A-Tisket A-Tasket, A Green, Black, White, Red Triangle Basket
On October 7, 2023, I reposted a tweet to my instagram stories (because that’s how social media works these days) that said, "today is the best of days to see who is really on the side of liberation”. In the months that followed, I watched countless friends, acquaintances, artists, and celebrities—initially reluctant, timid, or apolitical—join the side of liberation. I was moved by their changed hearts and minds in the face of the media’s overwhelming bias and spread of disinformation.
Within Our Lifetime’s Flood New York City For Palestine demonstration, Madison Square Park, 📸 October 7, 2024
Still, there were plenty that chose to remain silent, perhaps because they were shy or apathetic or had better things to do. Perhaps they just wanted to keep their pro-Zionist opinions to themselves. Your guess is as good as mine. I didn’t fault any of my friends or acquaintances for staying silent. Choosing to post, or not post, one’s allyship on social media is completely immaterial. It really affects nothing preaching inside of an echo chamber. But artists and celebrities, I handled them a bit differently, specifically those who built their fame and reputation (and bank account) on espousing love and freedom and dignity and equality for all, yet remained radio silent on the genocide unfolding in real time.
For months, I waited for my hero artists and celebs to post something. Anything. But it never came. They would post about other imperative issues, like Ukraine and protecting trans kids. They would post tour dates and brand partnerships and beautiful photos of their beautiful lives. But nothing about Palestine. Nothing about Israel. I hate a neutral ass bitch. And so I unfollowed every one of them, including my favorite DJ (I know, woe is me), who I was so certain just days after October 7 would be one of the first to say something. Fifteen months later, after the fucking ceasefire was announced, she finally pledged her support for Palestine—with caveats.
In the midst of my purge, I made the intentional decision to continue following silent celebrities and artists whose popularity wasn’t tied to their advocacy. Of course I’d love for everyone vocalize their support, but punishing them for not doing so (in turn pushing myself, really) doesn’t make any sense to me. Maybe one day they’ll say something. And if they do, hopefully they’ll come out on the side of peace and dignity for all. Because worse than a neutral ass bitch is a supremacist one.