Why don't the current mainstream pop stars care about social issues?

**Frownland** · 03-02-2015, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

I am.

No I do not. If you mean current mainstream, all the artistes I named are that. Just because they don't fit into your narrow definition of what is mainstream does not exclude them.

I do notice the subtext of your OP though, as I'm sure everyone else has. Why don't you just admit you mean black mainstream artistes, which is why you're trying to prove Springsteen, U2 etc are not mainstream where they quite clearly are. If you mean black artistes, say black artistes. It's interesting you haven't mentioned in your OP any of the problems afflicting the world that don't centre on black people.

I've no problem if you mean black artists, but if you do then say it, don't hide behind generalities and trying to redefine what is mainstream and what is not.
Just be honest. And also, a bit of a more concillatory tone, or just a polite one, would be nice. I'm not an idiot. Please don't talk to me as if I am one.

I'm on Soulflower's side for once so I'll help explain: she is referring to current popular artists. Those artists that you named have all been in the game for a long time now, and while they are still relevant I believe that she is talking about artists who started more recently and help define this generation of music (for better or worse). U2 is popular as ****, but I wouldn't go around saying that they're one of the greatest bands of the oughts (if I liked them, that is).

EDIT: On Soulflower's side in the minidebate with TH, I disagree with the OP still.

~~Soulflower~~ · 03-02-2015, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neapolitan

Katy Perry was trying to raise awareness of shark attacks during the Superbowl halftime show, so that is a step in the right direction.

Lol. She was embarrassing. Missy tore that stage up though!!!

~~Soulflower~~ · 03-02-2015, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

I am.

No I do not. If you mean current mainstream, all the artistes I named are that. Just because they don't fit into your narrow definition of what is mainstream does not exclude them.

I do notice the subtext of your OP though, as I'm sure everyone else has. Why don't you just admit you mean black mainstream artistes, which is why you're trying to prove Springsteen, U2 etc are not mainstream where they quite clearly are. If you mean black artistes, say black artistes. It's interesting you haven't mentioned in your OP any of the problems afflicting the world that don't centre on black people.

I've no problem if you mean black artists, but if you do then say it, don't hide behind generalities and trying to redefine what is mainstream and what is not.
Just be honest. And also, a bit of a more concillatory tone, or just a polite one, would be nice. I'm not an idiot. Please don't talk to me as if I am one.

I am not talking to you like you are an idiot. I am not sure where your attitude is coming from because when I ask if you read the OP question I insisted that I was not trying to be smart and clarified the artists I was referring too.

I am not sure why you think that I am talking about ALL mainstream artists when I am pretty specific in my OP post of the type of mainstream artists I am referring too.

I am not sure how I can clarify the type of mainstream artists I am referring too because I feel like I have. Once again, I am not talking about older mainstream artists. I am also not referring to any type of race in particular. However, I was surprised that none of the current black pop stars had anything to say about the Ferguson protests however I have made it clear that I am mostly focusing on social issues and not race

I am specifically referring to CURRENT mainstream artists i.e. Beyonce, Jay Z, Katy Perry, Nikki, Kanye, Taylor Swift etc. I am not talking about older mainstream artists and if you still want to insist otherwise than I don't know what to tell you.

I am not sure how I can explain or clarify my point any clearer than that.

You seem to be the one that is arrogant and has some type of attitude toward my question for whatever reason.

~~James~~ · 03-02-2015, 06:11 PM

I feel like every thread you post I say the exact same thing. Kanye West. Beyonce too, Pretty Hurts was a big hit last year. Great song and concerned with social issues.

~~Soulflower~~ · 03-02-2015, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DwnWthVwls

Maybe they don't want to use their music as a socio-political soapbox. Maybe their opinions are personal. I don't see why they are expected to speak out just because of their media presence. Honestly, I'd rather they didn't along with everyone else who isn't educated about a topic. Far too many uneducated people argue over politics, religion, economics, etc when they don't wholly understand what kind of effects their ideology would have on the system they are criticizing.

I also don't like the fact that you restrict this to A list artists. I can give you a fuck ton of social-politically conscious artists that are not mainstream.

Also, here is a mainstream example:

Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass

Thanks

Also, I am aware that there are other conscious artists besides mainstream but just pointing out an observation that I notice.

So you don't think that pop stars have a social responsibility once they reach a certain level? Do you think pop stars should at least be in touch with problems that affect everyday people?

~~Soulflower~~ · 03-02-2015, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

I feel like every thread you post I say the exact same thing. Kanye West. Beyonce too, Pretty Hurts was a big hit last year. Great song and concerned with social issues.

That song was a forced song and was unconvincing. Beyonce is fake. After what she did with Ledisi I realize she is nothing but a phony and a spot light hogger.

~~Soulflower~~ · 03-02-2015, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Smeenus

I listen to Avant/Progressive music, mainstream is totally boring to me.

Cool.

Chula Vista · 03-02-2015, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soulflower

So you don't think that pop stars have a social responsibility once they reach a certain level? Do you think pop stars should at least be in touch with problems that affect everyday people?

Who said they are not in touch with problems going on in the world. You keep going there and I don't know why.

And no, they have zero responsibility just becasue they are successful.

Again the civil rights movement was a HUGE thing. Ferguson is a blip by comparison.

**Frownland** · 03-02-2015, 06:29 PM

It might be because we aren't having a civil rights movement right now. I would've seen something about that on TV.

DwnWthVwls · 03-02-2015, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soulflower

So you don't think that pop stars have a social responsibility once they reach a certain level?

-No. I think they have greater power to do so but they should not feel obligated anymore than any other member of society. I don't put these people on a pedestal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soulflower

Do you think pop stars should at least be in touch with problems that affect everyday people?

-If they are interested in it. Again, I don't expect them to do anything different from any other member of society. They aren't special, their career just happens to put them in the spotlight.

03-02-2015, 06:29 PM	#39 (permalink)
Frownland SOPHIE FOREVER Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: East of the Southern North American West Posts: 35,548	It might be because we aren't having a civil rights movement right now. I would've seen something about that on TV. __________________ Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth. d e a f b o x

03-02-2015, 06:11 PM	#34 (permalink)
~~James~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Scotland Posts: 4,483	I feel like every thread you post I say the exact same thing. Kanye West. Beyonce too, Pretty Hurts was a big hit last year. Great song and concerned with social issues.