Is Beyonce Using An Audio Clip From The Challenger Disaster Insensitive?

By now you have all probably heard of the criticism Beyonce is receiving for using an audio clip from the Challenger disaster in her new song "XO". Some people say it is insensitive, others say it is fine.

This raises a good question. Should artists be considerate of other people when they express themselves? In controversies like this people say that the artist has their right to express themselves in anyway they choose. Art can be provocative. I agree that artists no matter what they believe should be able to express themselves, however they can still cross the line. There was no reason to have the Challenger audio clip in "XO". The clip does not relate to the song. You could take out the audio clip and the song would not be effected at all. The reason that clip is there is so people will complain and the song will get attention, which is clearly working. Beyonce claims the song is supposed to be in on honor of the Challenger victims, but that is clearly not the case. The song is about a relationship. There is no reference to the Challenger disaster in the lyrics or video. I question if she even knew the audio clip was from the Challenger disaster. It should also be noted that the families of the victims of the Challenger disaster and the NASA people connected to it are greatly offended, but that is expected.

Artists have power in this world. By being provocative some artists can raise awareness to important issues. However, in cases like this the artist is only seeking attention, which makes them insensitive to those effected by the tragedy.