Text by ISHANI RAHA and TARA KOTHARI
Art by SAMANTHA HO
ChallenginG Christianity
LIL NAS X MUSIC VIDEO PROVOKES DISCUSSION
“I
N LIFE, WE HIDE the parts of ourselves we don’t want the world to see. We lock them away. We tell them no. We banish them. But here, we don’t.” These are the words that preface singer-songwriter Lil Nas X’s newest music video “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” which was released on March 26. In the video, his voice resonates through his depiction of an iridescent pink Garden of Eden as he lounges under a tree and strums a guitar. As the video progresses, numerous scenes brimming with Christian imagery follow Lil Nas X as he descends into the pits of Hell, concluding with the singer engaging in sexual activities with a character representing Satan. According to Lil Nas X, the video expresses his past experiences with alienation and damnation by Christianity because of his sexuality as a gay man — the words that open the video are representative of Lil Nas X’s struggle with hiding his true identity, and his subsequent self-separation from the Christian faith. The video has reignited an age-old debate between members of the LGBTQ+ community and Christians who believe that the video mocks their religion. Where is the line drawn between remaining respectful towards Christianity and upholding freedom of expression for LGBTQ+ community members? Opinions vary among experts on the history of religion, Palo Alto High School students and other members of the Palo Alto community. Local perspectives Paly sophomore Sam, whose name has been changed to protect his anonymity, appreciates how Lil Nas X overcame the obstacles of his past and empowered his fanbase. “I really enjoyed the story and the use of symbolism in the video,” Sam says. “When I finished watching it, I felt a sense of empowerment, seeing this person who had gone through a lot of hardships be able to own his situation.” Although Sam is able to appreciate the way Lil Nas X portrayed his struggle with religious groups, he still believes that compromise is the best solution. “I think rebelling and disrespecting a religion are different things,” Sam says. “I don’t think disrespecting people will get us as a community anywhere. Many homophobic and transphobic arguments are from people who are miseducated and
22 JUNE 2021
