Madonnas music video ‘Like a prayer’ fuelled an outrage between religious and ethnic groups in 1989 when it was released, due to its controversial content. It is evident that this music video is purposefully contentious featuring sacrilegious symbols like a black Jesus and a burning cross.
The video tells a non linear story of a woman (Madonna) who witnesses a crime. 2 white men assault a white woman, however she is saved by a black man. When the police turn up the white men have fled and they assume the black man has commit the crime. The woman runs to a church where she meets a black saint and falls into a fantasy world where she joyfully sings with a gospel choir. In the end she goes to the police station as a witness and free’s the man declaring his innocence. The Video ends as the cast take a bow and the curtain closes.
The video uses clear iconography to instigate thoughts of religion throughout. The first clear symbol is a burning cross; a practice widely associated with the ku klux klan. This symbol was intended by the group to be a symbol of jesus’s fiery light, however on the surface it is a mere attack on religion. By featuring the symbol of the ku klux klan the overall racial diversity message being portrayed is juxtaposed. Perhaps Madonna is using it as a menacing reminder of what is wrong.
The next clear symbol is that of the church. It appears to be a typical american church however the main focus of it is the ‘Jesus’ or saint like figure which is depicted as a black man; opposing the traditional white man with a brown beard image. The reveal of this is given more impact through a slow intense tracking shot. Madonna uses this controversial character to express the power of faith, and ethnic diversity.
She shows equality within religion, purposefully knowing that this will cause outrage. However her social comments simply make her seem like a more intelligent and layered artist, who cannot only sing and look good but has something to say aswell.
There is a sexual undertone through the video both reflected in the lyrics and in the visuals. A prime example of this is when madonna kisses the black saint. It is a very powerful image which breaks down racial barriers. In the 1980s many american cultures entirely disagreed with this however in our modern society it is completely normal. The sensuality displayed as madonna dances around, with shots composed to draw focus towards her chest, make her a sex symbol to females who want to be like her and males who want her.
The video features intertextuality particularly at the end where the camera tracks out to reveal they are on a stage where the characters take a bow. This distances madonna from the controversy she has just created and implies that this shouldn't be taken too seriously
Madonna is both an organic and synthetic artist, as she sings about traditional values such as religion, however she is synthetic in the way she plays to the cameras and performs her material. This increases the appeal of her music to a wider demographic. She does have ideas about society which she aims to portray, however her incredibly daring and shocking way of conveying them is a clear management decision which builds upon madonna’s star image. giving the impression she is bold, brave and fearless.
Madonnas aim is to make a statement on society and racial tensions in the US. This video is purposefully controversial. Knowing that it will cause outrage, evidently the ultimate outcome for madonna is more awareness. The publicity created for madonna will make her a more well known artist. Furthermore the fact that she is portraying a message makes her seem, not only a talented artist, but an intelligent one. She has something to say to her audience, and is making a comment on society. On top of this is the sexual image she portrays. Despite conveying her views, she also heavily flaunts her body through the video creating sex appeal, for male audiences. It is a very well thought out campaign using purposefully blasphemous imagery to make her a bigger, wider recognised artist.
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