On January 10 celebrities gather in L.A. to raise funds for Palestine and Sudan. However, speaking up for human rights seems to be deemed controversial in today’s society.
The world hasn’t been in the best state for a while now, I think we can all agree on that. And this also has an impact on expectations towards the (pop) music industry. With the Artists for Aid charity concert coming up, let’s dig into that.
We live a very digital life nowadays, with a great portion of artists having incredibly large social platforms of their own. A very present question the past year inevitably became: “who will use it for the better and who won’t”. Especially when it came to Gaza.
Reading the comment sections on social media, lots of people expected their favorite celebrities to speak up, following the example of some of their peers. And when they didn’t, it was interpreted as if these artists wanted to secure their own success and wealth in the first place, not wanting to risk it all by making statements on world issues and wars. Especially Taylor Swift was criticized a lot for not using her powerful position to do more. Even though she is known for supporting and donating to many good causes, it’s true that she didn’t speak up about current conflicts.
Although I don’t think artists who didn’t speak openly about it, should be canceled (as some claim), especially if they generally spread love with their music and behaviour, I do understand that fans want their favorite artist to set an example. After all, we’re talking about serious, world-changing matters. And obviously, music doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Yes, it can be an escape from reality, which is crucial, but the artist behind the music – including their beliefs and values – is equally as important.
That’s why I personally do feel proud that my own favorite artist, Shawn Mendes, is taking part in the Artists for Aid concert in L.A. on January 10. It’s an evening filled with performances, largely organized by Mustafa and hosted by Bella Hadid and Pedro Pascal, to raise funds for Sudan and Palestine. Belgian artist Tamino is also one of the performers.
What’s remarkable, is that it currently doesn’t seem like an incredibly mediatized event. But in a way, that’s not surprising, given the fact that somehow human rights have become a controversial theme lately. Yes, over the years there has been some criticism on Band Aid with ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’, one of the most popular charity songs of all time, because some claimed the song disregarded the diversity of Africa. However, that’s incomparable with today’s discourse in our highly polarized society. I’ve even seen death threats underneath posts on social media that made statements in favor of the people of Palestine.
Maybe that’s one of the reasons why a charity event feels more “vigilant” nowadays. But I doubt that’s all. We have to acknowledge that this particular charity event is organized within the United States, a nation that is currently causing a lot of harm, uncertainty and fear around the world. Even though the people organizing it undoubtedly have the best intentions (not all of them are even American – and if they were, we have to seperate civilians from government anyway), I can’t ignore those mixed feelings. Those seem to be a common factor in today’s world, don’t they?
But in the end, every action counts. And I do hope it can make a difference, big or small. I know that if there’s any way to spread hope and a sense of unity, it’s by using music, art and creativity for the better.
Written by Nikita
Nikita – founder of Nikita’s World – is a Belgian author of feminist feelgood & a journalist specialized in pop culture and the creative industry.