Pop Star Who Flipped Off Camera During Super Bowl Show Has Radical History
The Super Bowl halftime show wouldn't be the Super Bowl halftime show without some controversy. In 2004, Justin Timberlake infamously ripped open part of singer Janet Jackson's costume. This year, controversy arose in the form of a backup singer, using her middle finger to draw attention to herself.
British pop star Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, better known as M.I.A., raised her middle finger to the cameras during the Super Bowl halftime show, and appeared to sing something to the effect of "I don't give a (expletive)."
This isn't the first time M.I.A. has used her singing to stir up controversy. CMI noted in 2010 that M.I.A. composed and sang a song with favorable references to suicide bombers and the Taliban. M.I.A. is an outspoken supporter of a violent Sri Lankan separatist organization known as the Tamil Tigers, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the EU. Her views are so radical that even the New York Times Magazine called her music "Agitprop Pop" in 2010.
So flipping off 100 million viewers - an offense against propriety - is nothing compared to condoning crimes against humanity. NBC and the NFL quickly apologized for M.I.A.'s actions, the network saying its "system was late to obscure the inappropriate gesture." But if you invite outspoken radicals to perform, you're willing to court controversy - and you shouldn't be surprised when it arises.
- Paul Wilson's blog
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Comments
Super Bowl Half-time
Submitted by motherbelt on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:19pm.
Super Bowl Half-time Show.....opportunity for 15 minutes of fame? Not necessarily.
MIA will probably be crushed to find out that most viewers didn't even notice it. I was in a group of a dozen watching and NO ONE picked up on it.
I'm pretty sure all eyes were on Madonna. And I have to say, even though I'm not a fan, I expected her to put on a great show, and she didn't disappoint. Especially considering the debacles of the past few years.
BTW, was anyone else disappointed in the commercials? Other than the Doritos spots, I thought they were really ho-hum.
The Coca Cola polar bears? Jeez! I could've come up with better.
Boring all the way around, except the last 2 minutes
Submitted by Blonde on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:29pm.
Thankfully Madonna covered up those arms of hers, ug. My mom and I howled with laughter when she got a bit wobbly on the stair. For the life of me, I can't understand this "extravaganza" mentality....give me a half hour of Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, U2. Just the music, thank you very much.
As for this MIA person, never heard of her, don't care.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
J?
Submitted by bkeyser on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:36pm.
Did you catch the Tebow tweet I posted last night? Surprisingly, he didn't feel the need to flip off anyone.
⇒ I saw it
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:42pm.
Gave credit to the winner, identified that trophy as his goal, no bird flipping.
Thanks, bk
Submitted by Blonde on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 5:34pm.
Leave it to Timmy to put a positive, yet neutral spin on it. LOL, he rocks!
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
I missed it too mb
Submitted by bkeyser on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:30pm.
even though I had on the halftime show just to see if Madonna would be true to her word. She said in advance that she worked really hard for this, that it was important to her and there would be nothing controversial in it. As far as what she did, I agree. I thought she did well; though she did have one minor little slip on the "bleachers" at one point. I was surprised, actually, how tame it was; almost teenybopish™ with the pom poms.
I guess flipping the bird to 100 million people might be endearing to some, but I suspect most people missed it and didn't know who she was before, or after the incident.
injury
Submitted by jon_torlin on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 1:06pm.
I think I saw it on Drudge, but supposedly she was recovering from a hamstring injury or something, click here for details. (shame that it's a UK newsite that tends to be more accurate)
So I did see her do a little stumble or whatever, but that was her being careful and could have been a little tender or something, hamstring injuries are nothing to mess around with. I was surprised with how she was able to move around, but I'll guarantee she's damn sore today!
That guy on the tight rope was a trip though!
(yes, I did say I wasn't going to watch the game and half-time, but I heard there was a new Avengers trailer coming out and wanted to see that and the Star Wars related commercials)
-Jon
Totally missed the bird being
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:38pm.
Totally missed the bird being flipped.
Commercials were average, and I agree the polar bears are tired already.
But Clint Eastwood was AWESOME.
Yeah, 'ol Clint delivered his BHO campaigm message
Submitted by nonncom on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 5:28pm.
without a hitch....good job, stranger with no name...."It's half time, America....isn't Barrack great...".....LOL....
So Chrysler decided to put
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 5:35pm.
So Chrysler decided to put together a commercial that doesn't mention BO by name or this administration, with Clint Eastwood who's not a known Democrat, to subliminally do some cheerleading for BO?
