A few days ago, Youtube banned a video from crooner Robin Thicke (who by the way is the son of Alan Thicke, the father figure in the 80's/90's family sitcom Growing Pains). Gizmodo reported the decision by Youtube in this article. In the video, it has the crooner himself and two well know hip hop artists, T.I. and Pharell, singing and dancing with 3 topless and panty clad women. Youtube had the video on their website for less than a week until it decided it was considered porn. In the article, it states the policies and procedures of how Youtube deems a video not suitable for the site. It cites other videos that were banned under their rules. I have no opinion on Youtube's decision but I do feel the internet is a Wild West scenario where anything goes and this includes Youtube but the website has a responsibility to deem what is appropriate for its audiences. These artists know what they are doing. I feel they always hide behind the definition of art so they can stay trendy and controversial which ends up in publicity and increase sales. They play innocent and cite freedom of speech and artistic integrity but they are put in a position where they can decide what is morally right. SpiderMan's Uncle Ben said with great power comes great responsibility. The artists and all involve have that power but are they being responsible?
It is funny to me how easily accessible adult material is nowadays, especially pornographic material. Growing up, you either had to sneak or steal a magazine or video from an older brother or friend or watch blurred out porn. Now, it's just a quick search on the internet. I'm not a prude and I am glad the censorship is progressing to being more open but at the same time there is a time and a place for these things, not just nudity but violence, foul language, sex, etc.
What I find ironic is the title of Robin Thicke's song blurred line because when things are censored, blurring lines is what is used to censor things. Don't get me wrong, I'm usually on the side of art but artist needs to stopped being douchebags about their materials. Robing Thicke needs to be honest and state, he just wanted some naked ladies dancing around cause it would look cool and controversial. I dig the video and the song. Heres a link to the video. Here are a few more examples of music videos with nudity but I feel they have more artistic integrity: Asap Rocky and Killer Mike.
*All three songs are catchy and are on my playlists.
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