Real Response to Content in Love Lockdown Video

sofreshsoclean75 Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - I can respect your opinions about the music video, but to say that you've lost all respect for Kanye and hip-hop and say that there is no hope is a little overboard. I think you should realize that there ARE people like that in Africa to this day. I don't think it's meant to be savage at all. I saw the video as being artistic...not the other way. I think if you give it another viewing you might see that all the tribal members are depicted as being beautiful, not animals.

xee4mtx Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - You need to look at the video with an artistic eye. The Love that he is speaks is true love of self [an African], note the line "when you lock it down you loose". Ex, living in an all white room and wearing all white. Also, he shows that it is more acceptable to project the image of the sexed up tribal girls then to show the beauty & grace of the true woman [in black face]. Please wake up and understand that he is quite militant and portrays his message so that the mass receives it.

sassicassi25 Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - First, I would like to thank xee4mtx for ur interpretation of the music video; I was able to see some of the connections u highlighted. However, u can't assume that everyone will view the video with an "artistic eye". Think of the millions of people who will view this video on various media outlets, and not understand the historical background of these images. And for those who are not culturally aware; it allows room for viewers to accept these images as accurate an representation of Africans.

salimshady0 Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - simply put, devoid from both arguments is the idea of intended audience. I have for a long while seen Kanye as very militant, though the simple fact remains that he obviously had no clue how and why these images depicted in his video are wrong. Similar to sofresh and xee, i think that both of you want to see what the video was intended for as opposed to what many people are going to actually see from the video.

salimshady0 Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - I hold Kanye in such high regard that I hoped he would understand why its problematic to reinforce images of Africa reminiscent only to those seen in National Geographic. I am Tanzanian, so seeing these images immediately makes me think of people asking me questions like did you see animals while in Africa or what tribe are your from?

salimshady0 Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - These questions are fueled and sustained in large part because of the images that are constantly bombarded on peoples minds about what Africa is and how uncivilized most of the Continent is.

salimshady0 Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - I know that there are still places like this in parts of Africa. However I also know that the majority of Africa is not like that all. How do I explain to people that there is much more to Africa than Tribal dances and Animals when all I get to subvert this are reinforced stereotyped images which are going to be sold and reproduced the world round.

salimshady0 Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - Why perpetuate a very narrow view of a stigmatized Africa with these images? Thats my issue, and I guess I gave Kanye too much credit in thinking that he would understand it as I have. sorry for the long response.

moviefriek Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - I completely agree with what is said here. The Problem with the video is that the great majority of Kanye's audience, a.k.a. the great majority of people who see this video, including all of Ellen's audience, will look at the African men and women depicted here subconsciously as reinforcements of their stereotypes about the whole African continent. No matter how smart or artistic the original intent was, the audience must always be taken into account.

californiaLOL Says:

Oct 23, 2008 - I also find it interesting that this video of all things would arouse your feelings of resentment against hip hop music. What about when mainstream hip-hop artists perpetuate negative stereotypes and exploit the very communities they rose from? I will concede, though, that Kanye is an incredibly innovative artist. Unfortunately, he has used this to anchor is misguided, plebian views to the sheep youth.

californiaLOL Says:

Oct 23, 2008 - Im African, too, I don't consider the garb and tribal dance as "savage." To say otherwise means that you are brainwashed by Western perceptions of what is considered to be "refined." Yes, there is obviously more to African culture, and frankly, I feel that after this video, Kanye has as little insight on Africa as any average person would. But honestly, that doesnt surprise me. Its a shame that his egotism has sheep convinced that he has insightful social commentary.