New Beyonce Visual Sparks Cultural Appropriation Debate

Published: Friday 29th Jan 2016 by David
bey-hymn

The Pop star Beyonce has sparked a debate surrounding cultural appropriation following the release of her Coldplay-led visual ‘Hymn for the Weekend.’

Find out why some members of the Asian community feel her role in the visual is problematic below…

‘Weekend‘s music video was released hours ago and features the entertainer performing in traditional Southeast Asian attire and this, according to some spectators, sees her join a growing list of artists accused of using “minority” cultures to enhance their creative value.

One Facebook user had this to say about it:

beyonce-hymn-for-the-weekend-hat-grape-juice

The entertainer is yet to respond to the debate as it intensifies on social media.

What do you make of the matter?

Watch the videos below and weigh in!

Your thoughts?

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  1. christinastherealtalent January 29, 2016

    Well, the beotch ain’t new to cultural misappropriation! Whatever works for her, she takes and runs with it no matter how offensive it is!!!

    • Adelephant (previously HYDROQINONE) January 29, 2016

      we will definitely see this single make it to Top 5 especially with the Super Bowl coming up, meanwhile Rihannas Antibodies only went platinum cos of the free SAMSUNG samples the gave out, the b**** is seeing her first platinum first week sales and second number one single out of 8 albums, the reach

      • Rihboy January 29, 2016

        But the single has been out. Where it at though? ???? furthermore you need a marketing class’ or two. Regardless, Rihanna got paid to release one million copies for free. Her demand was so high that it was downloaded within 12 hours(1 million). Streamed 13 million in 24 hours. That’s major. Regardless of how people felt about the album the demand never faded. Or it wouldnt have reached one million that fast. However For the billboard obsessive, we will see how she fares when they debut the iTunes release sales. Everyone is so pro billboard now???. Yet Rihanna has 13 number 1 singles through them working on 14, and some don’t even have five ??. . Oh she sells albums? So does rih. She has several multi platinum albums. I don’t believe either of the two are bothered. They are coexisting. But when it comes down to facts, don’t for a second think the reign has let up.

      • How Many Drinks January 29, 2016

        Lmfao Rihanna doesn’t have ‘several’ multi platinum albums. She has 1/8 Beyonce has 4/5 and sold more albums than Rihanna. Sit down with that s***.

      • How Many Drinks January 29, 2016

        And Beyonce does have 5 #1 singles. Aswell as 5 #1 albums.

      • Rihboy January 29, 2016

        Are you dumb. What albums aren’t platinum that rih has released? I’ll wait. More over rih still exceeds bets number 1 singles. Shut up.

      • How Many Drinks January 29, 2016

        Do you know what the word ‘multi’ means? You are calling me dumb but dont know the difference between scanning platinum and MULTI platinum. I’m screaming. Now before we continue, you might want to look it up fool.

      • Rihboy January 30, 2016

        I already did which why you are dumb.

      • Rihboy January 30, 2016

        I already did which is why you are dumb.

      • coupe January 30, 2016

        USA isn’t everything. Rihanna is global…check her UK stats for example.
        Music of the sun – gold
        A girl like me – 2x platinum
        Good girl gone bad 6x platinum
        Rated r 2x platinum
        Loud 6x platinum
        Talk that talk 3x platinum
        Unapologetic 2x platinum

      • How Many Drinks January 30, 2016

        @Rihboy. And she doesn’t have SEVERAL multiplatinum albums, she has ONE.

    • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

      Simple, that wasn’t me.

      • ?Queen Molly? January 29, 2016

        And why couldn’t you be this calm earlier when I asked? Getting all hostile like you were guilty of something hmm ?

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        I suggest you tread very carefully with me
        My daddy never taught me how to throw a football, but I was throwing perfect shade by the age of 7 :)

      • Surprise..(DEC 2013) January 29, 2016

        LOL…MOLLY , STOP BEING AFOOL SIS. LEAVE TYLER ALONE.

