10 Most Controversial Music Videos Of All Time
3. M.I.A. - Born Free (2010)
The lead single from M.I.A.’s Maya record, Born Free polarised critics and audiences thanks to the music video’s depiction of a genocide against those with red hair. The video is a 9 minute short inspired by the mobile phone-filmed murder of Tamil males by members of the Sri Lankan Army during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
The video’s depiction of military force, terror and genocide prompted discussion and analysis worldwide. Many praised it as a violent allegory for actual genocides and ethnic resistance movements throughout the history of the world up to today. Others condemned it as distasteful and a desperate attempt at providing shock value.
Released at a time where Iraq War films were becoming increasingly common, Born Free is a stark contrast to the soldier-focused movies of its day. The red headed victims in the music video provide a symbol of any group that have suffered violent oppression. While the likes of The Hurt Locker and Green Zone paid little attention to the local war torn populous of their settings, Born Free encapsulates the fear of being a victim in war rather than an aggressor.