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Katy Perry single smacks of controversy in UAE

A new music single receiving airplay in the UAE has provoked controversy for containing lyrics that depict sexuality, lesbianism and promiscuity.

  • By Kevin Scott and Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporters
  • Published: 23:21 August 18, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Katy Perry (centre) performs alongside dancers. Her recent hit single which has received airplay in the UAE has provoked criticism from many residents.
  • Image Credit: AP

Dubai: A new music single receiving airplay in the UAE has provoked controversy for containing lyrics that depict sexuality, lesbianism and promiscuity.

US singer/songwriter Katy Perry's recent hit I Kissed a Girl, criticised by several activists and social commentators around the world for its content, has been met with disapproval from residents and intellectuals living in the UAE.

Dr Mouza Ghubash, an Emirati sociologist, on Monday expressed her concern at the song's arrival in the UAE, saying it formed part of a wider problem facing youth culture in the Arab world.

She told Gulf News: "This song reflects the kind of relationship and behaviour that is common in Western societies and that can also be found as a new phenomenon in Arab culture. Of course, we refute such ideas and songs but at the same time we cannot avoid them. We must ensure our youngsters concentrate on their education - with the help of their families, teachers and lecturers, to protect them from imitating other Western cultures.

"UAE society is so open these days and great pressure is placed on the country's decision-makers, such as the Ministry of Education, to preserve our national identity."

The lyrics of I Kissed a Girl, the current UK number one and third in the US singles chart, include: "I kissed a girl and I liked it, the taste of her cherry chap stick; I kissed a girl just to try it; hope my boyfriend don't mind it."

Several radio stations in the UAE have been playing the song during their broadcasts over the last few days but others have decided to err on the side of caution.

Fiona Winterburn, Head of Music at Gulf News Broadcasting, said: "We've listened to the song but have so far decided against playing it because we realise the lyrics are quite sensitive to local culture and could offend some of our listeners."

Gulf News spoke to several UAE residents yesterday to see what they thought of the song.

Abdullah Julfar, an undergraduate student of UAE nationality, said he found the song very offensive towards his cultural and religious values.

"I think there should be some sort of social responsibility in the media to stop such ridiculous songs from being played," he said.

Mona Mezzel, a Palestinian undergraduate student, said she hated the song: "Avoiding music, books, and movies should always be a personal choice and not an enforced rule. I just find the song utterly useless."

Ahmad Saed, a Jordanian salesman, said he thought it was "absolutely pathetic and disgusting" that such lyrics were made into a song.

"Songs, unfortunately nowadays, contain excessive sexual undertones. I don't find it offensive to my values but I find it offensive to my intellectuality and to the art of music," he said.


Your comments


I am utterly impressed by Ahmad Saed's comments. Never before have I seen that level of thought and originality in a UAE resident interviewed by Gulf News. I guess I'm too used to the mindless comments of some interviewees.
Shezanne
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 19, 2008, 13:24

I think it is of personal choice for someone to listen to this song. While Dubai is building away to glory, trying to compete with international standards, it is very hypocritical that even though they allow it to be played here, it actually makes its way into news and causes drama.
John
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 19, 2008, 13:14

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