A debate surfaced on Twitter regarding the use of the traditional clothing for women in India and the video's 'cultural appropriation'.
- Jan 30, 2016
AceShowbiz - Coldplay's music video for "Hymn for the Weekend" was clearly made to celebrate Indian culture but it now faced criticism mainly for Beyonce Knowles' cameo. The songstress was slammed for wearing Sari, the traditional clothing for women in India.
Shot in Mumbai, India, the video follows the band interacting with locals and being thrown colored powders, which is part of Holi tradition. At one point, the Indians watch Beyonce through a cinema box and in a wide-screen cinema. Beyonce sports two costumes in the film, one that shows her cleavage and another that shows her in lavish Sari and intricate jewelry.
Some people apparently were offended that Bey was wearing a traditional headscarf that's supposed to represent a woman's level of humility. "The Coldplay video is beaut. It's artistic and stunning. But Beyonce wearing 'Indian style' jewelery and clothes is NOT OKAY," one Twitter user wrote. Another commented, "Yikes that video with Coldplay and Beyonce is soooo disappointing ... why can't they film without appropriating culture."
One person also pointed out how Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor was only briefly featured in the video. "My, Sonam looks adorable for the half-sec she's in it for," a fan wrote. "But that 'Hymn for the Weekend' vid is some fairly uninspired cultural appropriation." Someone else cynically wrote, "Expecting 'Hymn for the Weekend' to inspire further cultural appropriation. Maybe Kanye featuring Katy Perry with some English Morris dancers?"
But like any other debates, many defended Coldplay and Beyonce's decision to show India to the world. "In Coldplay's video, Beyonce was wearing the traditional clothing with other women in the actual culture. How is that wrong?" @Karisanewkirk wrote. News reporter & anchor for @FOX2now Seth Lemon tweeted, "It's clear those accusing #Beyonce of 'cultural appropriation' don't know the meaning of this academic terminology."
