FEATURE:
Hands to Myself
IN THIS PHOTO: Selena Gomez/PHOTO CREDIT: Shane McCauley/WWD
The Need for Unity and Greater Respect in 2024
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RATHER than this being a Christmas message…
IMAGE CREDIT: Pop Base
it is more of a hope for 2024. At the moment, the world is as conflicted ands ravaged - as it has been for a very long time. With genocide happening against Palestinian people and this only being one of several horrifying news stories that are causing so much upset and distress daily, it is a moment when many people want to retreat and find sort of comfort and quiet. I can also appreciate that others want to react to the horror we are seeing and the evil happening around the world. It is a terrible time. I think there is a certain pressure on artists to take a stand. In fact, there are a couple of reasons why I wrote this feature. Both sort of relate to U.S. artist Selena Gomez. One of Pop’s biggest names, she has been criticised for not having a say about the conflict happening in Palestine. Not calling out Israel or having a statement to make. Gomez recently confirmed a relationship with music producer Benny Blanco. There is this whole thread as to how fans react when female artists get into relationships with men and how the fanbase reacts. How there is judgment. Gomez has mentioned her relationship and there is excitement around that, yet some have noted a lack of commentary and opinion about the genocide afflicting Palestinians. There are a couple of things to unpack. First, and prompted by this post (also see above), where Gomez was criticised for a seeming lack of awareness or care, I wanted to expand further. Gomez, as you can see from the post and reaction, is taking a pause on social media. Some fans have been miffed. Feeling Gomez is prioritising her relationship and can speak about that and her music – yet she is choosy when it comes to something more important.
PHOTO CREDIT: Xach Hill/Pexels
There is this sense of fans becoming too invested in the relationship of artists. If it is Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato or anyone else, a lot of judgement and obsession regarding the people they date. I know fans are protective and want the best for the artists they love, yet there does seem to be this intrusion and double standard. Fans are quick to call out an artist for speaking about their personal life and happiness yet, if that artist does not go beyond the personal, then they are attacked and made to feel unhappy and trolled. An irony I guess. I know Selena Gomez has new music coming out but, rather than her focus being cynical or ignorant of political events, it is her doing what she needs to do. Keeping her hands to herself. Or keeping them in the personal rather than the political. I do know that artists who are seen as uncaring or unconcerned with hugely upsetting things like what is happening in Palestine actually care a lot! They may have their own stand and opinion. It can be divisive sharing that. Also, an assumption that a post on Twitter or Instagram can make things better. That is will magically end the bloodshed! I know Pop artists are influential, though they do not have the potential or influence to end wars. I have said before how it is important that more artists speak about these things and engage with conflicts and important subjects. That is not to say that every one of them should. In fact, at such a horrifying and upsetting time, it is perfectly okay for Selena Gomez or one of her peers to stand back or focus on what she wants to. Taking care of herself. There was some backlash against her from some fans. Whereas some feel that Gomez is being self-centred or support Israel with her ‘silence’, other rightly point out that she should be left alone and is entitled to privacy and do what she wants.
IN THIS PHOTO: Taylor Swift
There is this toxicity online where, if an artist does not comment and take a stand on something like the genocide happening, that they are complicit and on the ‘wrong side’. That is the thing too. If an artist does support one side, then they can divide people and risk offending others. It is not about choosing sides and division. The truth is that artists like Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift want things to end and there to be peace. Not political or attacking one country. Simply compassion for those losing their lives in such a heartbreaking way. It does make me think that, next year, there needs to be much more togetherness and compassion for artists. Not being too intrusive and judgemental. Letting them have a private life and love – even if their choices are seen as unwise or risky. If an artist wants to speak out against something important then they should have that platform and chance. If they do not, then they have their own reason for that and should not be criticised for that! Piling onto an artist or calling out their priorities is a reason why so many take social media breaks. Having to deal with the slews of negativity and personal attack is going to be detrimental for their mental health. Next year is one where a universal resolution needs to be committed to. For people to treat artists better!
IN THIS PHOTO: The 1975’s George Daniel and Charli XCX recently became engaged, prompting division from fans/PHOTO CREDIT: David M. Benett/Jed Cullen/Getty Images
Not assuming they are the answer to world problems and have the influence to stop things. They are human beings with success. And, whilst it is good that there is a powerful voice speaking out and that engages a lot of people, many do not want to commit or risk dividing people or getting it wrong. Also, as I may explore in a separate feature, why do fans/everyone else feel entitled to judge who an artist dates?! I am baffled why Charli XCX recently got engaged to The 1975’s George Daniel – as I find their frontman Matty Healy reprehensible -, but it her decision. It is no one’s business whether it is a wise choice or whether it will last. People’s personal life should remain just that. Fans do not control that. Maybe a naïve sentiment, I feel that there needs to be more respect and privacy given to artists who are not obliged to do what politicians around the world should do and are failing to – which, right now, is ensure that Palestine is free and the fighting stops. There is going to be a lot of absorb and tackle next year. Artists should prioritise on music, yet it is also inspiring when they do discuss major problems and things that need to be raised. It can be brave it there is a commercial risk in doing so. Pummelling and pointing fingers at artists who want to choose how they handle things should be a priority. It is very clear and important that 2024 is…
A year of unity and understanding.