Many of you have asked to talk about music. We've been dicussing censorship as part of our argumentative writing. I've heard many students singing this song. So let's talk about MTV's decision to censor Lily Allen's hit single "Eff you." Except for the objectionable chorus the rest of her song makes a great point against racists and bigots. Do you agree with MTV's decision to censor the song? Are there any alternatives to wanton censorship? What do you think?(I struggled to find this clean and censored version :)
Click here to view: Lily Allen
43 comments:
Oh the irony in the videos name...!
She has quite alot of depth to what she's saying... Maybe it would have been better if she would have not included that word to start with.
And although there is alot of points that she raises just generally about people opposing what SHE thinks... People being "Small minded", "medievil", "like your father" are all phrases she uses to describe the mindset of people... That she doesnt really like. At around 2:40 she says herself that "No one wants your opinion" and constantly says "We hate what you do...". Which is extremely hypocritical of her just because not everyone agrees with her.
Yes, the song should be censored but not taken completely off the air. We have a right to free speech and she's speaking her mind, let her say what she wants to say to the world but without the swearing.
Haha Duwane, that's just what I was thinking!
F*** you (Clean Version)!
I really like the video. The same can't be said for the song or half of the words because they're very biased and everything is being said with her opinion (look at the video itself! It's basically everything SHE'S seeing and everything from her point of view... LITERALLY). It was sensible for MTV to censor it, even though alot of other songs aren't censored.
Alternative? Don't swear as much :)
Another good example to look at is Katy Perrys song 'I Kissed A Girl' and how it was banned from being played on radio stations in Dubai because it was "promoting lesbianism."
It would have made sense if they had censored it since the governing religion here is Islam and girl-on-girl is against the religion but completely banning it was a bit extreme. It was only the chorus that was stupid anyway.
This video was messed up, that's all I have to say, other than agreeing with Duwane.
And to Myra, the statement you said: "completely banning it was a bit extreme."
Do you know why it's forbidden in Islam? In the Bible too?
It is associated with the devil, his doings and his ruling, one of chaos and full of atheism. So many people think that Islam is harsh, but only if you read the Qur'an, found out the truth, you would be extremely scared. I watched a few videos yesterday, and I couldn't sleep till 2am...
Life is a test. This is something you do not know:
Music= Associated with devil.
Disco/Dancing= Associated with devil.
Sex/rape= Associated with devil.
Drinking/Drugs= Associated with mind-control (can't explain anymore than this).
EVERYTHING mentioned in Islam, is for our good. When you say "a bit extreme", do you really know what happens in the background?
You think its extreme, because it is the way of God, he created a path in which we are being tested in, and you are failing it.
Anyone who has a weak belief, or doubts in religion, or is athiest, download this from this website : "http://www.mininova.org/com/2050859"
(You need to download something from Google called "utorrent" first, before downloading)
Download this series. It will change your life.
Mr.Roberts, I especially recommend you to watch them.
(Please be advised that sexual discrimination is used, so be careful not to take the wrong idea).
Hmmm
In my opinion if there was a new Eazy E song on TV I'd prefer it be the original version with all the F words and genital referances but naturally we need a functioning society and since ironically common sense is not that common we should keep censhorship. But banning anything because we don't like it is just dumb.
A great man once said "Opinons are like A$$holes , Everyone's got one"
One of the comments on the video on YouTube said "George Bush". I agree, it sounds to me like she's talking mainly about George Bush, the lyrics definitely have a "general message" behind them, if one may call it so. But when she says "It's not okay to be gay", and "Do you get a little kick of being slow minded? You want to be like your father", it sounds to me like it's quite directed towards one person.
Nevertheless, I do think it should be censored. Not because of the language, because really they could just have broad casted a clean version, but because of the general hateful emotion of the whole song. I know a lot of people will probably just be infatuated by the tune/melody, they wouldn't think much about the lyrics, but it still does affect people, without them recognizing it. I remember we discussed this in class 2 years ago: it went under censorship and violence (movies to be specific). The general point was that people tend to be influenced by media today without even realizing the effect it has on them, specially evident in children obviously.
Which brings me to the other point: How many teenagers have young siblings who sit and watch MTV with them? Now, though a "clean" version, the whole meaning of the song never really changed, has it?
I really don't think the problem with the song is the foul language (although it would've been a smart move to spend some time thinking of a more original title), but the actual content when you think about it.
Well if we're going to bring up other songs... There are quite a few which have been banned to show on television or radio on general because there is just so much swearing and... Description of adult events that censoring these words would make the song nothingness.
