Monday, July 08, 2013

Not another silly love song

Nine months after I first heard this song, and I still get a catch in my throat when it comes on. Nine months after I first heard this song, and the world is a different, more equal place. Nine months after I first heard this song, and it’s finally a Top 20 hit. The slow-burn to wildfire of trajectory of “Same Love” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (featuring the lovely and out Mary Lambert) has mirrored the fight for marriage equality in the past decade. Starts slowly, gains momentum, achieves critical mass, and finally is a bona fide success. Clearly, the single’s timeline was radically condensed compared to marriage equality’s struggle (posted on YouTube on Oct. 2, 2012 and climbed to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 July 3, 2013 versus first state legalizes it in 2004 and Supreme Court declares DOMA unconstitutional in 2013). And, of course, neither had yet made it all the way to their ultimate goal (that being to No. 1 and in all 50 states, respectively). But I sure have high hopes for both. No freedom till we’re equal, damn right, I support it.

9 comments:

southernish said...

Ugh, this song.

You are aware of criticisms of this song from people of color, yes?

Our movement will never survive beyond marriage equality if we don't respect the voices of those at the edges of it, namely people of color (as well as low-income folks, homeless youth and transgender individuals). I know this song gives some white folks warm fuzzies, but I'm not one of them.

southernish said...

Important reading: http://www.racialicious.com/2013/03/06/race-hip-hop-lgbt-equality-on-macklemores-white-straight-privilege/

Amanda said...

southernish, please listen to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76_sx65g8M8

Anonymous said...

i was FLOORED when it hit #1 in my town: Nashville, TN! woot woot for a blue city in a red state!

southernish said...

Amanda, I'm not sure how linking me to yet another Macklemore song is supposed to change my mind. Did you not read the link I posted?

No thanks to anything Macklemore has to say about anything ever.

I Me Myne said...

Southernish, I was going to let your comments pass and leave it alone until I checked back and saw your rude reply to Amanda.

You're aware that this lady wrote a nice article about a nice song out there that was pro-gay, yes?

You noticed that the tone was it was sort of bubbly and full of hope and not an invitation on a political debate on race, yes?

Did you not realize that you're being an asshole to not only the author of her own personal blog, but to the commenter who was trying to show you something for no reason?

The 'article' you linked practically beats the reader over the head with its own racism, did YOU not read it?

Just because it takes itself seriously doesn't mean I haven't read a comic strip with more substance.

You do know that if something is anti-white its still racism, yes?

You're the reason we have a stereotype of being angry lesbians, but you already knew that, right?

I wanted to make sure you understood this so I worded everything in the same condescending tone you favor, but you figured that out by now, yes?

Lastly, did you realize that all my questions are rhetorical so no thanks but no one actually wants you to you comment again, ever?

southernish said...

"You do know that if something is anti-white its still racism, yes?"

OH MY GOD ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?! No, being "anti-white" is not racism. You are an embarrassing human being and part of what is wrong with the larger LGBT community. WE NEED TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE OF COLOR!

Get over yourself.

Anonymous said...

I love this because it's so refreshing to have someone commit to defending gay rights in a song that goes so mainstream. And not in a Katy Perry "I kissed a girl and I liked it" kind of way.

Anonymous said...

So because an artist is passionate about marriage equality he cannot be legitimate because of his race? Wow! Who knew? Any heightened awareness of homophobia or racism is a good thing. I certainly don't agree with the assertion that he deserves criticism because he is white. That smacks or racism.