I love this article so very much! Your voice carries infinite weight on this topic. Too often the phrases are thrown around by well meaning people but they are only examining a narrow window of horrors. Too often the phrases are heard as if they are physical shards of glass being thrown personally at them because of their lived experiences. And instantly battle lines are drawn, “weapons” are chosen. Some use truly vile rhetoric meant to wound the sparring opponents in this unforgiving moral battle. Too often what is lost are the actual facts which are so difficult to separate from the insurmountable emotional weight that surrounds and permeates throughout it all. There are NOT two sides. There is only one side and that is humanity. What is acceptable and what is unacceptable are two sides of each and every assault on humanity by any means.
So I think Macklemore is an antisemite. Whatevs. Ed came out and said he didn't make his shows "political" because there were kids in the audience. I respect that. Yet he also said nowt when Mack used the platform for political rallies. If Ed didn't want politics, he should have said so after the first act. I truly feel bad for the Israeli/Jewish families being shoved into a Pro Palestine rally when they paid for a concert. I also think that artists have a right to expression (as long as it's not legitimate terrorist support). Did Macklemore have a right to do what they did? Yes. Did Kraft have a right to do what he did? Also yes. Did Ed try to negotiate and resolve (according to him)...yes. Ed had a call to make... and he didn't. He didn't hold his line of "no politics" when he invited Macklemore.
Every single person involved did what is their right. I also believe that if a "pro Jewish/Israeli" band played, the exact same thing would have happened. The people screaming about Macklemore's removal would be demanding the removal of the other side. There's no winning. There is only being honest. Disturbed played Dublin to a sold out crowd. Draiman is PROUDLY Jewish and Zionist. He also welcomes *everyone* to his shows. He didn't hold a "pro Israel" rally. He was there to put on a show.
Artists can do what they want. Venues can support what they want. Freedom of expression comes with consequences. EVERYONE found that out. No one won.
Cutting to the chase I’ve never hated another person enough that I would wish their children dead nor would I condone that any child pays for adult choices with their lives . There is no gray area here . When I look into the eyes of another child I see my own children in them . I do not care what choices the adults around them made . Not ever should a child in our country or another be considered disposable or a casualty . I cannot fathom how anyone can think otherwise .In our country we don’t make decisions that keep children safe , fed, cared for and protected which is wrong and financing taking the lives of children in another country just as wrong . This goes beyond ethnicity and religion . Exterminating a whole generation of children so they and the next generation can never come to be is inexcusable .
Complicity is a choice a choice not to act so yes they choose to not let a man speak out about children being killed . Allowing it to happen while ignoring it and not allowing it to be said is not just wishing it to happen it’s allowing it to happen . Let alone using your billions to silence those who chose to speak up and financing and aiding in a genocide . If they didn’t wish for children to die they would not set up obstacle for those who are bribing attention to it .
Ed Sheeran has "0" power to change what is happening. How does virtue signaling "Free Palestine" help the situation? It doesn't. It just let's you know that he shares your opinion. God forbid if he doesn't. For all the cries of Fascism!, it is the Left that would gladly round up people to send to Re-education Camp.
Why are celebrities & artists now required to make public statements about political/global issues and if one doesn't have the “correct opinion”, they should be chastised & vilified into obscurity?
They are not required to but they sure do show a lack of moral character when they are complicit . If I have a chance and resources to make sure children are cared for I always do . It’s that simple . Staying silent is a choice it’s also being complicit . Having billions of dollars and using it to finance the harm to children and using it as a muzzle for those who speak out against shows a lack of moral character and a disrespect to humanity . Do they have to speak up no but will there be repercussions yes
I said they had the right. Making everything about Gaza is ridiculous. And I mean people make it about EVERYTHING. What about the 70,000 Iranian women and kids killed by the IRGC in 2 days? Silence. What about the atrocities carried out in Sudan? Darfur? China? Nothing. The Western Free Palestine movement has either no clue about its origins, or is complicit with the horrid history. It is exhausting, overwhelming, and does nothing. Kraft, Mack, and Ed all donated millions to Palestine. I hope it goes to real aid and not to Hamas. Punishing people for keeping art art is really a bad look.
PS..forgot to include. SO glad my Mamma was born in Northern Italy, and came to America alone when she was 12. Her Mamma came first, and left her with a slew of beautiful cousins. My Nonna worked her butt off in NY, until she could afford to bring her only child here. My Pops Mom was Sicilian, and she married an English born man,hence the English last name. If my Mamma had lived beyond 39 (I was 15), she would have looked just like me. I looked nothing like my Pop. My only regret..Ed has red hair! I was born with mine.
Dana. You spoke every single word that I wish I did. I used to like Ed Sheeran. But, as much as I love all music, I will never listen to that coward again. Ever. Your writing hits my heart. Thank you for your beautiful prose.♥️
What is happening in Gaza is genocide. I don't think that makes me antisemitic. When I was 17 my father and I went to the Dacau concentration camp in Germany. It has stuck with me and I am astonished that Netanyahu would treat Palestinians in such inhumane ways.
