Wildest Dreams MV accused of being RACIST.

[Checkers 3,515]

Taylor just can't win. 

The video is not racist. Learn what that word means ffs

Don't even come at me with a snarky response cause I don't care what you have to say. xx

[johnpe 916]

Press, get a life!

Thats their life, tho?

Journalists for example don't write about Kardashians every day because they love them, but because they sell. Logic

[johnpe 916]

Taylor just can't win. 

The video is not racist. Learn what that word means ffs

Don't even come at me with a snarky response cause I don't care what you have to say. xx

For your white ass it may not be racist, but for other people it may be. I'm sure DailyMail has way more brain capacity than most of us here so I'd rather take their opinion even though I'm neutral on this topic. So yeah, you're being disrespectful

[QueenGadonna 298]

yikes

 

I know it was a bit harsh but its the truth.

When Black people act like what? Your post proves why generalizations are horrible. You shouldn't make blanket statements like this because in the end you'll look silly. Your post honestly made me sick and it's sad people like you still exist.  

mmm ok? There was nothing offensive in what I said cause its true. I know black people are angry right now because of all the crap that has happen lately and I understand their anger but they can be so easily offended its annoying. Not every white people is racist.

[lego 44,165]

I know it was a bit harsh but its the truth.

mmm ok? There was nothing offensive in what I said cause its true. I know black people are angry right now because of all the crap that has happen lately and I understand their anger but they can be so easily offended its annoying. Not every white people is racist.

 

It's not the truth, it's stupid generalization, something what typical racist would say.

First of all, not every black person is offended by this video 

and second, there are white people who consider it racist(or more like ignorant) and glamourising colonial times.

So it's not all that simple. We could learn how to listen both sides and nothing should make it harder for you to be TOLERANT towards black people. 

[QueenGadonna 298]

It's not the truth, it's stupid generalization, something what typical racist would say.

First of all, not every black person is offended by this video 

and second, there are white people who consider it racist(or more like ignorant) and glamourising colonial times.

So it's not all that simple. We could learn how to listen both sides and nothing should make it harder for you to be TOLERANT towards black people. 

So now I'm racist?

Anyway sorry if I offended anybody geez.

Its not hatred that I feel toward black people its more like annoyance becasue of story like this. Anyway I'll try and think more about what you said.

[StrawberryBlond 14,633]

Sure you have a few articles that are making these claims, but majority of the articles are articles about the original articles making these claims, not actually making their own statement. And every single article has countless comments defending her and saying they don't understand where the criticism is coming from, and those comments are also the highest rated. Literally for every major publication article. So nah, majority of the public aren't buying it.

True, but the fact it's happening at all is concerning. When stuff like this happens, it's usually when an artist's at their peak and have reached a point where the media decide they've had their time in the sun and it's time for a backlash, no matter how small it starts or how insignificane the accusations are. This has been the latest in a series of downs for Taylor recently. A bunch of controversies surrounding her seem to have happened recently in a very short space of time - the articles calling her girl squad absurd and attention seeking, the Spotify comments in Vanity Fair, the Twitter fight, the c-----e sniffing accusation and now the WD video all happened literally within days-weeks of each other. I know a backlash when I see one and this is the classic sign. She's reaching a point where she can't seem to do anything quite right anymore.

I see your point but to me this video has the same undertones as another "polemic" we had in France: A singer that was celebrating Paris during occupation and how it was "light and fun" romanticizing it. No it wasn't. It wasn't cool to b at war , like it isn't cool to portray a movie set in colonial time when white people saw Africa as their new playground. Of course it's not offensive like showing slaves or such direct racism but it seems to ignorant and careless. Clearly it seems a matter of perception, because I see two extremes regarding this video: people who see it clearly racist and some who don't.

