The 2016 VMA nominations are out, and the usual suspects are up for awards — Beyoncé, Adele, Drake, Kanye. But after being skipped over for recognition for her self-directed video “Borders,” which illustrates the plight of refugees as they climb metal fences and travel on overcrowded boats, M.I.A has spoken her mind on Twitter — saying the VMAs are guilty of the full gamut of discrimination.
MIA – BORDERS is not included in the VMAs #hahahahhaahahhaha!! Racism sexism classism elitism #dontwantyourlane!
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) July 28, 2016
She followed that up with a tweet that the total lack of acknowledgement for her video is a clear case of silencing certain groups, showing the difference between “‘allowed’ voice[s] vs excluded voices.”
BORDERS came representing people outside US showing. This is a perfect example of “allowed” voice vs excluded voices .Even if U direct it.
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) July 28, 2016
not here 4 EGO or Accolades but know before you tell other artists they have the same platform as major US artists coz they don’t #
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) July 28, 2016
The rapper then said the lack of recognition doesn’t matter, and linked to an Instagram image of herself helping Greek refugee children with their homework, and pointing out in the caption that “Nearly 50% of the 50,000 people there [in the refugee camp] are children.”
#fucktheVMAs we don’t need their recognition !! Keeping our future in the books . checking on… https://t.co/LAnw1vWocN
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) July 28, 2016
Credits
Text Clementine de Pressigny