Beyonce’s self-titled album has been breaking crazy records since she shocked us all and released it just moments before midnight on Dec. 13. But NASA isn’t feeling her single “XO”. She used the voice of the group’s Public Affairs Officer, Steve Nesbitt during the shaky moments of the Challenger flight that malfunctioned just 73 seconds after its launch, leaving seven people dead.
June Scobee Rodgers, a woman who’s husband, commander Dick Scobee, died in the space shuttle tragedy told ABC she did not think Beyonce should have used the audio:
We were disappointed to learn that an audio clip from the day we lost our heroic Challenger crew was used in the song ‘XO.’ The moment included in this song is an emotionally difficult one for the Challenger families, colleagues and friends. We have always chosen to focus not on how our loved ones were lost, but rather on how they lived and how their legacy lives on today.
Keith Cowing, who used to work for NASA chimed in and compared Bey’s song to using tapes from 9/11 and other events that rocked the nation.
This choice of historic and solemn audio is inappropriate in the extreme. The choice is little different than taking Walter Cronkite’s words to viewers announcing the death of President Kennedy or 911 calls from the World Trade Center attack and using them for shock value in a pop tune.
But Mrs. Carter said she meant no harm at all when using the late officer’s voice. In fact, she saw it as a way to honor the families and close ones who lost their lives. She responded:
My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster. The song ‘XO’ was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you. The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten.
What do you think? Did Queen Bey go too far this time? Let us know on Twitter @1067WTLC and check out the “XO” video below.
(Source: Black America Web)
