Should Artists Shut up About politics?
You’re an entertainer, just shut up and entertain.
Ok Janet, and you’re an insurance adjuster. What should you be doing?
On one hand, I do understand the sentiment of political burnout, given how much we are inundated with propaganda from social media algorithms and news outlets. We’re being bombarded on all sides and adding cannons to the barrage is undeniably overwhelming.
However, I’d push back and say there is something pure and human and worthwhile about an artist channeling their personal values into their art, because that opens the door for countless listeners, readers, or viewers to relate and connect to it on a personal level that they otherwise couldn’t with a news anchor or podcaster. Like any piece of art, this needs to be done tastefully and free of external influence or agenda.
Where I do agree with the “no-politics” crowd is when it comes to live performances. People paid to see a show and hear the music. Not be told explicitly the views of the singer on stage. Those views need to be told through their songs; that’s the whole point of making the art in the first place, isn’t it? Show, don’t tell. If you have to stop the concert to explain your views and the meanings of your music, then you’ve failed a bit as an artist.
Film and literature is the same. If Toni Morrison explained to you the meaning of Tar Baby before you read it, the messaging wouldn’t hit the same at all. When people are spoonfed, even if the message they are being fed is a good one, they will view it with skepticism if they’re not allowed to take it in themselves, free of any nudging.
I think it is dangerous to police who is allowed to have a voice and/or speak on controversial topics. Who am I to say Bruce Springsteen should just stick to the music? That he should be barred from having an opinion because he is talented and successful?
Meanwhile, countless “influencers” who are neither talented or successful are filling the airways with hateful and divisive noise and that’s acceptable because they’re staying in their lane? I think I’d rather listen to “Born In The U.S.A”.