Lil' Wayne seems to be the best example, I really cant remember the name but it came out wuite recently... It was just crammed with so much swearing and sexual content that it was quite unbelieveable that it was actually recorded!
What I'm tryign to say is that Artists have started to forget about the censors, sing whatever they like and expect a few people to buy it, even if its a load of garbage. With piracy well on the rise, i think we've reached a point where MTV banning a song doestn really affect the downloads at all. And as long as the title isn't extremely messed up people would probably buy the song unknowingly...
So whats happeneing? Are artists trying to push the barriers of censorship so that they can sing whatever they like where ever they like? Certainly looks like that!
Lily Allen, nice pick Mr. Roberts! ;)
despite the chorus i think this song has powerful lyrics pertaining to the ignorance displayed in our society daily! Its okay to have your beliefs, but you shouldnt put people down because of them either, nor should it create a barrier between people with different opinions.
Personally i don't think the song should not be banned from the radio, but censored of course.
The song is actually directed against racists and bigots:
Look inside,
Look inside your tiny mind
Now look a bit harder
Cause we're so uninspired,
so sick and tired of all the
hatred you harbor.
Do you,
Do you really enjoy living a
life that's so hateful?
Cause there's a hole where
your soul should be
You're losing control of it and
it's really distasteful.
The expletives she uses in the chorus are directed against people who believe in violence and hatred and war and racism.
Well, from the music infos I read, and also heard on the radio, this song was Lily Allen's 'gift' to George Bush. :P
With regard to THAT, I think this song is perfectly well written, every sentence well-phrased and the message being one I couldn't agree more with! And let's face it, we all know what more than half the world thinks of George Bush. We all use diverse vocabulary to express our distaste, and the one she's chosen is just a mild example of the million swear words people have otherwise used. She's just voicing a commonly shared opinion; maybe EVERY single one doesn't agree, but a very large number does. And like we discussed in class, if it hurts and disgusts you so much to listen to it, just lean over and change the radio station!
The song makes sense, as she's directing this to all the people who like violence or resort to it, as well as racists. Though I don't think it was necessary for her to use profanity to such an extent in her song. Maybe she thought this was the only way to grasp people's attention, seeing as not so mnay would be interested to listen to someone sing about right and wrong, but they would be intrigued with the catchy (though innapropriate) title!! I think MTV was probably right to sensor the lyrics however I do not believe that the song should be banned as it has a kind of message (all the hypocracy and profanity asside!!)
I didn't know it was called f*** you!
I've watched it on Mtv so many times.
Well the song does make sense and your right Mr.Roberts. But i would have to agree with Duwane here. Most artists now choose to ignore the fact that censorship is around. They choose to promote violence, racism, sexual content and etc. This song by Lily Allen is mostly one sided though. Its her opinions against what she beleives and thinks about the world. Like Myra says, its literally us looking through her eyes. How She sees things.
Overall, censorship creates a positive and clean atmosphere. :)
a few weeks ago, my brother and i saw this video on tv, and thought its brilliant! extremely creative!
i also did not know the original name of the song!
censoring the F word and things like that is a good way of discouraging people to swear, especially younger children. but i quite like the lyrics, it has more meaning to it rather than the other usual stuff we listen to. i think its a good way of getting people aware of racists and so on
Daniel are you being for real?
'When people look at Disney, they see fun characters, happiness and so on.
When I see them, I see a giant conspiracy theory that brainwashes the leaders of tomorrow (Today's children)'
THAT just cracked me up. HAHAHA.
Moving on, you really think some animated characters to demonise the innocent minds of todays children? Wow, that's a really interesting one. So what is it that is so enlightening about these videos?
can demonise*
Faiza, first of all; did you read Moe's comment? Do you deny what he states?
and Faiza, please watch this video:
The guy who is talkng is a priet addressing the church
use the youtube link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAWbx1eUQRk
Mo, I'm not looking for an Islamic lesson :)
I know everything there is to be known about Islam and I don't need to argue with you about it
"You think its extreme, because it is the way of God, he created a path in which we are being tested in, and you are failing it."
Firstly, your first sentence doesn't even make sense. Secondly, who the hell are you to tell me I am 'failing to go on the path of God?'
Daniel,
I watched the youtube link you posted. All I'd like to say at this point is that I haven't seen an "effeminate lion" but I have seen a lion adopt a baby antelope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD5bCNvAihU.
