Rihanna's Man Down video sparks outrage

R&B singer Rihanna's latest music video Man Down (from her fifth studio album, Loud) hasn’t gone down well with the Parent Television Council (PTC), a non-profit organisation alerting parents about television content in the US.
The video has been condemned for its violence quotient. In the video, the 23-year-old singer is seen shooting a man in the head in retaliation for sexually assaulting her.BT spoke to some VJs from popular music channels, singers, choreographers and directors for their take. They also list the most outrageous videos they’ve seen. Read on...
Ken Ghosh (Filmmaker)
The video is very tame, there is nothing in it to get hassled about. We have seen many Hindi films where such things happen. The video is an interesting concept, it’s nicely shot and is not violent. The issue that Rihanna has dealt with in the video is relevant. Most outrageous video: Smack My Bitch Up by Prodigy is a pretty outrageous video.
Bani J (VJ)
Music videos are an artist’s way of expressing themselves. Artistic expression is all good but I do think there should be some censoring when it’s on cable. Impressionable young kids watch these videos on TV and the web and who is to say how they could be influenced or not.
Most outrageous video: I find pretty much all of Lady Gaga’s videos outrageous, but if I had to pick one, it would be Telephone.
Sunidhi Chauhan (Singer)
The tune and the lyrics of the song are spectacular and I can totally relate to it. As for the protests, to each his own. Personally, I loved the song and the video
.
Most outrageous video: Born This Way by Lady Gaga... I found it very outrageous and in sync with her image!
Vaibhavi Merchant (Choreographer)
I think many of Lady Gaga’s contemporaries like Rihanna are trying to sensationalise their music videos to be on par with her. Being esoteric is Gaga’s forte. Rihanna might be wanting to vent out her emotions through her video, and artists are known to do such things. However, artists should spare audiences.
Most outrageous video: Though I like Lady Gaga, a couple of her songs are kind of outrageous. However, when I was about 10-11 years old, I was pretty shocked by Boy George's videos.
Ayushmann Khurrana (VJ):
The video is poignant because the singer herself has been a victim of physical violence in the past. The violent reaction in the video is justified. To be frank, there’s enough violence out there in real life, so this one video can’t give encouragement to impressionable minds. On a lighter note, this video should be shown to sexual offenders and creeps in our capital city just so they know what could probably happen to them!
Most outrageous video: Lady Gaga’s Judas video is quite blasphemous, but then that’s her USP.
Mia Uyeda (VJ):
I don’t agree with violence, but if someone assaulted me then I would probably do the same thing to defend myself. If a man does that to a woman, then he deserves it. Everyone now is exposed to so much violence and making scandalous videos is nothing new.
Most outrageous video: Madonna’s Like A Prayer was just as scandalous when it came out years ago.
Sumit Dutt (Choreographer):
I don’t think there’s extreme violence in the video, so I completely support Rihanna’s point of view. She’s revolting against the man and protecting herself. Though we shouldn’t support violence, as a part of the video’s fictional storyline, it is justified. Most outrageous video: A couple of 50 Cent videos that glorify gangster culture and objectify women.
Andy (VJ):
I’ve seen the video and it takes a lot to shock me, but I do feel artists have a responsibility towards their fans. I feel Rihanna and Lady Gaga are trying to push the boat out a bit too far.
Most outrageous video: Aphex Twins’ Come To Daddy and Satyricon’s Fuel For Hatred.
Ramona Arena (VJ):
Music videos show us the story of the song; that’s the point of it. So if it is necessary for her to convey a point, why not? On the other hand, violence for the sake of it or for shock value/ attention doesn’t go down well with me personally. It is a touchy topic but as an artist you and your director are entitled to your opinion and creative license.
Most outrageous video: Ozzy Osborne’s and Marilyn Manson’s videos.