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'Anthem of Us' Video by Bedrock 'Rubbed Me the Wrong Way' -- Metro Times Writer

May 24, 2016, 5:59 AM


Bedrock's video includes this eye-catching view of downtown, shot from a helicopter

More than 74,000 people watched a four-minute Bedrock Detroit visual hug for Detroit during its first 10 hours online Monday.

The stylish video (below) is directed by Emmy-winning Detroit cinematographer Stephen McGee, a TEDxDetroit presenter last October. It's narrated by local hip-hop artist Big Sean, who shares what Bedrock says are unscripted thoughts about the city that "taught me how to love, taught me to be the man that I am today, taught me to appreciate what you work for and two work hard." 


Another snazzy scene from the four-minute presentation.

One viewer, Metro Times editorial intern Jack Roskopp, admires "stunning shots of the skyline, the Detroit River and Belle Isle that make you really appreciate Detroit's beauty." He also thinks the rapper's words "drive the point home."

But . . .

But, and I say this but in the nicest way possible, does anyone else find this video kind of cheesy? . . .

This four-minute long video reminds me of a Pure Michigan ad, except we have Big Sean speaking instead of Tim Allen.

There are the cliché shots of people working in an urban farm, riding their bikes at Slow Roll, and entrepreneurs showcasing their Detroit brands. All of this is great, but haven't we seen it before? Haven't we established that Detroit experiencing a renaissance? . . . The Detroit Renaissance narrative is shoved down our throat. We get it. 

As the 2015 Western Michigan University graduate at Metro Times sees it, the "Anthem of Us" video is "yet another effort to brand Gilbert & Co." -- a reference to Bedrown owner you-know-who.

There's a difference between being proud of Detroit and turning it into a sales pitch. It just seems disingenuous to me. . . .

I'm proud of Detroit, and I'm proud of what this video showcases. . . .But this video just rubbed me the wrong way. Anyone else feel the same?

-- Alan Stamm


Read more:  Metro Times


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