Truth is stranger than fiction.
It seems we're drifting from the issue at hand - let's stick to the issue of censorship and keep religion out of it - we have Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Parsis, Jains, Zorastrians, Sikhs, Bahais, and people of no religion in our school. There's massive disagreement within and between these groups.
If one objects to things because it's against one's god, then leave one's god to punish the offender.
I'd like to hear more reasons in your comments - not divine rules.
Firstly, let me steer the argument back on track by saying I think the song should be censored but not banned.
Banning the song would be resorting to exteremism not only because she is ultimately just expressing her honest opinion but also because this particular song happens to have a unique tone which makes it easy to bo censored without getting ruined in the process. She started using the F-word somewhere around 0:40 but the censorship editing blended in with the rest of the song so well that it took me quite a while to figure out exactly where it had been applied (maybe it's just my lack of personal experience in using the F-word).
Instead of being banned the song should be moderately censored because as the F-word happens to fall within the chorus, it gets repeated far too many times through the course of the song. Besides, a substantial part of Lily Allen's fanbase is probably made up of youngsters who could get negatively influenced by such heavy usage of such strong expletives.
Good to hear from you Sajid, you've been laying low recently. Haven't seen you in a while. Nice comment.
Hmm.
Okay, first off I'm a HUGE music fan. Especially Rock n' Roll. Some of the GREATEST bands, like Guns n Roses and Queen have racist comments in a few of their songs, or foul language.
To me, I don't see any reason to censor this song, even if the chorus keeps on repeatingly saying "Fuck you". A good songs still good, even if it contains inappropriate language, because every song made has a reason to being done, and the lyrics to any song has meaning. The words to Lily Allens Eff you, seems very directed to one certain idea;this idea may be disconcerting, but it's still hard work put into a good song.
It's a song, it's an art - last I checked, everyone had the right to freedom of speech.
Okay, so maybe she shouldn't be swearing as much in the Chorus, but even so, its just a song and shouldnt be censored. Maybe my opinions are biased because im a rock n roll fan and most of their lyrics are very harsh in some way or another, but even so - It's a great song and will be and MTV shouldn't have censored the WHOLE song, except the "F*** you" bit.
Loads of people out there watch MTV as a source of music,and being a music channel how can they ban a song that many would agree with and like?
Like i've said before - It's an art, and should be appreciated whatsoever.
The song was really nice..It does make a great point towards racists etc. Though the word shouldnt have been used but I get why she used it and it did strenghten her opinion.. To this song, I dont think MTV should have censored it as she was merely just sending a message to people about how they've become racist and bigots.
Just to clarify: the song was censored by MTV but not banned.
Oh, crap.
In that case..:P
Yes, the chorus should be censored but nothing more, since the rest of the words mean something and she's trying to make a point that people should try seeing.
HAH. I love this song, however I'm not the biggest fan of Lily Allen. The problem with her, or so I've heard, is that she tends to "shove her opinions down other people's throats" so to speak. Getting back to the topic itself, I don't believe in censorship since in music since it pretty much kills the meaning behind the song (a good example would be The Dresden Dolls' "Sing". A beautiful song but some of the lyrics had to be changed for it to be aired).
If the song isn't suitable to be aired on the radio, don't air it on the radio. The internet grapevine is more than suitable for the job of spreading word of a song. In fact, that's where I heard of this one~
Lily Allen has gotten way too ahead of herself, I suppose, in making such a controversial song. If it was phrased in a different way, maybe it would have been greeted better. But this was blatantly insulting all the people who don't think the same way as the singer. If she's pro-gay, good for her! However, don't shove your beliefs down other people's throats just because they do the same. Life isn't exactly like maths - two things don't cancel the other out.
I never liked maths.
I like the song alot.I think she did a great job in it and put her ideas clearly across and stated her opinion well but i do agree that the first line of the chorus should be censored or changed.She made it sound so 'ok' like she's singing a classic nursery rhyme :P
Lily Allen isn't forcing everyone to agree with her perspective; literally, her point of view. No matter who she's 'targetting' this song to, be it racist, violence, George Bush, the important thing is that her song is heard and listeners may relate to her. I've watched this video multiple times on MTV, but never known the actual name of the song.
What MTV did was fully justified. As long as they did not take the video completely off air, and just censored the words that are not exactly 'appropriate', I don't see the issue at hand. The song does raise some pretty good points, except she didn't have to project them in such a 'crude' way?
