As a gamer who has grown up with a deep passion for music and social justice, I wholeheartedly admire Macklemore‘s courage and conviction. His decision to cancel his concert in Dubai, shedding light on the crisis in Sudan, is a powerful testament to his dedication to using his platform for good.
On Saturday, Macklemore announced that he was cancelling his scheduled October concert in Dubai due to the UAE’s participation in the conflict in Sudan. He explained that this action was part of his commitment to “speak up for those who are most vulnerable globally.”
The artist known for “Same Love” announced his decision following numerous discussions with reliable activists and confidants, as well as personal study, and he strongly encourages his followers to read a detailed explanation of his thought process in his statement.
In April 2023, a violent and deadly power clash erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict started in the capital city and has since escalated throughout the country. According to the International Rescue Committee, at least 15,500 people have lost their lives due to this conflict, though some predictions suggest the death toll could reach as high as 150,000.
Macklemore expressed in his post that the situation in Sudan is dire, pointing out that an estimated 150,000 lives have been lost and more than ten million individuals have been forced to flee their homes. He further warned that millions are on the brink of starvation, while sexual violence is rampant within the affected communities.
“He added that although many factors outside the UAE are fueling the crisis, it’s often emphasized that the country’s financing of the RSF militia is a significant aspect, being repeatedly pointed out by activists, reporters, government officials, and organizers.”
The performer recognized the “casual dismissal” that numerous people worldwide have adopted towards the conflict, such as expressing doubt about their personal impact, like he put it – “What impact can any one of us make, really?” However, he countered this viewpoint, stating that we are often deliberately made indifferent to matters beyond our immediate requirements.
He went on to say, “The struggles faced by the Palestinian people have stirred global awareness. We’ve witnessed massive protests worldwide, university campuses buzzing with activism, and a torrent of information disseminated via social media that not only exposes the past ten months of atrocities but also the last 76 years of ethnic cleansing and occupation in Palestine.”
In May, Macklemore debuted “Hind’s Hall,” a track expressing support for Palestine that lauds university demonstrators while offering criticism towards President Biden’s handling of the ongoing conflict.
As I wrap up my day, I find myself questioning my purpose as an artist: what is my ultimate goal here? On a recent Saturday, Macklemore posed this very question. Over the past ten months, I’ve been delving into understanding the driving forces behind genocide and global systemic oppression. Time and time again, I find myself circling back to self-interest overshadowing collective interest at the core. Capitalism seems to be the binding factor that upholds this ideology. If I choose to accept money, even when it feels wrong in my soul, am I not just like the politicians I’ve been protesting against? Can I truly stand outraged by their lack of integrity while I compromise mine? In what way am I different from those nations that prioritize dollars and power over human life?
His statement concluded with a message of collective power. “Although dismantling systemic oppression might not fully happen during my lifetime, our collective analysis is evolving,” he wrote. “That is where it starts. When we realize our individual liberation IS Palestinian liberation. Is Sudanese liberation. Is Congolese liberation. We are being called in this moment to advocate for the most marginalized around the world. To put our own luxury and abundance aside for the collective pursuit of freedom and safety for all. What are we willing to risk in order to uproot the systems that depend on genocide for monetary gain?”
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2024-08-25 23:54