More than 700 members of the U.K. music community, including artists, managers, executives at record companies, agencies, the live music industry, in addition to creatives like songwriters and producers, have come together to sign a letter pledging to combat division and hate.
Citing instances of anti-Semitism, like British rapper Wiley’s recent Twitter rant, islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia as well as “systemic racism and racial inequality highlighted by continued police brutality in America,” the signatories declare, “We are at our worst when we attack one another.”, Lewis Capaldi, Lily Allen, Niall Horan, Rita Ora, Violet Skies, Westlife, Years & Years and Yungblud.
In recent months through a series of events and incidents, the anti-black racists and antisemites, plus those who advocate islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, have repeatedly demonstrated that they clearly want us all to fail. Whether it be systemic racism and racial inequality highlighted by continued police brutality in America or anti-Jewish racism promulgated through online attacks, the result is the same: suspicion, hatred and division.
Minorities from all backgrounds and faiths have struggled and suffered. From slavery to the Holocaust we have painful collective memories. All forms of racism have the same roots — ignorance, lack of education and scapegoating. We, the British music industry are proudly uniting to amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity. Silence is not an option.
There is a global love for music, irrespective of race, religion, sexuality and gender. Music brings joy and hope and connects us all. Through music, education and empathy we can find unity. We stand together, to educate and wipe out racism now and for our future generations.
So how are they going to do that?
next time choose anyone else than the 1975 as the cover picture
Niall Horan