Fashion Freedom in Baghdad

Vice TV (VBS) has been one of the few outlets coming correct on the new video media front.  They offer a plethora of channels with shows dedicated to a smorgasbord of subculture documentation.  One series in particular, Heavy Metal In Baghdad, follows up an article Vice ran in 2003 on the only heavy metal band in Iraq.  Needless to say, a lot’s changed since then.

In the fifth and final episode, the VBS crew finally catches up to the band members.  However, only two have remained in Baghdad; Firas Al-Lateef, bass player, and Faisal Talal, vocalist.  In one discussion, Firas explains the dangers of fashion expression in "free" Iraq.

Where’s the freedom where I can’t wear what I want, if I can’t say what I want; where’s the freedom?" 

I’m at a big risk right now wearing this t-shirt, because It’s an American band [slipknot].  That could get you killed in Baghdad.  We have a saying, "People are always enemies [against] what they don’t know.  So, basically, they’re fighting this because they don’t know what the hell it is.

Kind of puts all the hype and frivolity around celebrity lines into perspective; everyone knows who the hell they are.  Everyone knows what you’re trying to say when you put on a Madonna Tracksuit; no one’s going to shoot you (at least in this country). 

SoHo and Baghdad may be opposite extremes, but for Firas and Faisal, the heavy metal lifestyle, both music and fashion, is the only form of free expression available.  They’re actually saying something meaningful when they get dressed every morning.