Coldplay’s New Video Accused for misusing Indian culture!

Coldplay’s latest song “Hymn For The Weekend” might be the talk of the town cause the video been shot in Mumbai, India but it has also drawn flak for ‘stereotypical’ portrayal of India. Hymn For The Weekend has sparked a debate on social media with many accusing the British rock band of reinforcing ‘stereotypes’ about India as being a land of sadhus, ‘street-children’ and ‘exotic’ women.

Critics say it’s “appropriation” or misusing bits of Indian culture, others have an issue with Beyonce dressing up.

This what people have to say:

This new Coldplay + Beyonce video is a festival of cultural appropriation. I can’t believe they used the combo kids + slum + Holi festival

— Lara Mendonça (@laramendonca_) January 29, 2016

Look @Beyonce and @coldplay are not appreciating my culture. This is appropriation. Stop trying to defend them. It is what it is.

— ZAMANTHA (@samxnthababb) January 29, 2016

All this “cultural appropriation” talk. If anything, the vid showcases the beauty of India. No need for all the drama. #Coldplay #Beyonce

— Ekta Patel (@protEkta) January 30, 2016

The video’s mixed reception on social media has sparked an intense conversation on the constitutional difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation; with some labelling Beyoncé’s guise as the former due to her performative use of cultural elements as a kind of costume. Others have questioned how the role of power structures plays into the definition.

 

 

Cover Image Source – stereogum.com