Accountability in Music • Page 308

You don't think an adult audience member has the capability of consenting to an act of protest in their country?

Like the speech he gave right beforehand? I feel like this entire thing is missing the entire context.

 

it rubs me the wrong way that Rammstein and other artists that do similar subversive things in Russia are celebrated, while- mostly white and mostly western- people on twitter are coming for matty because he did this in a Muslim country. There's actually probably a bigger risk of something happening to you in Moscow than there is in Dubai, if anything.

People from the emirates are tweeting saying this kid is more than okay, and nothing's going to happen, almost as if it's a joke that people are seriously concerned for his safety, and it certainly feels like people are just blanketing every Muslim country as some extremely oppressive place with literally zero freedoms. Dubai has exercised their anti-LGBTQ+ laws in recent past and they are definitely not a gleaming star of human rights, but the backlash certainly seems like it comes from a place of Muslim fear than actual concern about this kid that matty kissed.

*im using kid to mean young person, I have no clue if this person was a minor or not.

 

Throwing my hat in the ring ~as a queer/lesbian trans woman~ and saying that I very much disagree with the idea that this discussion about matty even belongs in here, let alone that he should be berated for doing what he did, or that it was simply performative, or that he’s queerbaiting or whatever. Dude has very publicly wrestled with gender and sexuality and not in a way that comes off to me like a straight man trying to pat himself on the back.

 

Not trying to stir the pot, but he has in the past.

 

Just coming in to say I don't want to argue or diminish the value of what he may have done for people in the community and I don't want to sound like I am invalidating that so I'll leave what I've said at that. Went through and deleted posts that weren't @'d and while I sat and thought about this and still am not comfortable with it I don't want to make anyone feel like I am coming at him for being unsure of his sexuality or finding out about it in his own way - and I was afraid some of my posts may have come off like that.

 

That is, indeed, kind of creepy

 

Okay, the Mitski thing is done, so I think I'm gonna go...

 

LGBT rights in the United Arab Emirates - Wikipedia

Well, since same-sex activity is so heavily penalized in the UAE, Dubai included, I'd have to say I'd be concerned about the guy Matty kissed would at the very least be a target of vigilante harassment. But maybe this guy won't be hassled at all, especially if of laws and targeted harassment is biased on socioeconomic status, family connections, etc.

The overall economy of Dubai may have a lot of money but that doesn't mean that young adults necessarily have it to spend and I suppose the guy bought his own ticket (I dont know for sure, I did search for info on this). Maybe he had paid for a particularly expensive ticket to put him up front and make it easier for Matty to notice him. Someone like that might be less likely to be a target of Sharia law (that's what Wikipedia says is enforced there) than someone who is poorer or seen to be a dissident, etc.

I have no issues with the 1975 otherwise, I know they make strong statements about all kinds of social / political issues. But maybe hugging the fan would have made the point better? Matty would be able to hug more fans with less hassle than if he kissed them, making a similar statement in a less provocative way. I don't know really if he'd want to deal with more people coming onstage though in the future wanting the same thing if he did that.

I know Matty isn't Emma Watson or Rowan Blanchard, Matty's a guy and he and the 1975 have their own style which is great, but I have to wonder, what would Emma or Rowan have done?

 

I don't feel like the word "problematic" is being used appropriately here. Just because you don't agree with his means of protest doesn't mean he's "problematic," when in fact he's literally doing his best as an ally to what we're all in favor of.

The dude had a sign that said "Marry me, Matty," so he asked if he wanted a kiss. The guy said yes and felt great about the entire situation.

I guess I just don't understand. We want those with a platform to speak up but a lot of the time they do it gets labeled as "self-serving." Matty will be the first one to tell you he's not perfect, has made mistakes, etc.. but I respect him for always continuing to grow and learn and do better. That to me is not "problematic." He did what he could in this situation to make a political statement and give a voice to the kids in the audience who are silenced by their government.

