Topic: censorship

Here’s The ‘Pornographic’ Passage From The Diary Of Anne Frank That Lady Found So Offensive

Here's The 'Pornographic' Passage From The Diary Of Anne Frank That Lady Found So Offensive

Remember that silly mother in Detroit who wanted The Diary Of Anne Frank banned in schools because it contains descriptions of female genitalia that might be disturbing to students, as opposed to the rest of the things in that particular book? Of course you do. Well, we have obtained the objectionable passage, which comes from the new and unedited edition of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl. More »

The Most Shocking & Disturbing Music Videos Of All Time

The Most Shocking & Disturbing Music Videos Of All Time
Madonna, "Girls Gone Wild"
Prodigy, "Smack My Bitch Up"
Nine Inch Nails, "Closer"
MIA, "Born Free"
Serge Gainsbourg, "Lemon Incest"

So Madonna has gone and made a controversial music video called “Girls Gone Wild,” directed by fashion power photogs Mert & Marcus. What’s so provocative about it that you need to enter you birthdate (psh) to watch it on YouTube? …Dudes dancing. Dudes kind of rubbing on each other. To this we say: what the shit? Banning used to mean something and–back in the day when music videos were shown on television–it had tangible consequences. Now, we’re sure “family activist” groups are worried that watching this Madonna video will turn you gay (which we’ve tried; it doesn’t work!), but there’s absolutely nothing edgy or frightening or upsetting here (or even interesting!). Let’s visit some music videos that really earned the shit storm they stirred up.

(And a note on the safety of watching these at work after the jump) More »

Rihanna’s Perfume Ad Censored In Kuwait

Rihanna's Perfume Ad Censored In Kuwait

If there’s anything Jennifer’s brilliant analysis has taught us, Rihanna’s perfume Reb’l Fleur is nothing if not morally upright. Hers is a smell that says it’s okay to be a rebellious little flower, but if you give into your bad self too much, you will be trapped in a commercial full of mirrors, enemies, and confusing imagery. Hence, it comes as somewhat of a surprise that the equally virtuous country of Kuwait would accept it with anything less than totally open arms. More »

Facebook, Hate Speech, and a Road to Queer Activism

Facebook, Hate Speech, and a Road to Queer Activism

You might call me the accidental pussy faggot. An independent performance curator and producer based in Brooklyn, I have presented hundreds of events over the past 7 years, most with a queer sensibility. However, I never imagined that a performance-driven party called PUSSY FAGGOT! would end up being one of my signature projects. I didn’t realize the term would resonate so strongly with so many people, but I suppose I could have guessed it would put me at odds with Facebook. More »