I watched and even wrote about this video and it totally escaped me, but that’s normal because I couldn’t care less about these types of things! Honestly, how can people get offended for some hidden details in a Katy Perry video? I explain: In the pop star’s latest clip, ‘Dark Horses’, the one that should be considered as an history lesson about ancient Egypt, the guy who is burnt alive is wearing a pendant with the word ‘Allah’. I couldn’t see it because I don’t read Arabic, but some crazy Muslim integrist wrote a petition on Change.org to complain about it, saying that ‘The video is considered as highly controversial to its viewers as a result of its portrayal of blasphemy.’ What? Why do people care so much about some pop video?! And the guy, named Shazad Iqbal, even added that ‘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.’
The most depressing of the story is that the petition received more than 65,000 signatures and the Islamic symbol was removed from the Perry’s video! You may think it is totally insignificant but it’s not. These people have obviously a lot of time on their hands – and to be honest, it is a little suspicious that such a strict Muslim is watching a semi naked Perry video . They also think they have the right to alter pop culture in the name of some religious freedom,… and these are the same kind of people who are behind all other insanities, such as the anti-gay law that almost passed in Arizona!
Why are religious people so obsessed with pop culture? Why do they even think that god (and I don’t even capitalize it anymore) would be offended by a pop star’s clip, and take offense at what Katy Perry is doing? This is beyond my comprehension, as I have never understood the concept of blasphemy. That’s why I have a huge problem with religions, they never let us alone, they are always trying to forbid stuff, change laws, interact with our way of life .How is this over-costumed, over-produced, over-decorated and frivolous clip can be offensive? She should have the right to do whatever she wants in her videos without having to care about censorship from religious zealots. The only offensive thing in a Katy Perry video is the music, not the political or religious views! In response to the petition, someone who named himself Perth Atheist, has launched his own petition to stop the censorship… so far not 65,000 signatures yet, but that’s one way to go.
