Why Was Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ Music Video a Controversy in the 1980s?
Madonna’s 'Like a Prayer' music video was a significant cultural and social phenomenon in the 1980s. This video sparked intense controversy due to its bold mix of religious imagery, provocative sexuality, and the charged political climate of the era. This article delves into the reasons behind the controversy, exploring the societal and religious backlash it faced.
Initial Controversy: Off Key Performance and Doctored Video
The journey of 'Like a Prayer' began with a controversial religious performance at the Natchez Tabernacle. Critics argued that Madonna's rendition was too off key, and she faced backlash for this technical flaw. In an ironic twist, Madonna later posted a doctored video of the performance, making it seem as though she had hit all the notes perfectly. This led to further controversy and debate about the authenticity of her performance.
Fashion Choices and Visual Controversy
Multimedia: Madonna's costume choices in the 'Like a Prayer' video were criticized for being tasteless and in poor taste, especially with her unconventional eyepatch. One reviewer noted her unusual costume as including an eyepatch, which she had gotten by accident, and touting it as a fashion statement, adding, "You're lucky to have both eyes, Madonna. You got them both!"
One site described the eyepatch as part of a disturbingly coded message. According to the site, as Madonna walks down the stairs, she reveals an upside-down cross on one side of her dress, followed by a serpent on another side. The symbols are considered dangerous and satanic by some, leading to further controversy:
Walk down stairs and shereveals an upside-down cross on one side of her dress and then alternately shows a serpent on the dress! [1]
The use of religious symbols like the upside-down cross and the serpent was not just a fashion statement but was seen as a deliberate provocation, targeting those who held religious beliefs deeply. The intent was clear: to create shock value and draw attention to the video, even if it meant causing offense.
Racial and Religious Content
The song's lyrics and subject matter, which included references to oral sex, and the portrayal of a Christ figure with African-American features, added another layer of controversy. This was particularly significant given the social climate of the 1980s, where issues of racial sensitivity often sparked intense debate.
The Moral Majority, a conservative Christian organization, was particularly vocal in its criticism. They saw the use of Catholic imagery in an erotic context as sacrilegious. Ultimately, they believed this transgression went too far, aligning Madonna as a symbol of moral decay in American culture.
Economic Impact: Pepsi and Future Tours
The video's controversial nature extended into commercial consequences. Pepsi, which had recently signed Madonna for a significant marketing campaign, pulled their association with her. Her partnership with Pepsi over the 'Like a Prayer' music video was terminated, affecting not only her performance and commercials but also her planned future concert tours, which were also under the Pepsi sponsorship.
Despite the backlash, the video's impact on Madonna's career was profound. The controversy only heightened her fame and cemented her status as a provocative cultural icon. The video's enduring legacy lies in its ability to challenge societal norms and incite intense reactions.
Footnotes
[1] Satanic Ritual Done To Announce Everyone Is About To Die And Satan’s New World Order Coming In!