Rose-Colored Glasses: The White Stripes "Icky Thump"

The White Stripes "Icky Thump"
dir. by Malloy Brothers
Jack and Meg stomp through Mexico on a mission to uncover the hypocrisy of American foreign policy. The fantasy Mr. White sees there is a collage of surreal imagery and real world scenarios. The directors create a gorgeous environment of enticing neon lights, tiny details of the absurd variety and the always potent mix of red and white hues. All the death puppets and one-eyed villains of this underworld imply impending doom for Jack, but he seems to emerge unscathed - save for an icky bump on his head.

The nonchalance with which he strolls in and out (simply waving at a border guard) suggests an elitist (and racist) view of the place. It's a country where you go to have a good time or see something bizarre, but make sure to leave before it gets too ugly. Apart from the literal border trips that some Americans take on Friday nights, there is a more symbolic fleecing of Mexico going on - with our government playing the role of "pimp and prostitute." The wall being built is aimed at keeping immigrants out, but it might never rise high enough to prevent grubby hands from reaching back in.