YouTube has specifically set it as an age-restricted video, which is the best that any website can do in order to prevent children viewing it. I've watched it 47 times now in order to fully make up my mind and I don't see the problem with it. What I do see, is a brilliant, highly provocative attempt to push the boundaries of conventional art by elucidating the semiotics of a culture that was, until recently, alien to most of us outside of the bodybuilding world. As observers we are forced to examine our own thoughts and opinions on the subject and the sad fact is that much of the indignation evoked by this stems from feelings of embarrassment and sexual repression.
Good art has always been subject to censorship. During the 17th century, Michelangelo's frescos were often deemed to be obscene and forcibly edited by order of the pope. When Edouard Manet's Olympia was unveiled in 1865, it was deemed too vulgar even for the citizens of Paris. Even the music-genius Madonna had her videos banned throughout the 1980's for being 'too offensive'. I applaud what the director has done here, and intend to share the video with ALL of my friends and family on Facebook as a big 'fuck you' to the moralising legislators who wish to enforce their own skewed values onto society and tell consenting adults what they can and cannot do. I urge you all to do the same.
