In her music video “Like a Prayer”, Madonna tackles the controversial issues of race, religion, and morality. Aired in 1989, this provoking video caused much discussion in the then-sensitive American audience (of course we see a lot worse nowadays). Through her video’s storyline, Madonna’s message becomes clear: one must overcome fear to do what is morally right.

Madonna uses the plot of her video, as well as light and dark imagery to convey her message. She represents her fear in dark, black and white, flashback scenes. In these she witnesses three white men murdering a young woman on the streets. She sees a black man run to help the young woman, and watches helplessly as the police close in and arrest the innocent black man. The first thirty seconds of the video are filled with darkness as Madonna runs away fearfully from the crime-scene. When she enters the church, there is an instant juxtaposition between the darkness outside and the light inside the candle-filled church. As Madonna approaches the black statue, she is bathed in bright yellow light. A church classically symbolizes morality and is an ideal place to make a morally right decision. Throughout the video, Madonna seems to be in conflict with herself as the black and white scenes are contrasted with the dancing choir in a bright church. Madonna finally comes to a right decision and reveals what she knows to the police, freeing the black man. She and the black man are illuminated by warm light as the curtain closes and the video ends. In her video Madonna also addresses the issue of race. She condemns racial prejudice by showing how quick the police were to believe that the black man was guilty.

Although Madonna clearly shows moral messages in her video, we must remember that she is primarily an artist trying to make a living. And one thing is for sure: controversy sells. Madonna clearly intended for her video to be controversial, especially in her portrayal of religion. Within the first ten seconds of “Like a Prayer” the viewers are struck with a shocking image of a burning cross. Throughout her video Madonna is pictured dancing in front of burning crosses in a plain. Even more surprising is Madonna’s encounter with the black saint in the church. The black statue, obviously some kind of important religious figure, is first seen caged and trapped behind bars. When Madonna frees him, the statue comes to life and kisses her later on. The parallels she drew between sex and the church undoubtedly caused controversy in American society.