Every now and then we get a thorough reminder of the fact that the people who settled modern American were religious zealots, and this is one of those times. This documentary shows how Janet Jackson was effectively taken down by grade A American double standard. While a lot of us Europeans found it amusing at the time how a breast could enrage so many people over there, most of us probably missed the deep dysfunction of American society the situation presented. The story told is a depressing one, and you'd be pretty cold hearted not to feel for Janet Jacksons fate from something so innocent. At the time the United States were producing about 94% of the worlds porn, yet they needed to have a governmental hearing about this. Oh, the irony. This documentary fits nicely in to a greater mosaic of films that should be seen to understand the American condition and why we hear so much about race and color from there and how the imperative to be morally superior on the outside rules many peoples actions. This film is a fair but superficial reflection on the absurdity of what happened during that fateful Superbowl half-time show, that offers a glimpse into the mind of America, not ground breaking in any way, but the content is important and the story is one that most likely will shine in very different lights as time goes by. If you're at all interested in any of these things I'd say give this one a go.
The New York Times Presents: Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson
(2021)
Embarrasing for America
Season 1, Episode 10
3 December 2021