I think that's a different thing, though. It's different if you're actually romanticising a terrible period in history within itself. All Taylor is doing is romanticising the time period of the 40's for movie stars and stunning scenary in general. It could have been shot anywhere that's considered beautiful but it was just Africa that was chosen (likely for the "wildest" part, referring to the unique wildlife). If there's one thing whites are known for romanticising, it's the time periods from the 1920's-1980's, whether it's through retro movies and music, Halloween dress up or day to day fashion. I know I do. That's all it is. I'm baffled as to why anyone would see anything more in it. I'm sure if she set it during a difficult period in any other location that doesn't have a majority non-white population, not a word would have been said. It's like struggles that non-whites go through are the only ones that matter and need to be treated with sensitivity or something. Seeing as you brought up France, well...Les Miserables glamorises a difficult period in French history, right? And certainly its fans glamorise the poverty and sadness reflected throughout the film. Not a word said about that. Like I said, even if it's depicted as part of a fictional piece, the struggles that non-whites go through are viewed completely differently. There's so many double standards in racism and this is one I simply can't stomach because it turns pain into a competition. And it's one that a certain race in particular (white) doesn't stand a remotest chance of winning. Which...sounds pretty racist when you think about it.

[TiphEret 1,320]

True, but the fact it's happening at all is concerning. When stuff like this happens, it's usually when an artist's at their peak and have reached a point where the media decide they've had their time in the sun and it's time for a backlash, no matter how small it starts or how insignificane the accusations are. This has been the latest in a series of downs for Taylor recently. A bunch of controversies surrounding her seem to have happened recently in a very short space of time - the articles calling her girl squad absurd and attention seeking, the Spotify comments in Vanity Fair, the Twitter fight, the c-----e sniffing accusation and now the WD video all happened literally within days-weeks of each other. I know a backlash when I see one and this is the classic sign. She's reaching a point where she can't seem to do anything quite right anymore.

I think that's a different thing, though. It's different if you're actually romanticising a terrible period in history within itself. All Taylor is doing is romanticising the time period of the 40's for movie stars and stunning scenary in general. It could have been shot anywhere that's considered beautiful but it was just Africa that was chosen (likely for the "wildest" part, referring to the unique wildlife). If there's one thing whites are known for romanticising, it's the time periods from the 1920's-1980's, whether it's through retro movies and music, Halloween dress up or day to day fashion. I know I do. That's all it is. I'm baffled as to why anyone would see anything more in it. I'm sure if she set it during a difficult period in any other location that doesn't have a majority non-white population, not a word would have been said. It's like struggles that non-whites go through are the only ones that matter and need to be treated with sensitivity or something. Seeing as you brought up France, well...Les Miserables glamorises a difficult period in French history, right? And certainly its fans glamorise the poverty and sadness reflected throughout the film. Not a word said about that. Like I said, even if it's depicted as part of a fictional piece, the struggles that non-whites go through are viewed completely differently. There's so many double standards in racism and this is one I simply can't stomach because it turns pain into a competition. And it's one that a certain race in particular (white) doesn't stand a remotest chance of winning. Which...sounds pretty racist when you think about it.

I see your point and I see it as issue that some periods are romanticised like this. You know when I lived in Africa some of Brits with me were posting pictures of them with african kids like "oh i am such a good person helping those poor people" to be honest that was so disgusting. And like how it was "a life changing experience" and "Africa is so unique" , I am sorry but that's not the country's job to do that they were using people struggle for their image...I don't like this condescending aspect  of it that a lot of people have towards Africa. Not saying that Taylor did in that video but she just portrays how ignorant we can be, because at the end she only show Africa existing through white people perspective, obviously considering her background and you can't blame her but was that set necessary? was that period necessary? i mean in a team you have researcher is so hard to question how clever it was to use Africa and the worst cliché about wilderness coming with it? 

Your example regarding France is interesting. I always found it weird that they did a musical and a film about it. In France it's a major book of litterature, so the fact it's depicted this way always surprised me but musical aren't known to be deep nor accurate when it come to period pieces... For me the crime was more toward the book. the book is serious and it's something you can't touch like that it France. 