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        @Surprise
        Molly’s mad because I called her out for being a white supremacist last week.
        She’s still suffering from low self esteem and the Willie Lynch Syndrome.

      • ?Queen Molly? January 29, 2016

        Booo no ones mad I asked a question you’re the one fuming babe im good.

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        @Molly
        Daaahling that was an ignorant question. You know I never comment on issues that I’m not even aware of! Can we discuss more festive topics?! Like Beyonce slaying for the GAWDS in this vid.

      • Samantha Pussycat January 29, 2016

        Sure it wasn’t you Tyler. LMAO. #Exposed

    • King Mark111 /.\ January 29, 2016

      Tyler, you were exposed. Stop the lies.

      • Unbreak my edges January 29, 2016

        *It’s Tyra

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        I’m not lying you crazy b****

  2. Sorry Not Sorry January 29, 2016

    Selena Gomez was given backlash for the exact same cultural appropriation for performance on MTV awards show and Hindu leaders demanded apology for it… The difference here is that this is a Coldplay track/video and not only was it shot in India but it celebrated their culture through visions of India’s Holi festival. What this complaint speculates is that Bey tried to appriopriate Holi and that just isn’t right. Let artists celebrate the cultures and call out appropriation ONLY WHEN IT IS WARRANTED…. this is a celebration, not appropriaton.

    • Kev Kev January 29, 2016

      Exactly. Did anyone say anything to Major Lazer last for Lean On?

    • Unbreak my edges January 29, 2016

      they set her up sis

  3. Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

    It was shot in India and had an authentic feel to it.
    I love the vid. Its like a hug from the Lord.

    • King Mark111 /.\ January 29, 2016

      Where’s your other account?

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        where’s yours Keri Qween?

      • King Mark111 /.\ January 29, 2016

        That was proven to be Slave_HIV trick. But they said it was Tyra, so my apologies.

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        Oh, so it was a “trick” when you were put on blast for rockin the same avi as Keri Qween….
        But you wanna call me liar?

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        kiii Centurion, how do you view life? Do you see the bright side of things or do you enjoy raining on people?

  4. Trish January 29, 2016

    Well number 1
    Its a video. It’s really not that serious.
    Coldplay always have cultural videos.
    Amd i heard the director is indian so ppl please calm down.

    • stan January 29, 2016

      for real, everyone is quick to get offended by every small thing these days

  5. Surprise..(DEC 2013) January 29, 2016

    At least this was shot in india with indian people and its surrounding being shown in vibrant and beautiful colour. Unlike PRINCESS OF CHINA, WICH WAS SHOT CHEAPLY IN A PARKING LOT IN THE U.S.A WITH ROBYN IN FULL ASIAN ATTIRE…LOL. I DARE THE NAZI TO COMMENT ON THIS

    • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

      Exactly! At least this vid accurately depicted the culture; was shot in India; and directed by an Indian.
      Princess of China did not! It had tons of Ninjas, indian’s / japanese’s references in it lol.

  6. Cough Cough January 29, 2016

    She’s simply dressed in Indian garb. Honoring another country/culture by dressing in their traditional clothing. Many people have done it in honor, for various countries: Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, Sara Jessica Parker, lady gaga, Gwen stefani and the list goes on and on

  7. Lets be Real January 29, 2016

    was Rihanna attacked for Princess of China? Or Where Have You Been?…mmm… Ok lol Personally I loved the looks she displayed and it was more of an embrace of the fashion. When my cousins and i went to Japan and ate out we wore certain attire just for the feel.

  8. truth (Honey Adele is a FAT COTTAGE CHEESE eatn ho!) January 29, 2016

    CHILE PLEASE!!! DO U BEY!!!

  9. #BeyHiveLOVER January 29, 2016

    If only people were open minded and not jump the judge wagon whenever Bey is involved. The video shows India’s beauty and culture. Saying it’s appropriaton, seems reaching for controversy where there should really only be appreciation that the culture get’s global exposure through these artists.

