M.I.A.’s — We Have Beards

Of all the shit on YouTube, M.I.A.’s new video is the one they pull. After you watch it, you’ll understand why. It can still be found in some areas of YouTube with an age verification option, but those may be pulled also.

“Born Free” is a very graphic video depicting Americans as an occupying force out to exterminate minorities. In this case, the gingers. The video, more short film than music video, opens with an eerie subdued air raid horn playing in the background as an American military/police team moves into an apartment building. I don’t want to give away too much but it’s pretty intense.

It’s an obvious commentary on American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. The video is very graphic, so be warned.

Do you think YouTube is right to pull the video? Is its depictions of Americans over the top?

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

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Chin_Curtain

That director released a similar video before this one for this group, Justice, but wasn't as effective. I appreciated this video a lot. I've always had respect for M.I.A. but find her music a little overwhelming sometimes (Kala's pretty solid though). This song seemed a little more centered than her other music and I'm looking forward to her next album.

As for the content of the video, I think it's reasonable to also add in the interpretation that the gingers could be immigrants too. I think the video comments on both the occupation and the US treatment of “illegal immigrants.”
http://www.wehavebeards.com/ RedBeard@WeHaveBeards

With the AZ law, the ginger/immigrant connection would be apparent. But I think their intention was more on US/Iraq and Afghanistan relations.

YouTube Pulls M.I.A.’s “Born Free” Video

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