“They who play it safe, are quick to assassinate what they do not understand. They move in packs, ingesting more and more fear with every act of hate on one another. They feel most comfortable in groups – less guilt to swallow. They are us. This is what we have become. Afraid to respect the individual...”
As an onlooker, I would probably be a little disturbed seeing Erykah Badu strip nude in front of me without warning or consent. But as a viewer of the video, I am intrigued. Granted, I did my research on the controversy and reasoning behind the video. So I fully appreciate the message Erykah wants to display. But could she have acheived the same message in a different way? Maybe, maybe not. In any case, I think that the method in her madness is respectable if not admirable. She is not afraid of going to extremes to make a bold and insightful statement. I am in awe of this video's visual simplicity, but internal complexity. Erykah Badu peels away the exterior layers (literally) to reveal the truth about herself and others. No matter how uncomfortable it makes us, the truth expressed through this video is illustrated in a clever and profound way. Read the juicy details.What really happened?
Well, Badu was filming the video to her new single, "Window Seat," from her newly released album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh. The setting is Badu's hometown, Dallas, Texas - downtown, Elm Street, Dealey Plaza, approaching the site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. Erykah and her posse do not have city permits to film at this location, but she isn't afraid of a little guerrilla filming! In a single-take video, Erykah is filmed removing her clothing...Read more