All I wonder about is this: a large majority of the population swears, most definitely the crew at MTV too. If you're airing her video, why not just present it with the entire lyrics?
But, I get it, it's rude, if I was watching TV with my dad, I'd be glad that this song is censored. And the same goes for every other child or adult out there. If people think they would get influenced by hearing someone swear, then censorship must be a good thing. If MTV thinks they're helping the betterment of mankind by censoring curse words, then so be it. :)
Thank you Mr. Roberts, that's exactly what I was thinking. Mohommad was going completely out of context and he would have experienced alot more than cyber bullying if he had said ANYTHING about what kind of Muslim he thinks I am.
:)
It’s a nice song…it shouldn’t be censored because it ruins the whole song (for me)…
Music is just another form of art and allows you to express your thoughts and emotions freely.
Although Lilly Allen does express her music a little 'too freely' in the same sense, lets take Shakira's Shewolf music video as an example, im sure you've all seen it and agree that its not exactly "kid-friendly"
Thats speaking on behalf of other music videos that portray women/men in the same sort of appeal. If people are so concerned about keeping it "clean" shouldnt they stop broadcasting videos like that?
Again, people argue that "that is how she expresses herself" well doesnt Lilly Allen get the right to express herself too?
Music, for me, is everything. Music can talk when words fail. If you look at the lyrics in alot of songs, they are very biased and judgemental. As most know, I am very anti-censorship. If people are going to be censored in anything and everything that they say or do, then why have freedom of speech. What is it? Freedom of speech unless you offend someone? That's messed. She has a point and put it in a song form, it's not as though she's mouthing off to the news 24/7. I heard this song ages ago on MTV, and all they have done is censored it to "...You". In some respects, I do agree with that. MTV is a pubic television show and I wouldn't want my ten year old sister walking around singing "fuck you".
Everyone has an opinion and what right do we have to ban it? I know that alot of people will feel that the swearing is too much, and maybe it, surely she could have used other words rather than that, but hay, it's her song. Whatever floats your boat at the end of the day.
The song is alright. Nothing to write home about. I think that MTV's decision in censoring this song was correct however they should also censor all the other songs which use such explicit language.
wow!!! some heated discussion going on here!! i really enjoyed the song, she made her point well and i guess she used the words she did just to re-emphasise her point. although it is sad that our vocab has become so week that we rely on such word to make a statement but i guess it works. i do agree with MTV's decision to censor the song as i watch MTV along with my little cousin etc and i would not want them to get up the next day and say such words!!!
Lol Myra...
I was not judging you, for it is not my place to tell you that you are wrong and all that, but I can atleast give you a hint. Don't misunderstand the comment, I was merely trying to explain something that even I did not know for a long time. I did not even know you were a muslim, to be honest...
There is no "type" of muslim, only imperfect ones. And every muslim in this world is imperfect, for no-one will ever follow religion 100%, that is why we have to ask for mercy.
I did not mean any offense to you.
Oh, okay Mo.
It did sound like a complete insult towards me though, but it's okay, I understand.
Yeah you are absolutely right, no religion has a perfect follower.
Alot of people don't think I'm Muslim the first time, but I am! Proudly Paki :)
OK, ive watched it .
and honestly.. i think lilly allen is mint!!
her music is very catchy .and even though her lyrics are explicit and offensive .
THEY SPEAK THE TRUTH
and you cant deny that .. no matter in what form .the truth is the truth
but yes on the other hand MTV is viewed by young people too and listening to this kind of obscene language isn't good for them
but honestly i feel that this song is a ''in your face '' kind of song which expresses her feelings. and may even sometimes may relate to others
i feel this song is way more appealing than rap songs .which i personally think is an embarrassment to the art of music
wearing extremely skimpy clothes and reading out a poem really fast doesn't require skills .it just requires a small brain
all they talk about in those songs is women ,cars, sex and money
lets see MTV censor the explicit
scenes in those videos .i need not go into detail.everyone knows how awful these videos can be
anyway . in conclusion , i personally feel this song is a new fresher take on music
even though it also may be offensive to some viewers .
No I don’t think that MTV should have censored the song as the singer must have used the word to grab the attention of people so that they listen to the song and become aware about racists and bigots which is the main point made in the song.
Opponents may claim that censoring the song will keep children away from using the word but in fact many children nowadays know and use the word. In fact after censoring the song, on the internet if anyone search for the song they can get very easily the uncensored version of the song more than the censored one. And since the word is very commonly used nowadays by people, children could easily pick up the word from school or anywhere for that matter.
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