Born Free, by M.I.A.

M.I.A.’s music video for “Born Free” is quite possibly the best music video of 2010. While violent, shocking, and graphic, the video is still poignant in illustrating the effects of genocides being carried out by the United States on a daily basis without protest by U.S. citizens. Romain Gavras, the video’s director, clearly addresses the video to the United States specifically – his militants wear S.W.A.T. team regalia. What is not expressly stated, though, is which particular holocaustic measures Gavras is addressing. Could he be pointing to the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison? Is he addressing immigration conflicts in the United States, specifically in places like Arizona? Is the video calling into question American stereotyping of individuals who appear to be Arab? Or, more universally, could Gavras be pointing to the way large governments chastise minorities worldwide? Because the video is so jolting, albeit obvious in its message, I think it is extremely effective in promoting M.I.A.’s values and world beliefs. (She has stated that she does not believe in violence as a result of her upbringing during the Sri Lankan Civil War). Does her message make her sell more albums? Not necessarily. It does, however, raise a few eyebrows that wouldn’t normally look in her direction otherwise.