Facebook 'reverses ban' on Aboriginal rapper

June 25, 2011
Issue 
Indigenous rapper Caper
Indigenous rapper Caper.

Indigenous rapper Caper says a backlash from his fans caused Facebook to reverse their banning of the video to his song "How Would You Like To Be Me?" (lyrics below).

The song, which addresses racism in Australia, has enjoyed extensive radio airplay, becoming one of the most requested songs on Magic FM.

The 30-year-old musician, otherwise known as Colin Darcy from Whyalla in South Australia, said in a post on the social networking website: "Whoever reported my new video 'How Would You Like To Be Me' as offensive has actually stopped it from being promoted on facebook.

“Idiots! It's 'ART' - if you're offended, don't fuck with it!"

He says Facebook later "unblocked" the video.

The song includes the lyrics "How would you like to me? An Aborigine. Stereotype. What -- should I paint myself white?"

The slick-looking video, filmed and directed by Richard Coburn, features the rapper walking down back streets while lip-synching to his song. The song includes the terms "boong" and "nigga", which Darcy said he had endured for many years.

"When I tried to access the link it said the video was banned by one person due to it being offensive," he told Green Left Weekly.

"Positive reactions [to the song] have been great in regards to the message, people have expressed how real and true the track is and label it 'powerful'. People have given me nothing but love and respect.

“Even a guy left a comment on YouTube saying he didn't like my rap voice or style but loved the song and respected me for telling it how I did.

"Since posting on Facebook my reaction this morning about the ban, fans have given me nothing but love and support.

"The only negative response is this damn Facebook ban by a person who has no idea what it took to put everything together. It was hard work -- a lot of time was spent from writing the song to shooting the video and Facebook is my main way of interacting with fans.

“Being [as] I've only just released the video I haven't been able to promote it no where near enough as I'd like to as yet to try and get this important message of racism and discrimination across.

"Once again it's a shame that the issue on racism and discrimination gets swept under the rug."

Caper was featured in award-winning ABC1 documentary Chasing Shadows last year. The film followed his former band The Shadows as they pursued success in the music industry.

Facebook did not respond to a request for comment.

Video: Caper - How Would You Like To Be Me (Official Video) - YouTube/Caper.

Section of lyrics from How would you like to be me?

How Would You Like To Be Me?
An Aborigine
Looked down upon in society
How how would like to be treated like a dog?
By ignorant little suckers that make you feel odd
Think that all we do is drink grog
And they say we only have ourselves to blame
Those idiots should be ashamed
It's like they can't and won't understand Aboriginal pain
I wish those haters could walk in our shoes
Then they'll know what its like to lose
And live a life that's been abused
From hereditary ills
That kill
Hey! I was just at a pizza bar the other day
Overheard a conversation and I heard me say
Black boongs this... And black niggas that
Made me wanna react
And say something back
With my fists cause I was pissed!!!
But I didn't while out and act a fool
Cause violence don't change a thing at all
Don't change a thing at all...

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