“The revolution starts here.”
Madonna
It appears that many think that we (as a country) are heading into a tumultuous time. Indeed, only time will tell whether that viewpoint becomes fact or not. The cause of these allegedly turbulent times is said to stem from this nation’s election of our 45th President, who was just inaugurated this past Friday, on January 20.
We are not questioning that election nor are we predicting what will happen under this president’s watch nor are we critical of any policies of the new administration. Instead, questions like that are more properly before political analysts who are more informed on the subject of politics and societal issues. However, what we are questioning is whether or not artists and celebrities should be at the forefront of leading protests and political movements in response to the allegedly impending political and societal strife.
Case in point was Madonna’s “performance” at the “Womens’ March on Washington” which took place on January 21 in Washington, D.C. In case you missed it, here’s a portion of what the pop icon had to say.
https://youtu.be/uxkMy95KtOE
According to their website, the organizing body (also called the Women’s March on Washington) advocates this mission:
“We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
Madonna’s speech speaks for itself however, one could objectively take issue with some of the undertones (express and implied) in the speech. In fact, apparently Madonna herself did because she immediately resorted to Instagram to clarify certain things that she said in her speech. Here is Madonna’s Instagram post:
So we then pose the question to YOU–the people. Should celebrities and artists–whose success came from their talents and abilities of the mastery of their respective craft or art and not from politics–be leading or speaking at political rallies and movements?
This is certainly not the first time that politics and art have crossed paths and it won’t be the last either. However, the stakes appear higher now. Regardless of what side of the fence you are on arguably everyone is involved in some capacity or another which is exactly what our democracy is all about. However, does that mean that we should have recognizable and influential artists and celebrities spouting irresponsible thoughts of violence which they later confirm they confused for metaphors of love?
You tell us.