[StrawberryBlond 14,633]

I see your point and I see it as issue that some periods are romanticised like this. You know when I lived in Africa some of Brits with me were posting pictures of them with african kids like "oh i am such a good person helping those poor people" to be honest that was so disgusting. And like how it was "a life changing experience" and "Africa is so unique" , I am sorry but that's not the country's job to do that they were using people struggle for their image...I don't like this condescending aspect  of it that a lot of people have towards Africa. Not saying that Taylor did in that video but she just portrays how ignorant we can be, because at the end she only show Africa existing through white people perspective, obviously considering her background and you can't blame her but was that set necessary? was that period necessary? i mean in a team you have researcher is so hard to question how clever it was to use Africa and the worst cliché about wilderness coming with it? 

Your example regarding France is interesting. I always found it weird that they did a musical and a film about it. In France it's a major book of litterature, so the fact it's depicted this way always surprised me but musical aren't known to be deep nor accurate when it come to period pieces... For me the crime was more toward the book. the book is serious and it's something you can't touch like that it France. 

What you described about simply standing beside impoverished children to look like a good person is bad. As is thinking the whole of Africa is defined by its stereotypical elements. But there's nothing like that in this video. Yes, it may be a rather restrictive view of Africa, but it's showing us what movie stars shooting a movie in Africa would see, especially back then. If you're shooting a movie in Africa, chances are, it's going to be somewhere which has scenary that attracts tourists and is recognisable, like the pyramids in Egypt or the plains of Kenya or a bazaar in Morocco. You'd only see the most famous sites while on set and you wouldn't venture far out from there, especially for safety reasons. So, naturally, it will be a very restricted, stereotypical view. Same with filming anywhere else. I don't see why the set and time period is unnecessary. The song has a distinctly retro vibe, the chorus sounds like lines you'd hear from the golden age of cinema, so it makes sense. Like I'm saying, it could have been any location, but it just so happened to be this one, there's no meaning behind it other than perhaps the "wildest" bit. It's nice to see a different location from the usual romantic hotspots like France, Italy and suchlike. It would have been so cliche to do it there, so it's nice to have an idea outside the box. 

Les Miserables is about depicting reality in that era, not glorifying it. Just because you make a piece of art about a period where there was suffering doesn't mean you support it at all. It's far too basic to take that line. The world would be boring if we only wrote about good things and good times. Sometimes it helps convey important messages to document the bad times, which is certainly what Victor Hugo aimed to do with Les Mis, as he did with all his work. What you might think is glorfying is merely people being captivated by the emotion of the piece of art. We sometimes say at the end of a sad song "that was beauiful" because it moved us and feeling emotion feels good.

[Logan. 52]

Lol calling this art..it's entertainment at best. And so because of freedom of speech and art we can't be culturally sensitive and minding what is happening on the news? Maybe she could do her next video in Syria when we are at it... For me the issue is really was it that important to set it in Africa when it's not serving the plot whatsoever? Really of all the places her team could have picked? I almost feel like this is done  because it's going to stir controversy and she will get attention. Good or bad it's publicity right. I hope it's not the case though.

I am not going to repeat my self, in a previous post I said it seemed to be a matter of perception. You don't see it as a problem fine. I lived in an african country, and I see a problem. Other people do, some don't we can also just move on if we can't understand each other point of view

Wasn't the whole African safari plot there because she's donating the proceeds to African Parks Foundation of America

Practice some self love and get off Tumblr

[truerom4nc 148]

I hate Taylor Swift, but this is ridiculous. 

[lego 44,165]

 

Wasn't the whole African safari plot there because she's donating the proceeds to African Parks Foundation of America

Practice some self love and get off Tumblr

or were the donations planned to prevent and justify this type of controversy/backlash?

 

We will never know. 

 

[wiltedbliss 915]

I find it hard to believe that people actually think it's racist, because that would be stupid as ****.

