Last night No Doubt pulled their video “Looking Hot” after online commenters complained the video was offensive. The music video included Native American imagery, such as a teepee, smoke signals, feathers and headresses.
YouTube commenters and online bloggers were quick to bash the video for insensitively appropriating Native American culture, and soon after, No Doubt took the video down and issued an apology.
In a post titled ”In Regards to Our ‘Looking Hot’ Music Video” on their official website, No Doubt wrote:
As a multi-racial band our foundation is built upon both diversity and consideration for other cultures. Our intention with our new video was never to offend, hurt or trivialize Native American people, their culture or their history. Although we consulted with Native American friends and Native American studies experts at the University of California, we realize now that we have offended people. This is of great concern to us and we are removing the video immediately. The music that inspired us when we started the band, and the community of friends, family, and fans that surrounds us was built upon respect, unity and inclusiveness. We sincerely apologize to the Native American community and anyone else offended by this video. Being hurtful to anyone is simply not who we are.
The track was the follow up single to “Settle Down” from their sixth studio album Push and Shove. Did you see it? What did you think of it?
While No Doubt didn’t intend for their music video to be offensive, many artists before them have released music videos deemed too insensitive by major networks. And sometimes that’s the whole point…
Seven controversial music videos
Madonna — “Like A Prayer”
When the music video for “Like A Prayer” was first released people were shocked at its Catholic iconography. The video tells the story of a black man wrongly accused of murdering a child. Madonna witnesses the whole thing and later kisses a Saint on the mouth. This is heavy stuff, especially for 1989. The Pope wanted to ban her from performing in Italy.
Nicki Minaj — “Stupid Hoe”
Nicki Minaj‘s “Stupid Hoe” was so controversial that BET banned it from airing. Although they didn’t specify why, it was probably because the raunchy lyrics. The count? Minaj says stupid hoe an astounding 52 times and f*ck 10 times.
Lady Gaga — “Alejandro”
Because of the religious imagery, MTV chose to air Lady Gaga‘s “Alejandro” only on its sister stations after midnight. Gaga’s video combined Catholic imagery with sexual themes like S&M and androgyny. Gaga, who wears a latex version of a nun’s robe, even ingests rosary beads in one scene. Needless to say, she was criticized by everyone from Katy Perry to the Catholic League.
Bjork — “Cocoon” Read more…
“Where Were You” — Drake & Dawn Richard
Drake’s new collab with Dawn Richard (of Diddy-Dirty-Money fame) is the perfect example of how a female vocalist can add that extra oomph to a song. The previously unreleased “Where Were You” is a classic tear-jerking Drake track about two ex-lovers still pining for each other. “Where Were You” was originally recorded as “Whatever Became of You” by Colin Munroe for Thank Me Later and was scrapped from the album. Now re-released with a haunting synth base, Drake and Dawn’s vocals complement each other beautifully and you can really hear the emotion in their voices. Thank goodness this gem of a song wasn’t lost forever!
“Closer” — Tegan and Sara
Tegan and Sara have been experimenting with a more electro-fied sound in the past few years, with their recent “Body Work” collaboration with Morgan Page really bringing out their radio-friendly side. The Canadian twins’ new single “Closer” is a deeper dive for them into the dance music sound. With tons of synth, Tegan and Sara have pretty much turned their backs on the alternative/acoustic rock sound they were once known for. I don’t know about you but I’m loving their new sound. Kudos to the ladies for staying current and evolving. Tegan and Sara will be releasing a new album early next year.
“Paradise on Earth” — Cris Cab Read more…
