Do Artists Influence Our Thoughts? A Look at Why That May Not Be a Bad Thing
Undoubtedly, the impact of social media has changed the way information is presented and received. We, as users, have access to a multitude of perspectives and opinions, just by simply searching through a hashtag. However, depending on the people we choose to follow, or the filtering system that just about curates our feeds, it is all too easy to experience tunnel-vision. We can be led to believe one side of a story because that’s the only side we’re exposed to. With the mass discourse surrounding the Trump administration or allegations against Harvey Weinstein/Kevin Spacey/Woody Allen (need I go on?), there are such intense, polarizing arguments that it isn’t challenging to be swayed one way or the other.
With that being said, there are individuals on social media given a high platform to speak on because they are famous in popular culture— namely music artists and actors/actresses. Thanks to committed and loyal fans, artists are raised to these platforms and instantly become role models, having yet another light shone upon them by the public. With social media sites like Twitter, artists have a place for their voices to heard, breaking down that fourth wall (or should I say screen?) to express their opinions.
Whether they want to or not, artists influence their fans. There is this unexplainable attachment or connection that develops towards someone whom you are a fan of, which stems the music, movies, or TV shows they create/are featured in. As a result, it is typical for fans to stand behind the artists they love, and support the decisions they make.
This hands a lot of power to the artist, and with this figurative, online power, they have the ability to shape public discourse in 280 characters or less, starting with their fans.
Ashley Frangipane (known by her stage name, Halsey) has been in the music scene from when her first single, “Ghost,” released back in 2014, and has since developed a fanbase through both her music and her online presence.
As a matter of fact, I first discovered her and her music through Twitter. Someone I followed raved about her debut single and after giving it a listen, I have been following her (on social media, in addition to her music) ever since. From the very beginning, I noticed that Halsey was always unflinchingly honest as she tweeted about issues of social justice and inequality regarding race, sexuality, and mental illnesses. Although being a white-passing, cis-gendered woman, she uses her privilege to speak up about issues aforementioned. Being biracial, bisexual, and having bipolar disorder, she has used her platform to fight stigmas and combat the phobias against her and others like her.
Back in June, when Donald Trump brought out the Global Gag Rule, there was immediate backlash and utter disagreement on the decision — and rightfully so. The Global Gag Rule is a policy that Trump had reinstated which puts at risks the lives of women, as limitations were placed on the funding for sexual and reproductive health care (read: funding for birth control and abortions). Ultimately, this policy (rescinded four times before Trump) diverts the control women deserve over their bodies, as reproductive rights are basic human rights.
Instead of sweeping the issue aside, Halsey took to Twitter to share how she felt.
No one is obligated to speak about these issues, or any ‘touchy’ subjects of that nature, if they don’t wish to. But Halsey did.
She addressed the Global Gag Rule directly to her followers by speaking about it on the Humanity for Progress Facebook page, which spread her message even further. In doing this, I believe she has some ability to contribute to a change in the discourse that erupted over this policy. Of course, she is not the only one who can do such, or the only one who will do such, but just by tweeting about it to her following of 8.5 million people, it will generate impact.
As I previously have mentioned, artists have influence over their fans. Fans admire them, aspire to be them, and — because they support them — they will tend to agree with them. This is not to make fans out to be empty-headed individuals who nod along to an artist’s every move, because fandom can be — and is — a great community of people who inspire and teach. The point I’m trying to make is that artists have the ability to be an eye-opener for someone who didn’t know any better. Being vocal about the current injustices taking place may cause fans who believed one thing to look at the issue in another light. It is in this way artists, like Halsey, can shape public discourse. It’s not as though they are trying to sway their fans towards the ‘right’ opinion, but rather, they are simply speaking up for what they believe in, in hopes that people will be better informed and aware.
Halsey explains the importance of educating those less aware. Change will come through acknowledging past mistakes and learning from them, instead of harsh displays of criticism towards those who have much to learn.
I can only confidently speak for Halsey, as I have been an aivd fan and follower of hers for a while, but I am positive there are a number of other artists who are just as outspoken as she is, trying to break those filter bubbles we are so used to being in.
Knock social media all you want, but what can’t be denied is that there is a impactful force artists carry when they use their platform for good, and how widespread it can be when they discuss important and relevant messages to their followers.
#CREATE
If you have the time, I would highly recommend listening to the poem Halsey shared at the Women’s March in New York City last month. I found it to be incredibly moving, and provides yet another example of how outspoken she is about the topics that matter. As she stands at the podium, she shouts lines such as, “We are not free until all of us are free,” providing a voice for those who may be too afraid for speak for themselves. She confesses her #metoo story, but also speaks of change that needs to made, and how we must fight for the power to make that change happen. Watch the video below. (TW: rape/sexual assault)