  10. ? January 29, 2016

    Was Beyoncé’s scenes also shot in India? No shade just asking

    • Sorry Not Sorry January 29, 2016

      doesn’t matter if her scene was shot in the US on green screen! The direction of the video was to celebrate Indian culture and her wardrobe and hand choreo were apart of said vision. It is shade when questioning a Director’s vision.

    • ? January 29, 2016

      No dumbass all I asked was a simple YES OR NO question now thanks for the answer because I had no idea hence why I asked now fxcking move along

      • Sorry Not Sorry January 29, 2016

        your mom is the dumb ass for not aborting your triflin & retarded ass.. come call me that to my face troll

  11. Killerbey January 29, 2016

    OMG I’m so f****** annoyed with how politically correct evryone wants to be now days she’s the one siinging the SONG!!!! People are getting on my nerves that’s why douch bag Donald Trump might win to be president he says s*** that are not politically correct. Get over yourselves people.

  12. Keri Qween January 29, 2016

    No one cares about the song

    • Queen Barb January 29, 2016

      You spelled Keri wrong

    • Sorry Not Sorry January 29, 2016

      people who appreciate real musical artistry do…

      • King Mark111 /.\ January 29, 2016

        When you have to put REAL in front of something to make a point, you have no point.

  13. Meteorite January 29, 2016

    Man, I tell you people are mad sensitive these days!!! You can’t do anything without being called a hater, a racist, homophobic, sexist…I mean it just goes on and on. Shame, whatever happened to having an opinion? Seems like you have to be a drone these days.

    • Erotica January 29, 2016

      — “People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

      — “If you want to assert a truth, first make sure it’s not just an opinion that you desperately want to be true.” – Neil degrasse Tyson

  14. Michael Shead January 29, 2016

    *PLAYS DRUMS

    SHES A GROWN WOMAN

    SHE CAN DO WHATEVER SHE WANTS…LOL

    GET OVER YOURSELVES EVERYTHING SHE DOES IS ALWAYS A PROBLEM. LETS JUST CELEBRATE THAT SHE WAS PRETTY AND REPRESENTED THE CULTURE WELL.(NOT TO MENTION WHAT’S GOING ON WITH WOMEN IN INDIA INVOLVING WOMENS RIGHTS AND R***. SHE REPRESENTED THE INDI WOMAN WELL AND STILL WAS HERSELF AND NOT TO MENTION SHE DIDN’T COME UP WITH THUS THEME. BLAME COLDPLAY) SO WHOEVER WROTE THIS SHOULD JUST STFU AND HAVE A SLICE OF APPLE PIE. ???

  15. metzo January 29, 2016

    Im just waiting on the Navy to say sum slick as of “Princess of China” video never happened. *Waits for the Hypocrite*

    Anyway on a positive, the video is Gorgeous. Beyonce looked amazing and the song is beautiful.

  16. Dev January 29, 2016

    I’ll be honest. This cannot be a one way debate, so if people feel that she has been insensitive that she has to take that on board but they should’ve also done the same with Iggy when she had a video with Saris and many artists before.
    India also needs to look at its own history and issues like blacks and realise that their caste system is an issue and that they have a lightskin/darkerskin issue also in there media system.

  17. Samantha Pussycat January 29, 2016

    Publicity stunt to garner hype for this dry song.

    • briano 1 January 29, 2016

      Pathetic isnt it sure BYE just beem waiting for Rih to drop so she coyld try to dull her shine

      So pathetic

  18. Ronnie January 29, 2016

    The video was a celebration of the culture. Let’s not forgot the what she looks can also be traced to African culture. People need to stop throwing around the “you’re disrespecting my culture” card any chance they get especially when your culture is being respectively shown in a positive light.

    • Ronnie January 29, 2016

      *way

  19. fatusankoh January 29, 2016

    Omg can bey live haters always have something to say about her

  20. King Mark111 /.\ January 29, 2016

    Ha! Bad week for the pest

    • Barb B**** January 29, 2016

      #Rihfraud

      • King Mark111 /.\ January 30, 2016

        Where’s The D*** Print plat plaque?

