Friday, February 13, 2004

Offense of the Week

Boy, I saw this one coming a mile away. CBS made a big deal over keeping its Grammy show inoffensive, with a tape delay and a Justin Timberlake apology and no wardrobe malfunctions allowed, but oops, they did it again. Although Janet Jackson (or any parts thereof) was nowhere to be seen, the closing production number of the Grammy show has aroused the ire of Native American groups, who see no reason why OutKast's performance needed to feature a teepee, feathered headdresses, war paint, and chorus girls in fringed leather miniskirts and feathers in their braided hair. Frankly, I think they have a point -- I could see no reason for it, either. It was a monumentally goofy piece of work, and if you're offended by the irreverent treatment of another's ethnic heritage, well, this is the sort of thing you'd be offended by.

One wonders, though, what impact this latest round of outrage will have on the upcoming Academy Awards. Jackson's overexposure led to a striking demureness of couture at the Grammys, with probably more fabric per female than has been seen at an awards show in years. If an offensive costume mishap can change the way celebrities dress, could an offensive prodution number change they way they put on award shows? 'Cause I'm telling you, if it means no big flashy production numbers at the Oscars, I think OutKast just did us all a tremendous favor.

No comments: