Katy Perry's performance during the 2013 American Music Awards left some with a bad taste in their mouth.
Perry wore a Japanese-inspired outfit on stage while singing her hit song "Unconditionally." Everything from the set to the fan props was an ode to the Geisha culture. The rice-paper screens, the drums and colorful dancers were playful.
However, some viewers took offense, calling Perry's actions "ignorant" and racist. People took to the social media site Twitter to voice their outrage.
I guess Katy Perry really didn't want to be left out of the mind-numbingly ignorant and racist pop-star hall of shame.
— a v snider (@what_freshhell) November 25, 2013
still can't get over how racist katy perry's AMA performance was — ⓢⓐⓛⓛⓨ (@peri0d_bl00d) November 25, 2013
If there is a way to adorably appropriate an entire culture without seeming a teensy bit racist, Katy perry did not find it. #yikes — Joel Kim Booster (@ihatejoelkim) November 25, 2013
On the other hand, some Twitter users defended Perry, who were confused as to why she was receiving such harsh criticism.
These claims of Katy Perry's AMA performance being racist are absolutely ridiculous. Appreciation and appropriation of other cultures is ok. — DANNN (@iamdanbrooks) November 25, 2013
It honestly bothers me that people believe @katyperry performance was a racist act. She loves the Japanese culture and japan loves her — Laura Kamada (@look_itsLaura) November 25, 2013
Perry's performance was not the only controversial moment during the AMAs. Ben Haggerty, who is famously known as Macklemore, used his AMA win to bring attention to an issue in today's society: racial profiling.
While accepting their award via satellite in Florida, duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis took the time to address Trayvon Martin, and the alleged "injustice" that came with a jury finding George Zimmerman not guilty on murder charges.
"I was talking to my friend ... before the show and he reminded me of a great Martin Luther King quote - 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' And due to the fact that we are in Florida tonight accepting this award, I want to acknowledge Trayvon Martin and the hundreds and hundreds of kids that are dying due to racial profiling and the violence that follows it," Macklemore said in his acceptance speech.
"This is really happening," he continued. "These are our friends, our neighbors, our peers and our fans, and it's time that we look out for the youth and fight against racism and the laws that protect it." (WATCH the speech here)
Do you think Katy Perry's performance was "racist?" Was Macklemore's shoutout to Trayvon Martin appropriate? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