  21. JDEK January 29, 2016

    Using cultural appropriation to stay relevant after rihanna snatches you bald JUST ISN’T OK! OK?!

    • metzo January 29, 2016

      When did she snatch Bey bald?

  22. JDEK January 29, 2016

    …Well.. it looks like another L for the hi\/+

  23. OMG Logic!!! January 29, 2016

    I think social media butterflies need to stfu. No one gives a f uck about your b utthurt feelings.

    Thighyonce can wear whatever ridiculous outfit she wants.

  24. briano 1 January 29, 2016

    BYE is really pathetic

  25. ???Chile, leave my weave at the door and don’t steal it like those broke ass barb stans??? January 29, 2016

    Don’t respond, Bey! PLEASE DON’T RESPOND! I REFUSE to let the white folks drag your name through the mud.

    @Annalise, I really hope this doesn’t mess with her new album campaign. Also, being this close to the Superbowl, I really hope nothing bad happens to her brand. You already know how they ridiculed and disrespected her after her headlining gig.

    • OMG Logic!!! January 29, 2016

      It’s Indians and Southeast Asians who are pissed not Caucasians. Get your 5h1t straight b1tch.

      • ???Chile, leave my weave at the door and don’t steal it like those broke ass barb stans??? January 29, 2016

        Girl, PLEASE help me tonight WHERE I stated or insinuated that it was white people that were making the claims. Have a seat and find a d*** to suck since you’re so worried about me. Funnyn of you to show uo after all this time too.

    • whenindoubtthetruthwillout January 29, 2016

      Can you read?

  26. Big brother January 29, 2016

    Can ppl get off of bey’s t*ts,like seriously can you ppl just let this woman live? She is celebrating Indian culture ffs… Fall the duck back…

  27. briano 1 January 29, 2016

    This wiman child literally has no identity

    As a child they put tina t mj and others for her to mimic and that is all ahe can do watch and then copy with a spin

    She has no creativity she would have to have remained in school longer she literally is a dummy

    • killian January 29, 2016

      Youre one hell of a cave dwelling visually and mentally impaired being saying this.

  28. Rosie January 29, 2016

    Literally no one cares except hurt twitter/tumblr SJWs lmaooo
    Most of them are white special snowflake “gender neutral” uglies from the suburbs who stan Twenty One Pilots and probably don’t even know a single Indian person irl. Most of them do not care.

    • King Mark111 /.\ January 29, 2016

      You’re going to stop dissing my Alt/rock/hiphop band fave’s.

  29. Barb B**** January 29, 2016

    I still can’t over RIHFRAUD ANNA.

  30. AnnnaliseKeatingsNewWig January 29, 2016

    So now we are making articles based on the IG comments of random trolls? Has any major CREDIBLE blog or news source even covered this? Lol no, because the struggle is real on tgj (hencewhy their cloudfare connection cut out for the millionth time today)j. People will attack Beyonce over anything they can fathom, but will not bat an eyelid for anyone else. Where was the outrage for Major Lazer & MØ’s video to ‘Lean On’, which featured stereotypical bollywood choreography and symbolism of white superiority? I guess it’s easier to attack a POC for the sake of getting more website clicks.
    ___
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqeW9_5kURI

  31. How Many Drinks January 29, 2016

    The director was Indian himself lol. The reach.

  32. AnnnaliseKeatingsNewWig January 29, 2016

    Ironically enough this rant is racially-fueled and biased. Is there a particular reason why Coldplay have been completely omissed and referred to as a ‘white guys band’, even though it is THEIR song and they are in 80% of the visual.

  33. Swiftie – Riri January 29, 2016

    I LOVE how a PARTICULAR FLEA is avoiding questions about their obvious and blatant EXPOSURE last night.

    LMAOOOOOOOO.

    CAUGHT!

  34. How Many Drinks January 29, 2016

    And why are people forgetting it’s a damn Coldplay song, not even a Beyonce song lol.