[TiphEret 1,320]

 

Wasn't the whole African safari plot there because she's donating the proceeds to African Parks Foundation of America

Practice some self love and get off Tumblr

If you have nothing to add be at least respectful because others have an opinion. You are maybe the one that needs to get a life if you treat people on internet you don't know like that... 

What you described about simply standing beside impoverished children to look like a good person is bad. As is thinking the whole of Africa is defined by its stereotypical elements. But there's nothing like that in this video. Yes, it may be a rather restrictive view of Africa, but it's showing us what movie stars shooting a movie in Africa would see, especially back then. If you're shooting a movie in Africa, chances are, it's going to be somewhere which has scenary that attracts tourists and is recognisable, like the pyramids in Egypt or the plains of Kenya or a bazaar in Morocco. You'd only see the most famous sites while on set and you wouldn't venture far out from there, especially for safety reasons. So, naturally, it will be a very restricted, stereotypical view. Same with filming anywhere else. I don't see why the set and time period is unnecessary. The song has a distinctly retro vibe, the chorus sounds like lines you'd hear from the golden age of cinema, so it makes sense. Like I'm saying, it could have been any location, but it just so happened to be this one, there's no meaning behind it other than perhaps the "wildest" bit. It's nice to see a different location from the usual romantic hotspots like France, Italy and suchlike. It would have been so cliche to do it there, so it's nice to have an idea outside the box. 

Les Miserables is about depicting reality in that era, not glorifying it. Just because you make a piece of art about a period where there was suffering doesn't mean you support it at all. It's far too basic to take that line. The world would be boring if we only wrote about good things and good times. Sometimes it helps convey important messages to document the bad times, which is certainly what Victor Hugo aimed to do with Les Mis, as he did with all his work. What you might think is glorfying is merely people being captivated by the emotion of the piece of art. We sometimes say at the end of a sad song "that was beauiful" because it moved us and feeling emotion feels good.

I can see your point about the video and I didn't see it that way so it's nice you bring that angle.

Regarding Les Misérables I never complained about Victor Hugo writing the book, I think his work is not something glamourising such times, I just said that making the book a musical which IMO are usually light and you could say shallow was odd, especially because we haven't a culture of musical in France we usually find them cheesy so when I moved to London and saw all the posters for promotion saying "vive les mis" which literally translate "hourra to poor people" it was a bit odd... something got lost in the translation if you know what I mean. I didn't bother seeing the musical so I can't comment on it but we could also question the fact that the whole movie is in English but that happens to soo many movies in the US (Moses and such.. but I know the public wouldn't go see a movie in an old languages, sometimes I think it just goes too far) but anyway, we could discuss that for hours it's going off topic though. At least thanks for being respectful unlike some other people here 

[iMonster 1,037]

I know it was a bit harsh but its the truth.

mmm ok? There was nothing offensive in what I said cause its true. I know black people are angry right now because of all the crap that has happen lately and I understand their anger but they can be so easily offended its annoying. Not every white people is racist.

 

And not every Black person is angry or is claiming this video/Taylor racist. You shouldn't make blanket statements like this (which is in your first post) :

You know its hard being tolerant to black people when they act like this. 

You still haven't answered this question? What do you mean by this? Are you just friendly to Black people in public but behind closed doors you're really mean? Let me guess, you have/had some Black friends in school or a few associates, so you're definitely not racist. 

Maybe you should look up the word tolerant before posting because that doesn't help your case of not being an undercover "R" person. Not saying you are but when you say little things like that. . . . 

Lastly I'm fully aware not all White people are racist, just like how all Black people aren't thugs/criminals. All Asians aren't great in math. All Latinos aren't maids, etc  Once again I'm Black and Latino (born and raised in NYC/still here) and my best friend of over 15 years is a white Greek girl. You don't speak on her behalf I can assure you, so I would NEVER make blanket statements like "White people are. . . ." or "All White people. . ." because anything that follows doesn't represent the entire race or truth. 

Generalizations of anything is silly. It's even MORE silly when speaking about an entire race of people.