10 Controversial Videos Worth Watching

ByMelody Wilson

“MAN DOWN” BY RIHANNAOur countdown begins with Rihanna’s “Man Down” because it raises a question that has always been a difficult one to answer: is it okay for someone to kill their rapist? Along with this “touchy” question, the Barbadian singer shoots her attacker in the video and it is a very graphic portrayal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEhy-RXkNo0&list=PLyryFyjnw_eI2-L2YzEmPWXpYL3AILB4J

#10

“BLURRED LINES” BY ROBIN THICKE

What would this countdown be without Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” which features several almost naked women, risqué lyrics, and an announcement that the singer’s “manhood” is big.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyDUC1LUXSU&list=PLyryFyjnw_eI2-L2YzEmPWXpYL3AILB4J #9

“HARD OUT HERE” BY LILLY ALLEN

In what seems like a response to Thicke, Lilly Allen comments on the bagginess of her “womanhood” in her video “Hard Out Here.” The British rapper not only comments on other artists, but also the values that society has upheld in recent history. The crude dancing and lyrics are what make it controversial, but the message remains an important one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0CazRHB0so&list=PLyryFyjnw_eI2-L2YzEmPWXpYL3AILB4J #8

“JEREMY” BY PEARL JAMIn this video a young boy walks to the front of the class and kills himself in front of his peers due to excessive bullying. The young boy’s death has often been misinterpreted as him shooting another child, which is what makes this video among those that have caused quite a stir.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS91knuzoOA

#7

“TIP DRILL” BY NELLY

This video takes “booty shaking” and naked women to a whole new level. There are so many scenes of objectification that this video caused more than its fair share of controversy. We’re not even going to talk about the credit card scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r67xcDqKQYo&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dr67xcDqKQYo&has_verified=1 #6

“STAN” BY EMINEM

It’s difficult to think of a time when Eminem isn’t rocking the boat, but many people were shocked after they saw the video for “Stan” where a pregnant women is tied up and put into the trunk of a car, which eventually careens off of a bridge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOMhN-hfMtY

#5

“HEART-SHAPED BOX” BY NIRVANA

Perhaps it’s the sacrilegious elements, or maybe the child dressed in Klu Klux Klan paraphernalia, but this Nirvana music video was banned almost immediately. Ahh, the 90’s..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6P0SitRwy8

#4

“LIKE A PRAYER” BY MADONNA

You can’t have a countdown about controversy without Madonna! This video was too much for society when it was released and was banned by stations for its content. Burning crosses may always be a “touchy” image..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftXHKfbXeBM #3

“WRECKING BALL” BY MILEY CYRUS

Probably the most controversial video of the year, with its hammer licking and naked swinging on a wrecking ball. This video is full of emotional turmoil, but this is overshadowed by the somewhat ridiculous sexuality. This video will be forever remembered because of its “mockability.”

#2

“BORN FREE” BY M.I.AOur countdown tops off with M.I.A’s “Born Free” video which features a ginger genocide which was too shocking for most people. This video spreads an important message about ethnic cleansing, so it’s a real shame that it was banned so quickly from TV. Censorship at its finest…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeMvUlxXyz8 #1