15 Music Videos from the ’80s That Would Be Banned for Their Imagery Today
Welcome to the 1980s, when music videos were as wild as hairstyles and fashion! Back then, artists pushed boundaries and got away with things that might make today’s censors blush. Here are 15 music videos from the ’80s that would probably get banned for their imagery if released today. Get ready for a rollercoaster of neon, hairspray, and some seriously questionable content!
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“Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Madonna was the queen of controversy in the ’80s, and released on March 3, 1989, “Like a Prayer” was no exception. With burning crosses, an innocent African-American man being incarcerated by the police, and religious imagery, this video sparked outrage among religious groups. The video was set to debut on Entertainment Tonight tonight, and even they couldn’t air it without cuts. Today, it might not even make it past the first round of approvals.
“Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
“Relax,” released in 1984, was part of the Pleasuredome album and was banned by the BBC for its suggestive content, but back then, it was just considered edgy. With its not-so-subtle sexual references, provocative scenes, and obese people dressed as Roman emperors, this video would raise eyebrows today.
“Girls on Film” by Duran Duran
Duran Duran’s 1981 “Girls on Film” was a steamy romp through a fashion show, complete with nudity and suggestive imagery. In today’s era of #MeToo and heightened sensitivity, this video would likely be met with swift censorship.
“Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen
In the 1984 metal rock album “Hot for Teacher,” Van Halen took the schoolboy fantasy to a new level. With its risqué scenes of schoolgirls in skimpy outfits, this video would undoubtedly be slammed for portraying inappropriate student-teacher relationships.
“Material Girl” by Madonna
Another Madonna classic, “Material Girl”, celebrates life’s finer things while showcasing materialism at its peak. The music video directed by Mary Lambert was inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s performance of the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” This video would probably be criticized for promoting shallow values and consumerism today.
“She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper’s “She Bop” was actually about masturbation, with references to the homosexual erotic magazine Blue Boy. Back then, it flew under the radar thanks to its catchy tune and colorful visuals. Besides, it was the teens who made the song a hit without realizing its hidden meanings. Today, however, the song is likely to face a different fate.
“Like a Virgin” by Madonna
Madonna strikes again with “Like a Virgin,” a video that shocked audiences with provocative imagery and sexual undertones. The music video featured Madonna moving like a stripper in Venice, with Christian symbols embedded in jewelry around her neck. This video would likely be met with accusations of objectifying women and disrespecting the church, just like the new “Feathers” by Sabrina Carpenter music video did.
“Darling Nikki” by Prince
The 1984 “Darling Nikki” music video was so scandalous that it prompted Tipper Gore to co-found the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) and push for explicit content warnings on albums. With its explicit lyrics and suggestive themes, this video would be banned today.
“I Want Your S**” by George Michael
Directed by Andrew Morahan, George Michael’s “I Want Your S**” boldly declared desire amid the AIDS epidemic. At one point in the video, he wrote “monogamy” and “explore” on Kathy Jeung’s back. While it was controversial at the time, it would face even more backlash today for its explicit content and lack of safe sex messaging.
“Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” video is like a time capsule of ’80s awkwardness. Picture this: Slash’s epic guitar riffs are interrupted by scenes of women in barely-there clothing, giving us serious “Wait, what?” moments. They raided a thrift shop for questionable fashion choices and threw some uncomfortable close-ups. If this video aired today, it would come with a warning: “Caution: Contains excessive hair metal and questionable fashion decisions. Viewer discretion advised!”
“Smack My B Up” by The Prodigy
Although not mainly 80s, “Smack My B Up” was just so controversial, with its explicit drug use, violence, and misogyny, that MTV banned it upon its release. It deserves an honorable mention in all the problematic music video takes, as this quickly takes the cake for being the queen of controversial music.
“One” by Metallica
Metallica’s “One” video was like a wild rollercoaster through a war zone. With more explosions than a Fourth of July fireworks show and enough gritty realism to make a Hollywood director jealous, it was a headbanger’s dream. However, it was so intense that even MTV had to slap a warning label on it. But hey, if you’re into gritty realism and heavy metal, strap in and enjoy the ride. Just don’t forget your earplugs and a helmet for good measure.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
“Thriller” might seem tame compared to some of the other videos on this list, but its horror-themed imagery and Michael Jackson’s transformation into a werewolf would likely still cause a stir today.
“Express Yourself” by Madonna
Madonna’s “Express Yourself” celebrated female empowerment and featured BDSM imagery. In the video, Madonna played a powerful, glamorous, and masochistic woman overseeing a dystopian factory manned by large musclebound workers. Now, however, it would undoubtedly face backlash for its portrayal of kink culture.
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister
Remember Twisted Sister’s ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’? It was like a punk rock circus with over-the-top rebellion! But let’s face it, the video was a hot mess of chaos. It featured a kid rebelling against his strict dad with wacky stunts and cartoonish violence. Today, it’s likely to get a slap on the wrist for glorifying bratty behavior.
18 Classic Movie Quotes That Would Spark Outrage If Said in Today’s Films
Whether or not you are a movie buff, you’re probably familiar with the famous classic movies that shaped generations. Classic movies often contain iconic lines that have become ingrained in popular culture. However, as we look back, we realize how some of these quotes were downright racist, sexist, or misogynistic and have not aged well with time. Here are 24 classic movie quotes that, if said in today’s films, would likely spark outrage and controversy.
