in the world. The fact that it shows red heads being treated this way is to show how disgusting violence is no matter what your skin color may be. Is this a coincidence considering the law just passed in AZ?
I've seen the video and it's not a big deal at all...totally blown out of proportion...what's more upsetting is the quality of the song...it's garbage....totally not what I'd expect from M.I.A. who has come up with some great stuff in the past.
Red October checking in.
Apparently a lot of people don't realize that M.I.A. was born and raised as a young child in Sri Lanka, where there has been mass genocide and violence for centuries.
The video just exhibits what's going on there and in other Middle Eastern and African countries.
These are third-world country that operate under a militaristic regime and deprive their citizens of any and all rights as human beings.
It's really happening. Picture it's YOU being forced to run through a mine field. The ginger males were used as a metaphor for any oppressed minority singled out and denied their rights.
These crimes against humanity are happening every day all over the world.
But we as Americans would rather play political games than care.
The life of a Palestinian Citizen in GAZA and West Bank....
It's not really controversial. It's graphic. But more than anything It's just stupid. And there is nothing compelling to watch the entire thing.
I saw the video. It is pretty graphic. It deeply upset me, but I think it is good in a way. It's obviously supposed to stir people, otherwise untouched by genocide or war, to begin to understand what it could be like if they were targeted, under fire. It is not the most gentle approach, but it did work, at least on me. Did I hate seeing the little ginge get shot in the head? Yes. Do I think the video should be banned? No, but there should be warnings of explicit violence posted.
M.I.A. is making a statement, and it is NOT that all ginges should be shot and killed.
Big Red Checking in
Simply Red checking in
Red Leader checking in
The music is bad and the video makes no sense. Give her a Grammy and a Moon Man immediately.
Isn't it funny how 20 years ago people got ticked off at Madonna for kissing the feet of a black man crucified on a cross? I remember how teachers were telling us not to listen to her because of her slight against God. Puh-leaze! It only made her more popular. I wonder if teachers will try the same with the "oh so gullible innocent children of the world". Bad publicity is awesome publicity.
this has got to be one of the weirdest videos I have ever seen. ..... The effects are kinda cool, but the music sure does suck!
hummm.... "Born Free" banned from YouTube now there is a contradiction.
I saw Pink on a video take a chain saw to a tree, then Lady Gaga had flames shoot out of her bra and now we have people getting their brains shot out with guns. Yes, these are true artists with talent second only to Mozart.