⇒ Bal-e Bass, Subliminal?
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 6:27pm.
Try "load of bricks" for those of us who object to government intrusion into simple private business transactions.
So if I mention an Illinois legislator having gay sex in the back of a limo while snorting cocaine with his partner, you would have absolutely no clue who I was talking about? Right?
Since I didn't mention any names!
I have no idea who that would
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 7:00pm.
I have no idea who that would be.
Seems like you want to be offended, and are willing to latch on to anything that isn't announced beforehand as a paid political announcement by the Republican party. Otherwise you're outraged.
⇒ No surprise there
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 7:09pm.
Because once again, your selective ignorance takes control of you.
No, I've just never heard of
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 8:30pm.
No, I've just never heard of an Illinois politician doing blow and having gay sex. But if it's the same place ou get your "liberals want to kill black babies" material, I'm not surprised.
Well Balboa*
Submitted by cajun2 on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 8:55pm.
Once again you show your prejudice. If you wish to find out what black Americans think, look up a few of them. Here is a list to get you started....Walter E Williams, Starr Parker, Doneen Borelli, Larry Elder, Dr Thomas Sowell, Dr Alveda King, and many others. Like you, the media also ignores them since there is no such thing as a black conservative who see the democratic party enslaving blacks with their promises of entitlements.
And you will never hear anything about Vera Baker and Larry Sinclair from the lying liberal media either.
When did I say "Gee I wonder
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:20pm.
When did I say "Gee I wonder what black Americans think?"
⇒ Never, bal
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:22pm.
Liberals obviously don't care what Black Americans think.
Good grief. Now you're just
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:27pm.
Good grief. Now you're just being stupid. Grow up.
⇒ bal
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:31pm.
I didn't say Liberals don't care how Black People vote.
Y'all have that technique 90% cinched.
Let me fix that for him balboy...
Submitted by Nforce on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 10:21pm.
Liberals don't care what CONSERVATIVE black people think. Better there balboa?
[pat pat pat]
So why are Libs trying to wipe blacks off the face of the earth
Submitted by Jer on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:31pm.
[according to you] if they don't care what they think?
Jer
⇒ Don't know, Jer
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:33pm.
All Justice Ginsberg alluded to are not "wanting too many of"
Maybe Liberals are satisfied with their current rate.
~Took me a few minutes..
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:39pm.
..to look up her exact words. GMTA :-D
~They're not getting rid of them for 'thoughtcrime'
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:38pm.
I'll let Ruth Ginsberg explain why they're wiping them out...
Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of.
Forget it, Jer. Anyone who
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:38pm.
Forget it, Jer. Anyone who believes these theories is completely outer limits.
⇒ Nouvea Tuskeegee
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 10:03pm.
Balboa, I still refuse to congratulate you and your liberal friends on your success.
an effort in futility balboa*
Submitted by cajun2 on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 10:13pm.
I was trying to point out to you that it is black conservatives who claim the elites want to kill black babies. Try to keep up with the conversation YOU started
I apologize for not following
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 10:15pm.
I apologize for not following the thread better. I see what you were saying.
⇒ Cajun
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 10:08pm.
Don't expect balboa to listen to people who have escaped Uncle Sam's Plantation.
Only a liberal could possibly know what's good for African Americans..
I would wager Balboa has never heard of Star Parker. Of course, he'll look her up before answering just so he can say "Yes, I have"
⇒ Wrong, bal
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:08pm.
But not surprising. Over two years ago, I directed you to the story of Barack Obama and Larry Sinclair.
I made a comment about Obama snorting coke off the belly of a fat man. Strangely enough, you actually thought it was funny.
But just like your memory on the "Government sells Chrysler to FIAT", you've slept since then and can't be expected to remember.
I guess I'll take our word
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:18pm.
I guess I'll take our word for that. Don't remember the conversation.
The "news" is????
Submitted by almostacowboy on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:19pm.
I'm sorry, but I don't get the "news" part of this. Let's see....you've got NBC, a network known for questionable broadcasting, and you've got a Euro-trash pop singer known for questionable behavior. DUH!
OBTW, I didn't see the game or half time. I haven't spoken to anyone who did.
Pop "star"
Submitted by MOONSTRUCK on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:31pm.
is an over statement. Just another pop wanna be. If it weren't for synthesizers and vulgarity they would have nothing. Too bad the youth of America don't wake up and demand better.
Just another classless pinhead. Madonna should demand an apology.
