Banned by MTV: "USA" video by the artist "Custom", watch it

[Bombtrack]

and tell me what you think

http://www.teamcustom.com/downloads/video/custom_usa.mov

I'm sort of 2 minds about this. I believe he's Canadian BTW. On the one hand it's a well put together protest song, that might bring awareness to the wrongs that need to be righted. On the other hand, it seems like once again people broad brushing America with the American right wing. Something the republicans do in one way and critics of the US do in a completely other way. And I also don't know how profound the guy really wants to be or if he just wants to cash in on being controversial.

[true_notes]

1. He's Just Trying to Cash in on the Youth....

Show me some smarts in a song, and I will think you are sincere.

Songs like:

Megalomaniac by Incubus
Testify by Rage against the Machine
Imagine by John Lennon


Those are sincere songs of dissent...this one is just a kiddy grabber.

[orpupilofnature57]

4. Just gimme some truth, who's cashing in on youth? I am the Walrus..

is the same type of protest song, coool

[orpupilofnature57]

2. Exellent portrait of us!! A+

[jarnocan]

5. I started a poll

on a mixed political forum I'll let you know if interesting comments etc. http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=320816

[jarnocan]

3. Wow-I don't think it's so awful at all.

Shows some good and important images. Not one sided. Sure he is trying to be sucessful like anyone in the business-and this video is an investment for this person too- but his images are much less offensive, to me, than many that likely are shown on MTV. Definately should NOT be banned IMHO. That is very wrong.
I hope it gets air time. I think it is much worse publicity for the right wing-if banned than if played. I hope it makes the news.
I wonder if he would get involved in the www.worldcantwait.org Nov.2nd demonstrations etc.

[stlsaxman]

6. Not too shabby, really...

I laughed out loud at the scene of the paperboy on the bike lobbing "the daily news" at the Primrose Lane house- and it turns into a bomb. They certainly got that one right- MSM as terrorists.

[laruemtt]

7. i think it's fantastic and

pretty much exactly how i've felt since about 1966. why stifle it?

[malachibk]

8. Too bad it's a really, really bad song

Quite like the video, though

[NJCher]

9. very effective use of imagery

Think of how advertisers use imagery.

Then think of how this filmmaker has turned it around and used the tactics of the consumer culture.




Cher

[the_real_38]

10. It is a terrible song, but the critique ...

... is cohesive - the superficial consumer freedoms of American culture are a comfortable front for financial interests that need military force to pull off - also the scenes of unrest show just how superficial it all is, and what's right below the surface. These messages came through loud and clear. I hope the rest of the world gets them - the average american idiot will just say 'they hate America'.

[doublethink]

11. I give it two thumb up .......

I think it would cause kids to think, maybe go out an look into some truth for themselves. If it causes that reaction why stifle it? Peace. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :)

[Wilms]

12. kick n/t

[helderheid]

13. I liked it - any idea of the specifics as to why it was banned?

other than the use of the words shit and fucking

[I Have A Dream]

14. I REALLY liked it! It gave me chills & brought tears to my eyes.

I loved the phrase that the US thinks that it's the head cook in the kitchen (or something like that) and that the rest of the world is the 51st state.

I don't think that it was one sided. It showed our arrogance, but it also showed the protest signs against the war and against B*. Also, I don't think that it was talking so much about Americans as the American government and corporations.

I wish that it would be aired.