Listen Here
By: Alexis Mitchell
Twitter: @alexismitch14
Email: mitchella2@findlay.edu
Now more than ever, award shows are being used as platforms for change.
This past month, celebrities wore all black to the Golden Globes to represent the “Times Up” movement. And now, just this past week, the Grammy Awards were used to spread messages, even some political.
For those of you who did not watch the Grammys, or if you just haven’t looked at your Twitter today, here’s a summary of some of the messages shared:
The #metoo and “Times Up” movements were once again represented by the Pop Singer Kesha singing her hit song “Praying” that’s about being abused by her producer. She had a huge crowd of women behind her in all white to stand for all the women who feel like they do not have a voice.
Camilla Cabello then stepped forward to speak up for the “dreamers” in this country since she herself came to the United States from Havana, Cuba. In addition, Musical Artist Logic sang his song “1-800-273-8255,” a suicide prevention song. Several musicians even read excerpts from Michael Wolf’s “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House” bashing Trump. However, that was not the most surprising part, Trump’s Former Election Opponent Hillary Clinton also joined the group in reading from the book.
This might have some people asking if these award shows should strictly stick to entertainment; my answer is absolutely not. If anything, award shows are one of the biggest platforms for people of influence to spread positive, or important, messages.
Some people, however, do think that the awards show should stick to just music.
“I have always loved the Grammys but to have artists read the Fire and Fury Book Killed it. Don’t ruin great music with trash. Some of us love music without the politics thrown in it” tweeted Nikki Haley, governor of South Carolina.
Even though I do not 100% disagree with this statement, I have to stick with the idea that it is better to speak for a good cause and anger people, than it is to be silent and try to make everyone happy. “Fire and Fury” is a published book. Just as you would not read a book you do not like, it is possible to turn the channel, or skip through that part of the Grammys. The same goes for both political parties too.
Also, the songs that were sang and the powerful speeches that were made are bringing awareness to the issues going on right now in our country.
“Let’s work together, women and men, as a united music industry committed to creating more safe work environments, equal pay, and access for all women,” Singer Janelle Monae said at the Grammys while introducing Kesha.
As uncomfortable as some of these topics might make some people, they are still issues that need to be talked about. People need to be challenged, and it is because of people in power using their voices to spread messages that we can make a difference.