Great piece. I agree with what is written here. Also...Jewish
I love this article so very much! Your voice carries infinite weight on this topic. Too often the phrases are thrown around by well meaning people but they are only examining a narrow window of horrors. Too often the phrases are heard as if they are physical shards of glass being thrown personally at them because of their lived experiences. And instantly battle lines are drawn, “weapons” are chosen. Some use truly vile rhetoric meant to wound the sparring opponents in this unforgiving moral battle. Too often what is lost are the actual facts which are so difficult to separate from the insurmountable emotional weight that surrounds and permeates throughout it all. There are NOT two sides. There is only one side and that is humanity. What is acceptable and what is unacceptable are two sides of each and every assault on humanity by any means.
So I think Macklemore is an antisemite. Whatevs. Ed came out and said he didn't make his shows "political" because there were kids in the audience. I respect that. Yet he also said nowt when Mack used the platform for political rallies. If Ed didn't want politics, he should have said so after the first act. I truly feel bad for the Israeli/Jewish families being shoved into a Pro Palestine rally when they paid for a concert. I also think that artists have a right to expression (as long as it's not legitimate terrorist support). Did Macklemore have a right to do what they did? Yes. Did Kraft have a right to do what he did? Also yes. Did Ed try to negotiate and resolve (according to him)...yes. Ed had a call to make... and he didn't. He didn't hold his line of "no politics" when he invited Macklemore.
Every single person involved did what is their right. I also believe that if a "pro Jewish/Israeli" band played, the exact same thing would have happened. The people screaming about Macklemore's removal would be demanding the removal of the other side. There's no winning. There is only being honest. Disturbed played Dublin to a sold out crowd. Draiman is PROUDLY Jewish and Zionist. He also welcomes *everyone* to his shows. He didn't hold a "pro Israel" rally. He was there to put on a show.
Artists can do what they want. Venues can support what they want. Freedom of expression comes with consequences. EVERYONE found that out. No one won.
Cutting to the chase I’ve never hated another person enough that I would wish their children dead nor would I condone that any child pays for adult choices with their lives . There is no gray area here . When I look into the eyes of another child I see my own children in them . I do not care what choices the adults around them made . Not ever should a child in our country or another be considered disposable or a casualty . I cannot fathom how anyone can think otherwise .In our country we don’t make decisions that keep children safe , fed, cared for and protected which is wrong and financing taking the lives of children in another country just as wrong . This goes beyond ethnicity and religion . Exterminating a whole generation of children so they and the next generation can never come to be is inexcusable .
Zero people involved in this wished for children to be killed.
Complicity is a choice a choice not to act so yes they choose to not let a man speak out about children being killed . Allowing it to happen while ignoring it and not allowing it to be said is not just wishing it to happen it’s allowing it to happen . Let alone using your billions to silence those who chose to speak up and financing and aiding in a genocide . If they didn’t wish for children to die they would not set up obstacle for those who are bribing attention to it .
Ed Sheeran has "0" power to change what is happening. How does virtue signaling "Free Palestine" help the situation? It doesn't. It just let's you know that he shares your opinion. God forbid if he doesn't. For all the cries of Fascism!, it is the Left that would gladly round up people to send to Re-education Camp.
You talk about a generation of kids wiped out, but that's not remotely true. Purity tests like this do not help Gazan civilians.
A fair, rational, & measured response. 😉
Why are celebrities & artists now required to make public statements about political/global issues and if one doesn't have the “correct opinion”, they should be chastised & vilified into obscurity?
Sometimes a concert just needs to be a concert.
They are not required to but they sure do show a lack of moral character when they are complicit . If I have a chance and resources to make sure children are cared for I always do . It’s that simple . Staying silent is a choice it’s also being complicit . Having billions of dollars and using it to finance the harm to children and using it as a muzzle for those who speak out against shows a lack of moral character and a disrespect to humanity . Do they have to speak up no but will there be repercussions yes
I said they had the right. Making everything about Gaza is ridiculous. And I mean people make it about EVERYTHING. What about the 70,000 Iranian women and kids killed by the IRGC in 2 days? Silence. What about the atrocities carried out in Sudan? Darfur? China? Nothing. The Western Free Palestine movement has either no clue about its origins, or is complicit with the horrid history. It is exhausting, overwhelming, and does nothing. Kraft, Mack, and Ed all donated millions to Palestine. I hope it goes to real aid and not to Hamas. Punishing people for keeping art art is really a bad look.
A concert should be a concert.
Thank you for this !
PS..forgot to include. SO glad my Mamma was born in Northern Italy, and came to America alone when she was 12. Her Mamma came first, and left her with a slew of beautiful cousins. My Nonna worked her butt off in NY, until she could afford to bring her only child here. My Pops Mom was Sicilian, and she married an English born man,hence the English last name. If my Mamma had lived beyond 39 (I was 15), she would have looked just like me. I looked nothing like my Pop. My only regret..Ed has red hair! I was born with mine.
Great piece
Dana. You spoke every single word that I wish I did. I used to like Ed Sheeran. But, as much as I love all music, I will never listen to that coward again. Ever. Your writing hits my heart. Thank you for your beautiful prose.♥️
Love you two! Thank you
Love you back!!
What is happening in Gaza is genocide. I don't think that makes me antisemitic. When I was 17 my father and I went to the Dacau concentration camp in Germany. It has stuck with me and I am astonished that Netanyahu would treat Palestinians in such inhumane ways.