Video Hangover: Army Of Lovers - "Israelism"
Every week, we dig in the archives for videos that we find noteworthy, memorable, or just unbelievably stupid. And then, Jon McMillan breaks 'em down for you. Why Video Hangover? Because when you watch as many videos as we do, you're going to feel it afterwards.
"Israelism"
Army of Lovers, 1993
Oh Army of Lovers, is there anything you won't set to techno music?
My Big Fat Scary Gay Bar Mitzvah
As costume dramas go, "Israelism" isn't the most elaborate video in the Lovers' oevure. But what it lacks in tiny pianos, it makes up for in biblical accuracy. Moses wore eye shadow when he received the foam commandments, and his friend -- Nate, I think was his name -- had a moustache. It's all right there in the old testament. You can look it up
And the capitol of Nebraska is Lincoln!
For the uninitiated, "Hevenu Shalom Aleichem" is a traditional Hebrew song that translates roughly to "We bring you peace." It also heralds the coming of a certain ex-linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Embracing truth, one stereotype at a time
With all the hissing, mincing, and talk of diamond mines, "Israelism" plays like a senior thesis project at the University of Tehran film school. And yet -- miniature Israeli flags! On a scale of Jerry Seinfeld to Mel Gibson's Dad, how anti-Semitic is this video? Is this harmless camp, or is there something more sinister going on? Frankly, I'm not sure what to make of it. Which only confirms what I've know all along: I am easily distracted by boobs.
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Posted at 11:38 AM in Video, Video Hangover
[head asplode]
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Actually it was, in their own unique way i guess you could say, a tribute to Isreal. The lead singer is Jewish and I think he was poking fun of his people in a loving manner. It's like rappers calling each other the "N" word but not meaning it offensively.
Incidentally, the single went to #1 in Isreal.
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Actually, this was No1 in Israel. Anti-semitic? No.
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