By now I am sure that you have all seen "Window Seat", the new video by Erykah Badu that's causing a stir around the web. I love the symbolism behind the video [or movement], sure it incites controversy [and in all realness she is pushing an album], but beyond that this really speaks to my soul.
As dramatic as it may sound, my character has been assassinated many times for deciding to do things my way, which often times goes against the grain of the role society laid out for me. I have experienced sour looks from my own sistas who scoff at my decision to embrace my natural hair, I have been called a dreamer because I choose to live my life doing things that make me happy instead of following social norms and mores. I, just like Erykah, am tired of the sanctions imposed on me from society, and often times I want to strip myself of social boundaries; and be who I am. Why can't I just be me?
There is p o w e r in having complete control over who you are, that is why ideologies are created to keep us in check, and to make us fear anything other than what society deems appropriate. Ever wondered why ideologies are created by the dominant members of society? Their unwritten rules, and expectations serve one purpose; conformity. - To all of my brothas and sistas out there that fight to stay true to yourselves [because it is hard], inhale the fresh air, and exhale fear!
I am curious to know your thoughts on this video!
I loved the video. The message behind it is soooo powerful. Erykah has never been one to conform so I really find this not surprising. Her music is so deep. I say be who you are and fight for what you believe in because at the end of the day, the only person that matters is YOU. Great post!
ReplyDeletemy opinion is this. ms. badu is lucky she did not get arrested for indecent exposure. This was not a closed video set. Children were around and in my book as a mother and a childcare provider, what she did was a no no. Everyone can espress themselves, but she took the cake. NO, I DID NOT LIKE THE VIDEO AND WHAT WAS THE WORD THAT CAME OUT OF HER HEAD AFTER SHE ACT LIKE SHE WAS ASSASSINED?
ReplyDeletethis video is not about what ppl think its about....at all. there is a deeper meaning behind it..
ReplyDeletechick is crazy, everything about her is demonic….Illuminati symbols everywhere…this world is in for a rude awakening…Why do you think her album is titled NEW AMERYKAH….think!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe irony of this video is that you would think that it is about thinking for your yourself, and not being afraid to be true to yourself even if it means going against society and the norm. Erykah badu supposedly represents a unique individual ready to expose her true self (free of regulations) in New Amerykah.. However, the video has a slightly different meaning. I think that it was directed to the "conscious" ppl to slightly confuse them.. make them doubt their understanding of basic common sense and morality, and actually feel guilty about being correct lol. The real comedy in this whole situation is that the alleged “free-thinkers” do not even know what the point of the video was. It’s like a bunch of idiots being told that a piece of garbage on a canvas is a work of art, and they start to believe it because the curator makes them doubt their sense of art..
ReplyDelete“Return of the Ankh” is referring to the full return to the Egyptian and Babylonian mystery system. The plan is a full scale proganda war against basic morals and statutes of the scriptures to create a virtual culture shock environment where people are no longer sure what the difference is between what they should or shouldn’t do, unless the government tells them. All these “artists” are pawns.
ReplyDeleteWow @"Anonymous"!!! This is definitely inciting somewhat of a stir!!! While I appreciate, and welcome all feedback, I think everyone is different in what they draw from the video. After all, isn't that the beauty of art? The fact that you can interpret it anyway you want? At the same time I don't claim to hold the "true meaning" of the video because I was not there during it's conception.
ReplyDeleteTo classify people that "interpret" the video differently then you do as "idiots", is a bit excessive no?
@negesti7 HA! Indecent exposure, shooting without a permit. There were a few violations there, and last I heard, the local police were looking into filing charges.
ReplyDeleteI agree how it may be a little much for some kids. And maybe a little more social responsibility on her part for those parents who don't want their child seeing some naked woman walking down the street. I can respect that.
Personally I loved the video and the message she speaks at the end. What I take from it is just 'be'. Be who you are. Don't be afraid to 'go against the grain' b/c it will caue controversy or alienation from the status quo. I love that she was daring enough to do it out in the open and the location was also symbolic. Let's stop putting labels on things...we're all allowed to freedom. Everything is truly in the eye of the beholder, what I may deem to be art may be seen as trash to someone else but in reality so what? To me it is art and I am only looking to satisfy my own soul. To each his own people...to each his own. More commonly spoken as 'what you eat don't make me shh'... you get my drift. It's hard to really not care about other people opinions, but once you learn to shake that alltime cause of conformity 'caring' - life is sooo much better! It is at that time only that one will truly live and do for self and not for society's acceptance.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't see the big deal with the video other than she may have broken the law in regards to streaking.
