MTV announced today the introduction of the first-ever pro-social category for the MTV Video Music Awards : “Best Video With A Message.” This special category celebrates the powerful intersection of music and social activism, and highlights artists who created music videos with positive messages of self-empowerment or raised awareness of key social issues facing today’s youth. With an outpouring of support from across the pop culture spectrum the last year, artists mobilized to support bullied youth, reject LGBT discrimination and emphasize self worth -- issues MTV has been addressing through A Thin Line, its anti-cyberbullying and digital abuse campaign, launched in December of 2009 - and now via this special 2011 MTV Video Music Award Category.

“During the past year, we’ve seen a remarkable number of artists use their music to explore deeply personal experiences and issues they were passionate about to create powerful videos that resonated with and inspired millions of their fans,” said Stephen Friedman, president, MTV.

Each nominated video below for “Best Video with a Message” is accompanied by action steps from MTV Act – MTV’s online platform designed to amplify youth efforts to make things better – where the MTV audience can learn more about and take action on the issue addressed. Viewers can vote for “Best Video with a Message” HERE starting today through August 16th.

Here are the 2011 VMA nominees for “Best Video with a Message”:

P!nk – “F****** Perfect”
P!nk lets out a rally cry of reassurance for anyone who’s ever felt less than perfect.

Lady Gaga – “Born This Way”
Mother Monster gives birth to a world free from prejudice, judgment and self-doubt.

Katy Perry – “Firework”
The California Gurl celebrates the spark and originality in all of us.

Eminem feat. Rihanna – “Love The Way You Lie”
Em and Rih Rih illuminate the pain and peril of domestic violence.

Rise Against – “Make it Stop (September’s Children)”
Rise Against reminds LGBT teens pushed to the edge that “It Gets Better.”

Taylor Swift – “Mean”
Taylor Swift cautions negative naysayers that being mean gets you nowhere.

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