Coldplay’s New Music Video Receives Cold, Cold Shower

The Internet is blowing up with angry comments surrounding Coldplay’s new music video featuring Beyoncé: Hymn For The Weekend. The people of the Internet were waiting for something to fiercely debate about, and alas, their prayers have been answered.
Before we go any further, we recommend you watch the video (if you haven’t seen it yet) so you can form your own opinion.

… About four minutes later…
Now, you have chosen sides. There is no going back. Either you’re among those who is sitting in front of your computer, angry at ignorant celebs, or you’re just appreciative of the video. Of course, there’s another group of people: those who see that there’s more to life than obsessing over some music video. Because, when you come to think of it, you could really find a problem with every single thing in the world.
For example, we at the Travel Scientists could be offended that there are no rickshaws in the music video. Yep. Not one. And it’s unfair. Because rickshaws are a vital part of getting around in India and anyways, they are iconic.

So, now that we put our issue out there, let’s play along with both sides. There is the one that is angry and claims that the video is full of dumb stereotypes and cultural appropriation. You have to admit… it is highly unlikely that people throw Holi colours around on the streets of Mumbai like they’re throwing confetti on New Year’s. The usage of Holi in the video is so high that you’d think the band has a weird addiction to the Holi powder itself.

Beyoncé also got criticized for her role as a Bollywood actress. First, the problem is that the video makes it seem like India is only about Bollywood. Secondly, people say that Lady B, dressed in traditional Desi attires, is guilty of cultural appropriation and that they should have put in a local woman instead of Beyoncé. Other criticisms were that India is not about poverty, street kids, kids painted blue to symbolize gods and people breathing fire.

Now, this is what one of our very authentic sources (a real, authentic Mumbaikar) said about the video: “I understand all the criticism for sure, but the fact is they weren’t promoting India by any stretch of the imagination and plus if they showed only skyscrapers and pubs I doubt it would be any different than a Western country. […] But of course, it’s always good to remember that India is way more than Holi and the land of snake charmers.”

Agreed. Apart from the aggravating fact that we see no rickshaws racing on the streets, the video is about one main thing: visual experience. As with any music video that has to show a short story with the largest possible “BOOM,” the producing team tried their very best to add as much colour and beauty to the footage as possible. And yes, there is too much Holi, but it sure as hell looks good, doesn’t it? And let’s not forget to mention how utterly gorgeous Beyoncé and her Desi clothing is. Given the chance, I think most women would love to eat, work, party AND sleep in that dream of a dress. So, instead of an offensive stereotype, let’s try to see the video with a lighter perspective: look at some of the amazing things India has to show us!
Rickshaw Challenge