ReplyDeleteIt was admitted that the concept of the video was inspired by Matt & Kim's LESSONS LEARNED. Its funny how her video is seen as 'inappropriate' but Matt & Kim's own was considered 'playful & unique' last yr and was enough to earn them Breakthrough Video 2009 Award. Matt said they didn't get any negative feedback from there's whatsoever, they had permits to film but the police did tackle them for being nude/streaking. y'all should Youtube the video and check it out.......Maybe Kim wasn't woman enough bodywise like Eyrkah hence the reason for the double standards.
I love this video.
ReplyDeleteThe phrase "group think" is what came out of her head.
On her twitter, it says it took them 2 minutes to shoot the video & then they had to run like hell LOL. I'm glad she didn't get arrested (yet) and I doubt she did it at a time or place where underaged kids would see. She has children too, you know.
wasn't calling anybody an idiot...just giving n example..I apologize if you or anybody reading this was offended.. i just feel like alot of these artists and most of the time (its not even them) but the people on top of them, have another agenda and try to insult your intelligence by brainwashing you.. Many times the video/song is not what it appears to be.Then they justify it by calling it "Art". The video is almost forcing you to agree with the concept by calling you a "group thinker"(check her interview on 106 & park) or whatever if you do not. And i was not at the video shoot either, but after doing research on many of these artists, it is clear what that a lot of their art can influence young ppl's morals and eventually behaviors. Check out viligantcitizen.com and the industryexposed.com
ReplyDeletei'm all for artistic expression but no one is paying attention to the music or the deeper meaning behind what she did...everyone is focusing on her BOOTY ! it might help sell some albums but we all know Badu doesn't need to strip to sell a cd, and I know that's not why she decided to be nude in her video. the only people i'm concerned about are the children. in the meantime let's see what the rest of this album sounds like and see if she can get Andre in the studio cause that would be the icing on the cake of all of our summers ! yeeeeah-er !
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ReplyDeleteStrange how urban dwellers interpret this as something deeply philosophical. Every year in San Francisco a day celebrating gay pride, Erykah Badu would have been lost in the crowd of men and women. Partially nude, fully nude with body paint, evasively nude on side streets, courtyards buses and trains; all in complete full view of children. Actually I am curious if she would have expressed herself this way if she was 60+ pounds over weight. Only then I would be impressed by this main stream artist.
ReplyDeleteExploring undeveloped countries, such a vision is common among the locals. No hair or skin care products that enhance the confidence of American and European deva's. Men loin cloth free, apparently unconcerned whether someone is evaluating their size. The offense is only committed if a person dislikes the image.
Some people aren't comfortable when you step out of your box, because it reminds them of the box they are in.
ReplyDeletecall me naive or "seeing the world through rose colored glasses" (wouldn't be the first time) but i don't feel as though there is anyone who is threatened by my non-conformity.. i don't even like using that term. part of the human condition is being an individual whose life is like no one who ever lived or anyone who will ever live.
ReplyDeletei had a discussion with a professor not to long ago where i asked him if it could be said that some people used the "they don't understand me" answer when asked why they aren't venturing out
and mixing with others who are unlike themselves as an excuse.
may be i as lucky to not have encountered it or am just that dense, but while i enjoyed the video, i thought it represented those people who make excuses.
we define our own limits, right?
I love Erykah for doing this! If a ever met a woman who "just doesn't give a damn" lol I really had to respect what she did here, and people need to get past the strip and get into the message, it's deep!!!
ReplyDeleteMel
p.s. It saddened me when you said your fellow sisters made faces at your hair, when it is truly so beautiful! I have to say, while things are not perfect here onthe East Coast, the reaction may be a little different here in NYC as opposed to Cali. You would be the "IT" girl over here, believe me
I agree Mel! I live in NYC too and she def would be the "IT" girl. Men over here luuuuuv naturals; it aint even funny. Lol.
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