Islam is portrayed positively in the popular culture. In movies, Islam is shown to be a tolerant and honorable faith, while Christianity is portrayed as evil. It is almost taboo to insult Islam in the popular culture and in American society. Considering this Pro-Islamic stance of the popular culture, it shocked me that Kate parry’s new video offends Islam.
Katy Perry might be A-OK as far as Asian Americans are concerned. Perry‘s standing with Muslims, however? That’s another matter.
Perry is drawing ire from the Muslim community for her new video “Dark Horse,” which some claim contains blasphemous imagery.
An online petition launched by British citizen Shazad Iqbal is asking YouTube
to remove the video.
At issue, the petition says, is a pendant bearing the word “Allah,” which is worn by a man who is “burned,” pendant and all. (In the video, it appears that the man disintegrates.)
“The video is considered as highly controversial to its viewers as a result of its portrayal of blasphemy,” the petition reads, adding, “blasphemy is clearly conveyed in the video, since Katy Perry (who appears to be representing an opposition of God) engulfs the believer and the word God in flames.”
Here is the video.
I don’t think Kate Perry intentionally insulted Islam, but its a relief to see one of their symbols mocked. I don’t expect to see Islam insulted in the Popular Culture for long time to come.
Tags: Dark Horse, Kate Perry, Popular Culture
