M.I.A. faces criticism for saying the #BlackLivesMatter movement is all that people are allowed to talk about in the United States.
British-born Sri Lankan rapper M.I.A is a single mother and a refugee who campaigns for marginalized communities. This isn't the first time the singer has come under scrutiny, having been a part of many controversies throughout her career.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, the singer, whose real name is Maya Arulpragasam, was asked to comment on Beyoncé's black power salute to the #BlackLivesMatter movement at this year's Super Bowl.
Her response was: "It's interesting that in America the problem you're allowed to talk about is #BlackLivesMatter. It's not a new thing to me – it's what Lauryn Hill was saying in the 1990s, or Public Enemy in the 1980s. Is Beyonce or Kendrick Lamar going to say Muslim Lives Matter? Or Syrian Lives Matter? Or this kid in Pakistan matters? That's a more interesting question. And you cannot ask it on a song that's on Apple, you cannot ask it on an American TV programme, you cannot create that tag on Twitter, Michelle Obama is not going to hump you back."
M.I.A at the Interview with the Evening Standard
Photo Credit: www.standard.co.uk
She also talked about her own struggles as an immigrant, saying, "I feel like I should have died a long time ago. I'm surprised I'm still alive, to be honest. I came from war. When I was growing up I didn't really think I'd live beyond 25. I never thought I would be old enough to drive or have a house or raise a child. Having to do it is really difficult."
As she faced a backlash for her statement, she took to Twitter, clarifying her statement further.
After M.I.A's comment, Johnetta Elzie, one of the #BlackLivesMatter organizers, stated.
Elzie added, "MIA showed her hand by letting us know she sees being black and being Muslim as two different things. She should check that."
Deray McKesson, also a #BlackLivesMatter organizer, responded to M.I.A's tweets.
One angry Twitter user highlighted the severity of black persecution.
Another user noted that the artist's comment was particularly insensitive in light of the art form she used, which originated with the Black American community.
Jenee Darden commented on the singer's word choice, clarifying the gravity of #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Others noted the singer could have spoken about other communities while being respectful to #BlackLivesMatter.
What do you think of M.I.A's statement on the #BlackLivesMatter movement? Share your comments below.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.saintheron.com
Sonia Malik
Author
Sonia writes on current affairs and pop culture. An English graduate from the University of Toronto, she identifies as a global citizen, feminist and nature lover. She will be ready to shake a leg to a peppy Bollywood beat any day.
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