  35. .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

    She’s really becaming infamous for committing culture appropriation. It was so unnecessary. It aint like the song is called… “Princess of India”.

    • Riri, the Clown Fka Pray for the Youth January 29, 2016

      But I thought Cultural Appropriation couldn’t occur in music videos?
      ——————————————————–
      November 1, 2015 at 8:59 am
      .::Centurion::. says:

      +3
      -20

      Vote
      LOL. Oh wow. Typical Beyhive logic. Are you really gonna compare a Halloween costume to a music video created for commercial purposes and with the intention of selling a product? And besides, ‘Princess of China’ WAS NOT Rihanna’s song nor her concept. Are you stupid? ROTFLMAO. I’m screaming. ?
      ————————————————————-

      Lmao, How quickly they forget. You know, being a hypocrite means that you are dishonest, void of integrity, morally insufficient, and dishonorably fraudulent. Reminds us of a certain someone you stan for and love……

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        CLOCKED

  36. .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

    The music video looked like a dolar store version of “Princess of China”. Where were the Indian vibes? For someone who didn’t even have a full verse and was just an instrument, she sure committed herself to this mess. Coldplay didn’t force her to play costume. It wasn’t necessary. Educate yourself and do better you disgusting Performing Arts dropout shíthead.

    • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

      Are you and rihanna smoking from the same pipe?
      This was actually shot in India. Meanwhile, Princess of China was shot in front of a green screen

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        So because it was shot in India, Beybøla had to look like an Indian women? TF? Are you stupid? LMAO. As for “Princess of China”, well, the proof is in the pudding. The song had Chinese influence and vibe in correlation to its title. Typical no-life-having-āss-høe-hive and their logic. LMFAO!

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        *woman

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        How did princess of china have chinese influence’s when they were making japanese and indian references throughout the whole video?
        Ninjas arent Chinese….neither is Durga she’s Indian. So why were they even in the vid? You sound stupid.

      • How Many Drinks January 29, 2016

        Educate him Tyler. Not him actually thinking he’s making sense
        But then again, this stupid pauper thinks The Sun newspaper is a reliable source

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        LMFAO. Like WTF?
        1) Rihanna was a geisha, not a Durga. The Durga effect (the hand choreography) was a matter of artistic vision
        2) The “ninjas” you’re seeing could be Chinese warriors. Japanese and Chinese mythology are known to intertwine.
        And furthermore:
        • “Princess of China”
        Keyword: China
        It has Chinese influence (the sound/production), as well as thee TITLE!
        • “Hymn for the Weekend”
        Keyword: N/A
        No references or relation to Indian culture.
        _________________________________
        Do you get it now? Was that difficult to comprehend? ? This is why I don’t bother arguing with the no-life-having-āss-høe-hive anymore. It’s literally energy draining and an insult to one’s intelligence. #BeyHiveLogic

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        * * *3) Japanese and Chinese mythology are known to intertwine.

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        I’m still dying from the exposure. I have no time for lessers and their 98757777678 troll accounts. http://imgur.com/a/uveXB

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        1)I never said that Rihanna was a Durga. The Durga god was in the music VIDEO
        2) Rihanna’s still dumb as f*** because Geisha’s arent Chinese, they are Japanese you stupid b****.

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        LOL. Did you just Google “geisha” and come to that conclusion? I said Japanese mythology and culture are known to intertwine. Did you not see that or did you just conveniently skip it? And are still disputing which one of them, Rihanna in “Princess of China” or Beybøla in “Hymn for the Weekend” was BLATANTLY commiting cultural appropriation? LOL. Stupid rustic āss no-life-having-āss-høe-hive scum.

      • Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

        There’s no such thing as a chinese Geisha you f****** idiot! Thats common knowledge.
        LOL you typed up a LONG ass essay for me but I muted you. Hold on, lemme block you from my memory bank and watch you disappear from existence completely. Stand by…

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        Who said there was a Chinese Geisha? Only a slum-dwelling retārded Beybôla stan would interpret such a basic knowledge of Japanese and Chinese culture being interwoven and turning it into an assumption. WTF? ? Get it together you idiotic fatherless fruity bottom. You’re dismissed until further notice.

