Problematic Korean Video Friday over at Poptimists: T-ara YA YA YA

[koganbot]

I posted T-ara's "Ya Ya Ya" vid over at poptimists, and I'm posting here as well, since, if the past is any guide, the poptimist mass are too intimidated by the soberness and severity of Korean music videos to offer an opinion, leaving it to us. But you should visit and check out what I said.

Watch on YouTube

Comments

[descriptivist.livejournal.com]

One factoid I found interesting is that their stylist apparently thought up the "Indian" concept after hearing the song. I'm wondering if that has something to do with the "nonsense" lyrics (which for some reason was news (http://www.allkpop.com/2010/12/e-tribe-reveals-meaning-behind-t-aras-yayaya-lyrics))? I'm not sure where this fits into the overall discussion of cultural ignorance as distinct from racism - maybe as evidence that this is indeed based on the export of a movie-Western stereotype in which Indians whoop and clap their hands over their mouths. (I can't help but wince every time I see that move in the dance.)

Also, Frank, you make a good point about the fat-mocking at the end of the video. At least this video manages to be problematic in more than just one way!