 

Jesus christ this thread.

The discussion about the Matty thing hardly even belongs in here. Do we all hold yourselves to the insane standards we hold these people with a platform to? I know "we're all human and we make mistakes but it's ok" is a weak argument, and it's not an inherently true statement. But, I do think he sets himself apart in the sense that he's trying to learn and trying to become educated. He openly apologizes when he goofs and takes criticism respectfully. I don't think what he's done reads as abusive and I genuinely believe he is trying to be an ally. I understand that I am a white cis male, and although I am bisexual I still maintain the same privilege as any straight white cis male, so maybe my opinion isn't exactly warranted but oh well. If it's problematic, I'm open to talking about it.

 

I think it definitely is denying the fan agency when he had a sign asking to marry the guy and I don't think it's irresponsible to assume, based on that sign, that whatever risk there is is understood - especially when he asked the guy outright if he wanted a kiss before doing it lol

 

I don't really like to post in this thread generally. I read it and keep up to date, but some of the personal listening choices I've made don't exactly reflect the values of this thread but I feel really strongly about this.

 

At this point I have the impression some people see this sort of stuff as a game. It sometimes feels less about "accountability" and more like whoever can throw the most galaxy brain take on the day's topic.

 

Well, then you're certainly saying the fan didn't have the right to be kissed Matty, aren't you?

 

Thanks for elaborating. I agree mostly with your sentiment, but respectfully disagree with your stance on the situation. You're talking about the hypothetical danger he could have put this person in, but this person was willing to participate in what he obviously knew was a statement/act of protest. You want change, but you're implying it's problematic and irresponsible to do risky things in protest of an oppressive government as a way to stand up for your beliefs?

We all want change-- but talking about it isn't enough. Historically, it's taken a LOT of danger and risks in the face of power in order to initiate it. Playing it safe doesn't work. I don't see the issue in Matty giving these people a space and an opportunity to rebel against their problematic government in front of thousands. I'm confused who he "hurt" that he meant to help in this situation? I think if anyone is hurt by this they are probably missing context. If you watch videos from the show, the crowd was extremely receptive of his message. Maybe some of these people finally felt heard and understood?

 

I mean I think these things can be performative but I don't know how much more clear the fan could be beyond holding up a sign that says "I understand and accept the risks which may come from me asking this, but can I marry you Matty?"

 

the fan certainly didn't seem to think so!

 

You're right that I'm worrying about harm that didn't happen and not entertaining that risk is a necessary as an agent of change. I think I'm scared this could continue to happen and that the intention could lead to a situation where the person is hurt but maybe that's the cost to ignite change like you're saying. You're right I'm not being consistent. Thank you.

 

It’s not Matty’s job to tell people who they can kiss and where. If the fan felt there was any danger in him doing it, he wouldn’t have done it. Two consenting adults can kiss each other wherever they want to.

 

THEIR actions, not just matty’s, that is, if we don’t wanna strip the fan of his agency. And it put both of them in harms way, in fact matty is the only one that seemed to actually face any material consequences for this (going by his dad’s tweets and the fact that the fan has insisted they’re fine). So I’d say that’s actually more than just lip service.

 

Also I really don't understand the comment about black music. Is the problem that he said Otis Redding and Percy Sledge sang with conviction? Or that he is playing music influenced by what's seen as black music?

 

cmon man, i don't think that's fair. i don't entirely agree with k0ta in this scenario but their feelings are completely valid and i get that it can be frustrating for a queer person to see a straight white male get constant praise and passes for the bare minimum.

 

Making a public display on a massive platform in a place that is notoriously intolerant is “the bare minimum” now

Christ lmao

 

sorry, i shouldn't use bare minimum. i only know what he's done based on random posts here on this forum, but the main point is that i don't want k0ta's feelings to be invalid. i don't know, i see where she's (sorry if i misgendered) coming from

 

I'm sorry for starting a whole big thing, I have nothing against Matty