Maya is just another
Submitted by cristo on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:29pm.
Maya is just another illiterate rapper. This isn't art -
“Like a Taliban trucker eatin' boiled-up yucca, got my eyes done like I'm in a black burka,\
Like a hand-me-down sucker throwin' bombs at a Mecca. Call it good will, get money to get better.
Keep your head down like a UNICEF worker, if you get hit you can't question the f**ka'.”
No kidding
Submitted by HockeyKid on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:44pm.
The lefties like to think this is incisive political commentary, but it's plain ignorant prattle. Ooooh, congratulations, you can rhyme "trucker" with "yucca"! Are you aware, Ms. "M.I.A.", that yucca is a plant found in the arid portions of the Americas, NOT in Taliban territory? Oh, I see--words don't matter, it's the RAP that counts.
Yawn.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
The most offensive
Submitted by MrLuigi on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:46pm.
The most offensive part of the story is when they described M.I.A. as a singer implying that she has musical ability. I see no evidence of musical ability. F**k the NFL for bringing her on in the first place.
Ah, yes...
Submitted by Roger the Shrubber on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:51pm.
...I remember my mom singing that to me when I was a little kid...
⇒ Half-time in America - Eastwood?
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:41pm.
I thought we were going to discuss Clint Eastwood's dripping endorsement of Obama, Bailouts, and screwing the Taxpayer. "It's Half-time in America" was a gratuitous sycophantic pitch for another Obama term.
Why else would Eastwood do a commercial for an Italian company, FIAT?
'Cause he got a paycheck for
Submitted by HockeyKid on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:47pm.
'Cause he got a paycheck for it?
I didn't know what to make of that ad--the WH certainly seems to think it was a paean to Obysmal, but I read it a different way: it's halftime in America, now we need to get out there with a NEW QUARTERBACK and turn this game around!
Seriously, though, I have no idea what Chrysler/Fiat was aiming for with that ad.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
⇒ Same as it ever was
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:54pm.
I can only hope Clint gets screwed as a stockholder or bondholder in one of his endeavors as did the front-of-the-line bondholders in the Chrysler bankruptcy.
It was a cruel, hateful, heel to the face, wrapped up in the American flag.
I thought that commercial was
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 2:11pm.
I thought that commercial was for Chrysler and indirectly Detroit?
⇒ Again with the "I thought"
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 2:28pm.
Where have you been, bal?
The government sold Chrysler to Italian FIAT back in 2009.
"Indirectly Detroit" was found in the "End of the World" ad in which the company that did not accept Obama's money (FORD) was missing after GM made it through the the "2012 Apocalypse".
You can spin it your way if you wish. But given the dumb-trout observations for which you are now famous, you're not going to sway anyone possessing even a cursory knowledge on any subject.
But given the
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 4:17pm.
But given the dumb-trout observations for which you are now famous
He definitely would not be a "keeper" if caught. He is the type that we would throw back until they grew a clue. :-)
Sorry to offend your
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 5:20pm.
Sorry to offend your fish-like sensibilities. I forgot Fiat bought them.
I don't agree with your "facts" because they're not reliable, just often repeated.
⇒ Don't worry, be happy, Bally Bass
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 6:14pm.
Just because you've slept since the federal government cheated all the bondholders that should have been first in line at the Chrysler bankruptcy doesn't mean it isn't, nonetheless, a fact.
But you've made a little progress today. You did admit you forgot.
I'm guessing about 3 million reasons, CA
Submitted by Blonde on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 2:41pm.
Disgusting.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
⇒ Yes, disgusting
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 2:56pm.
Wasn't it Eastwood's beloved President who said "At some point, you've made enough"?
But there was Eastwood selling for $3 million, his "good will" (a business term which attempts to evaluate the worth of a name brand).
Sycophantic Obama pitch
Submitted by Model850 on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 3:29pm.
Throughout the ad I kept waiting for an Obama 2012 logo to fade in. The whole tone of the ad seemed political from the start, and I actually was surprised when it was over that there was no "paid for by the Obama 2012 campaign" notice.
When is the NFL going
Submitted by gs-425 on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:49pm.
To realize that these frigging entertainers will screw you every time.
PUT THE DAMN FRISBEE DOGS IN AT HALFTIME.
There was a half-time show?
Submitted by Free Stinker on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:48pm.
I was busy having dinner. Sounds like I didn't miss a thing.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
The NFL asks for this
Submitted by greydawg on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:52pm.