  37. .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

    This isn’t surprising at all. Beybola just doesn’t like herself. Didn’t her stupid ass say she wished she was a Latina (her words, not mine) even though “Latina” is not even a race or ethnicity? Doesn’t she go around repping big booty høes and then goes around editing thigh gaps to herself look like an average white fit woman? This høe has a serious case of body dysmorphic disorder.

    • Riri, the Clown Fka Pray for the Youth January 29, 2016

      Didn’t Rihanna’s stupid ass say Rachel Dolezal–a woman exploiting and benefitting off of black culture–was a hero???

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        What does that have to do with Beybøla’s Body dysmorphic disorder? What does have to do with Beybøla trying to be everything but Black? You sound stupid or maybe you’re just a try-hard who’s trying so hard to sound smart. It’s hilarious to be honest. ?

      • Riri, the Clown Fka Pray for the Youth January 29, 2016

        Lmaooooooo, so in other words, you didn’t understand the implication I conferred?? Death. Only an imbecile would mistake an overtone for stupidity. Connecting thoughts is a skill of the educated, but if you needed further simplification, all you had to do was ask nicely. I find it funny how you berate one woman for being racially obtuse when you are devoted to one who praises blackface. It was a purposefully and tacitly written comment I assumed you would understand… but I suppose I overestimated you. Better luck next time.

      • .:: Centurion ::. January 29, 2016

        ???? ^^^WTF? What in the actual goddamn fūck?
        1) Rihanna didn’t praise Rachel Dolezal for committing Blackface. She praised her on her strive for trying to be Black for social change.
        2) You basically juxtaposed Body Dysmorphic Disorder – a mental disorder – with Blackface – derogatory racially-fueled form of “art” back when it was acceptable.
        ______________________________
        You tried to make an argument by comparing a mental disorder (look it up) with… race. #BeyHiveLogic ? Are you stupid or something? I hollered at the crafty attempt at sounding smart by using a bunch of Metonymy to further your buIIshit statement and its allegories. ? You tried, you really did. ? ? Go back to the drawing board and try again.

  38. How Many Drinks January 29, 2016

    Not this centuries old creature asking to be dragged again. Stalking Beyonce posts more than it’s faves. Go read The Sun or something and stop trying to sound like you’re actually talking sense.

  39. Riri, the Clown Fka Pray for the Youth January 29, 2016

    “Is it such a horrible thing that she pretended to be black?” ~Rihanna, the scholar

  40. King B January 29, 2016

    So narrow minded.

  41. Tyler Makiavelli January 29, 2016

    Why type of crack has centurion been smokin?
    November 1, 2015 at 8:59 am
    .::Centurion::. says:

    +3
    -20

    Vote
    LOL. Oh wow. Typical Beyhive logic. Are you really gonna compare a Halloween costume to a music video created for commercial purposes and with the intention of selling a product? And besides, ‘Princess of China’ WAS NOT Rihanna’s song

  42. Jacob Thomas January 29, 2016

    Beyonce is the truth but she copied CANDICE PILLAY, GO TO HER INSTAGRAM and she is indian. smh

  43. yesterday was Aaliyah 37birthday to the good music January 30, 2016

    The video of cold play feat Beyonce Carter is not bad people will go in Ham @ her

  44. Mariah The Legend January 30, 2016

    TRASHHHH!!!!! Beyonce is disgusting.

  45. AnnnaliseKeatingsNewWig January 30, 2016

    Kiii another L for BillCosbyStan! Japanese and Chinese culture are not intertwined, in fact if you had any common sense you’d know that both cultures find it incredibly insulting to be compared to each other. That phaag tries so hard to sound intelligent 😆

  46. Josh February 1, 2016

    Adele – Lay Me Down
    Chris Brown – Fine China
    Sia – Alive
    The Black Skirts – Everything
    Rihanna – Work

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