The video, released 2 days after the third anniversary of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, was controversial among conservatives in the United States, including the right-leaning New York Post who described it as "the most tasteless ever" due to their interpretation of the video as rationalizing terrorism.
The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee praised the video for bringing attention to the discrimination faced by Arab-Americans since the attacks.
The CD single features the video, and a making-of feature.
The b-side of the song is a live version of "Dear Mr. Man" which criticizes racism, war, and the state of sociopolitical problems. This live version was aired live on an MTV special titled "The Art of Musicology," which focused on Prince's comeback album Musicology and new tour.
The girl in the video is portrayed by Academy Award-nominated New Zealand Maori actress Keisha Castle-Hughes.