The NFL deserves exactly what it got. Year after year, they drag out these has-beens with a spotty past of "pushing the envelope" performances. Don't provide a showcase for these old perverts, put on a wholesome show that the entire family can enjoy, and you won't have these types of problems.
Madonna and commercials...
Submitted by liberalsarefunny on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 1:06pm.
Didn't watch it; don't care about it.
Newsbusters, the place for us
Submitted by GreenTea on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 1:47pm.
Newsbusters, the place for us conservatives to vent our rage against non political super bowl half time shows...
I question the "us" in your statement
Submitted by Blonde on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 2:29pm.
.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Maybe he has mice in his
Submitted by Free Stinker on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 2:36pm.
Maybe he has mice in his shirt pocket?
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
It's amazing to me how those
Submitted by Immortal Fish on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 2:26pm.
It's amazing to me how those who can so clearly see "code words" in anything people right of center say, yet insist on disbelieving what their lying eyes are plainly telling them with something like the Eastwood commercial.
This week it's "America at half-time" which has nothing to do with Obeyme's second term hopes. Oh, no, not at all. Last week it was -- literally -- finger pointing. And we all know how Obeyme doesn't point his own fingers at anyone, middle or index, right?
It's almost like it's selective outrage or hypocricy or something...
I need attention!!!!!
Submitted by ForeverOnTheRight on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 1:49pm.
A has been needing attention, that is why I think this "pop star" flipped off the viewers. Bad plublicity is better than no plublicity, as they believe.
Super Bowl Highs and One Low
Submitted by berlet98 on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 1:55pm.
SuperBowl XLVI, Big Highs, Two Notable Lows
After weeks of incessant hype which became as tedious as political blatherings and debates, the annual American spectacle, the Super Bowl, is finally over.
For those living under some rock or maybe in Massachusetts, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the forty-sixth edition of the Super Bowl by eking out a 21-17 victory thanks to Tom Coughlin’s coaching, Eli Manning’s unflappability, and Mario Manningham proving he knows where his feet are.
To Giant fans, those were the highest points of Super Bowl XLVI–the only association with Roman numerals most of America’s schoolkids ever get–although there were others, including a typically-amazing halftime show concluding with Madonna vaporized in a cloud of smoke.
Unfortunately, that vaporization was a special effect.
There were no intentional “wardrobe malfunctions” comparable to Janet Jackson’s nipple display during halftime in 2004 but NBC’s did feature the only low moment of the show when the alleged entertainer M.I.A. showed she has even less class than she has talent.
During Madonna’s song “Give Me All Your Luvin,” M.I.A. displayed the middle finger of her left hand and obscenely cursed at either Madonna, at the hundred million children and adults watching the performance, or both.
NBC and the NFL quickly offered explanatory defenses.
NBC disingenuously contended, “It was a spontaneous gesture that our delay system caught late [to bleep].” The network didn’t explain how M.I.A.’s flipping the bird and mouthing an expletive could possibly be interpreted as ”a spontaneous gesture.”
The NFL’s response . . . (Read more at http://www.genelalor.com/blog1/?p=12632.)
Te NFL brought trash in and
Submitted by jkwtrading on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 2:19pm.
Te NFL brought trash in and trash is what they got.
Why the HELL would they have on this lib idiot?
Submitted by NJRightWinger12 on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 3:09pm.
From some East Bumblefvck hole in the wall in Asia, who "rages against the machine" and the establishment, while shes making millions? I didnt even know this jerk was in it-did they slip her in at the last minute? What was the point-Madonna and Ce-lo Green werent enough? You knew THEYD behave, because they have something to protect-not this ugly bag of bones who SHOULD be M.I.A.!
Too Late
Submitted by djaymick on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 3:46pm.
After the 2004 flap, you would think they use a 7 second delay. Where's the FCC in all of this? They were outspoken during the 2004 SB. (And yes, the courts threw out the $550K fine imposed on CBS.) Would you say there's a big difference between a wardrobe malfunction and someone who flips the bird? She waited for the opportune time to do it - when the cameras were on her.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Submitted by liberalsarefunny on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 9:06pm.
More red meat for the Idiot Culture....
MIA
Submitted by mmilesll on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 4:22pm.
This "singer" should have to pay the fine. Let's all remember how much she hates America - so much so that she married a billionaire. So much for sticking to your guns. She should and will be forgotten because she is really not that good. I am not a fan of Madonna, but she put on a great show-too bad this little twit tried to ruin it