I'm going to add my two cents to the Coldplay music video controversy, potentially losing friends for firing shots at Beyoncé, because I think it's important. It is not making a mountain out of a molehill. It is a legitimate issue. I'd also like to mention now that whilst I am a woman of color, I am not Indian, so I'd like to make clear that my opinion is just that, an opinion. First opinion: Coldplay is awful. Sorry, I'm not sorry.

The band's music video "Hymn for the Weekend" featuring Beyoncé has been panned since its release as an orientalist fetish fever dream. Where to start? The slo-mo shot of Chris Martin, lead singer, surrounded by Indian children during Holi, or the inclusion of only Hindu religious figures? 'Bollywood' Beyoncé? Sonam Kapoor's relegation to token cameo status? It's hard to pick which problem to address first. Take a look at the music video and see for yourself.

Coldplay are deep in the treacherous web of Orientalism with this video. I get it; it's supposed to be an homage, a celebration of India. The problem is that this video reduces one of the most diverse countries in the world to four minutes and twenty seconds of hyper-pigmented stereotypes. Plus, what goes better with religion and children than such lyrics as "Got me feeling drunk and high."

Now onto Queen Bey. Are you converting to Hinduism? Beyoncé, go join Selena Gomez and Ellie Goulding for a time out. Bindis are a religious symbol, not a fashion accessory, please don't wear them. This video does nothing for media representations of Indian women, especially as it practically ignores the amazing Sonam Kapoor, actual Indian actress. Appropriation not appreciation.

To those who say you can't represent a whole country in four minutes: imagine a non-Western band's music video about America that was just Donald Trump, low I.Q. people, beer guts, and chicken wings? Of course it would be offensive. To those who say "get over it, colonialism is in the past" or "calm down, these videos make India seem less backwards," why? Why should people get over it? Don't they have a right to be offended by fetishised representations of their own culture? Should India be grateful for being 'elevated' from impoverished to glamorous?

I'm tired of Western society's one track mind when it comes to Asia. Im tired of Orientalism and stereotypes. I understand being fascinated by a place that's not your own; I study India, but I don't wear a bindi or a sari. I don't film myself surrounded by children like I'm a messiah. This isn't about censorship or forcing people to stick to their own culture, it's about having respect. It's about remembering that someone's culture isn't a costume you can put on when it suits you. I'm tired of hearing that cultural appropriation isn't a thing. I'm tired of being told I'm overreacting.