Comments on: Edgy over the top politically real video by Madonna. Must see.

By: greg laden

greg laden — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:09:59 +0000

Stew: We posted at about the same time so I did not see yours before I wrote mine. Right on.

By: Stephanie Z

Stephanie Z — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:47:13 +0000

Stew (and what an appropriate name), what majority of Americans are you talking about here? I saw one “banal” comment and a bunch of people saying otherwise. I also saw a backlash that caused Madonna to censor herself. How is this boredom?

By: greg laden

greg laden — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:43:41 +0000

My harsh comment is this: Those who did not see this as disturbing watched the pictures. Those who recognized this as disturbing listed to the words (and watched the pictures). (Anne: am I right?)One could say this is not a disturbing video, rather, it reflects, characterizes and criticizes a disturbing reality using a powerful combination of words and imagery. Every American, especially those of the suburban middle class and the wealthy, is implicated, but few of those accused will ever get it.The fact that even in the Democratic Party, the current most important issue is gas prices and the economy and not this war is VERY disturbing.

By: Stew

Stew — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:35:46 +0000

Banal indeed! I always thought, that through the familiarizing effects of repetition, you can eventually learn something useful and apply it; like when young, tying up ones own shoelaces over and over again or practicing your chops on a piano keyboard. Boy was I wrong, because it seems evident, that for a majority of Americans, this video represents no more that a trite metaphor of what bores them, rather than the messy and disturbing image of American life that she tries to portray. You would think the toilet scene alone should provoke, at the very least, some comment, whether in wonder of or out of shear anger because of what it insinuates. Then again I wouldn’t be surprised that if she and the rest of her troupe actually did take a shit down the crapper, that that too would be disgracefully exploited and then all to soon forgotten.Speaking to power has always been a difficult and dangerous occupation, but in the American of today, the reverse seems to hold, where the powerless seem sadly ambivalent to their own situation and will actually disregard, even ostracize one of their own, especially when reminded of it. Yes, Madonna, with all her wealth and fame is as powerless as the next person; a position she clearly implies by throwing the cigar to the Bush clone who, upon catching it, lights up in triumphant and self-satisfied aplomb. Who else has the wherewithal to murder hundreds of thousands or allow for the impoverishment of millions at home and abroad, certainly not a pop star.

By: themadlolscientist

themadlolscientist — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:37:16 +0000

Madonna’s not a Xtian or a Jew!

IIRC, she’s a Kabbalist. Whatever. This video is great, almost enough to make me decide I don’t 100% hate Madonna after all. (Only 99%, maybe. =grin=)I must say I’m surprised that given her rock-’em-shock-’em history, she pulled the video and released an edited version. I mean, outdone by the Dixie Chicks? Uffda indeed.

By: steppen wolf

steppen wolf — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:07:58 +0000

Thank you Greg for re-posting this. Unless I am wrong, Madonna herself retracted the video – that’s how much people got disturbed by it – but of course, once the cat’s out of the bag…a clone of it will end up on the web 🙂

Ah Madonna, banal as ever.

Right. The next time you have the guts of publicly doing something like this, then we can talk about it. Grow up.

The thing that struck me most while watching this time (I had seen clips before) was that a few of the women were in men’s underwear.

I think one in particular was a FTM transsexual. You also had women of color, and women “above size 4”. The fact that we find this transgressive or curious tells something about ourselves and our society…no matter whether you think Madonna is a good performer/entertainer/singer or not.

By: Christopher Waldrop

Christopher Waldrop — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:55:59 +0000

I need to get my sarcasm-detector fixed. Mr. Laden’s warnings that preceded the video led me to expect bunny rabbits and flowers. While it was not exactly controversial or disturbing, it wasn’t as fluffy as I expected.In response to Umlud, though, who noted “Women in Islamic-esque clothing” as one of the non-controversial things, bear in mind that Rachel Ray’s Dunkin Donuts ad was pulled because she’s wearing an Islamic scarf. Because, you know, Muslims just love paisely.

By: Anne Gilbert

Anne Gilbert — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:55:36 +0000

One thing you can say for Madonna: when she decides it is time, she pulls no punches about what is bugging her!Yes, this video is very disturbing, but not in the way the censors seem to think it is. She's making a really "deep" comment about "the American dream" and its costs and results! Not pretty for those who want "nicy-nice" all the time.Anne G

By: Ana

Ana — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:34:45 +0000

Loved it! The thing that struck me most while watching this time (I had seen clips before) was that a few of the women were in men’s underwear. I might not have given this any thought except that a day or two ago on “The Story” (APM/NPR) Dick Gordon’s guest, in talking about what has become the all-too-common assault of women soldiers (by “friendly” male soldiers) in our armed forces, explained that women are forced to wear boxers when in uniform.

By: Greg Laden

Greg Laden — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:03:24 +0000

'68. right.Here is the link to that set of videos, by the way.