As so often happens in history, alternative rock artists are at the forefront of speaking out against the system of oppression while mainstream media does the least. Grammy award winning singer Brandie Carlile recently put on a concert to raise funds for Minneapolis. Not Billie Eilish, who has recently been trying to be more vocal and put her money where her mouth is. Not Sabrina Carpenter or Olivia Rodrigo, both of whom called out ICE for using their posts. Not Taylor Swift, who has yet to put out her own personal statement in regard to anything (though she has quietly been donating to FeedingAmerica.org, which is usually her go to form of advocacy).
The LGBTQ singer had the Be Human concert which raised $600 k for immigrant legal aid in Minnesota. The concert will be streamed worldwide on the Veeps platform today until 11:59 p.m.
I find it interesting that often times, marginalized people have to be advocates for themselves in mainstream spaces while those in positions of power get away with doing the bare minimum. Streaming services like Apple and Spotify contribute to abuses of power daily by using tech made by their companies to fund wars and genocide, however for many people, they are the cheapest, most affordable way to listen to music.
The current administration aims to dehumanize women, people of color, disabled people, and anyone who is inherently not like them. Not to mention they are publicly attacking free speech, something which art cannot exist without. This should be concerning to everyone involved in the entertainment industry and we should see more artists taking the initiative and stepping up.
If you want us to continue to think of you as icons and not mere moments in pop culture that will be forgotten about fifty years from now, step up and use your power and platform to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. And unless you’ve forgotten, women are a marginalized group to, although it’s hard to recognize that when you have money to protect you.
Please stream Brandie Carlile’s concert or consider purchasing merchandise from her. All proceeds are being donated for immigrant aid.
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