Coldplay's use of cultural appropriation in new video

Coldplay-Hymn for the weekend

Firstly, let’s draw a distinct line in the sand between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation.

The basic definition of cultural appropriation (according to google) reads:

Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture.

This definition is very limited, of course, and proves to be futile while trying to disseminate why a music video uses cultural appropriation. According to Swanpinions cultural appropriation is a very complex topic, and it can be seen as negative because:

It can cause people to see the other culture as “strange” and “exotic”, because, they only see the other culture through the eyes of the people from their own culture. This usually happens when a very powerful culture takes things from a less powerful culture, and stereotypes them or creates their own idea about them, that erases people’s idea of the original culture.

Another way of putting it is that cultural appropriation is a power dynamic. A dominant culture is basically taking elements from a culture they have systematically oppressed.

On the opposite side of the spectrum is cultural appreciation...where one becomes an onlooker of a certain culture. Like watching a movie or play...you sit, you admire, and you awe at its wonder, and if asked, you part take in some of its traditions in a respectful manner, and with no hidden agendas.

I believe Chris Martin throws himself in to India in a very egocentric manner. He is basically forcing himself on the country and all its customs and cultures, while imposing himself and his music as the vessel through which we should see its beauty.

Bear in mind that Coldplay are a very popular English band, and that their view of India is what is going to seep in to the mainstream, infiltrating the lives of all his avid followers. At this point, this three minute video stands at 72 million views.

Bearing all that in mind I'll elaborate...

How are Coldplay insulting India through Cultural Appropriation?

• India is being portrayed as a third world country. One can clearly see the young 'slum kids' back flipping into a muddy canal, a group of children watching a Bollywood movie being projected on the side of a boat, and some kids from India wearing what I can only assume are donations from Oxfam...dancing around like hip hop stars? Is it really the west embracing India? Or is it us patronizing them and trying to impose our 'more established' culture on them by making them watch Bollywood movies featuring Beyoncé, and encouraging them to dance to Coldplay's new song...in order to civilize the filthy beggars?

Indians respond to Coldplay's Hymn for the weekend

• Beyoncé is the only character in the Bollywood movie. Why is Bey playing the part of a Bollywood actress, dressed from head to toe in some kind of cheap imitation of a sari? Clearly, the implication is that Americans can represent Bollywood better than any real Bollywood actress ever could. Her inclusion implies that not only is she the most successful performer in the american pop industry, but she can also out-do any Bollywood actress.

• This video mocks India by suggesting that India is a non stop festival. 'Hymn for the Weekend' perpetuates the 'poor hippy' Indian stereotype. If this video is in any way representative, tourists will expect a holi festival to be initiated in their honor, kids dressed up as Krishna, and a bunch of yogis at every street corner. One disgruntled viewer took to twitter saying 'No thanks for the bundle of stereotypes @Coldplay'.

• The words and the video sync together in such a way that makes Martin look like a stupid, drunk tourist. 'Oh angels sent from up above...you know you make my world light up' he chants. Are you referring to yourself or the Indian people here, Chris? Because it seems to me like you have come to India to be seen as some sort of God...and intend on forcing all these 'slum kids' to worship and adore you? 'When I was down when I was hurt...you came to lift me up...' he sings these lines while sitting atop a dilapidated rooftop. This can be taken to mean that Martin is here to 'lift' third world India up out of poverty.

To summarize, I think there is a real sense of this English band taking pity on these slum kids, and trying to give them a boost by making them look 'cool' by western standards. I wouldn't over think this video. It's one to watch once, even simply for the sheer beauty...but watching it on replay would be an insult to my intelligence, I think.