The 2011 MTV VMAs will have a new kid on the block, so to speak. A new category has been created and it's a good one. The Best Video With a Message category celebrates the union between music and social activism and responsibility, and it recognizes artists who went the extra mile with their videos by making us think a little harder about the world we live in -- addressing prevalent issues like bullying, LGBT rights, and domestic abuse.

In a landscape littered with videos full of hedonistic pleasures and mindless or funny pursuits, the VMAs are doing the right thing by recognizing the videos that do stand head and shoulders above the rest by shining a spotlight on issues that affect us all.

Kudos to the program's producers and the network for launching a brand new category, especially in an era of change and when things like bullying and LGBT rights are hot button topics and where music videos can actually help be an instrument of change by education viewers about these issues.

The inaugural nominees include Pink, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Eminem feat. Rihanna, Rise Against and Taylor Swift.

Fans can vote for the "Best Video With a Message" through Aug. 16. The VMAs air Sunday, Aug. 28 on MTV.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Pink, 'F---ing Perfect'

Katy Perry, 'Firework'

Lady Gaga, 'Born This Way'

Eminem Feat. Rihanna, 'Love The Way You Lie'

Rise Against, 'Make It Stop (September’s Children)'

Taylor Swift, 'Mean'

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