This year alone artists and public figures have been canceled by fans because of their views and statements. In fact, most recently Daniel Caesar was canceled due to his drunken outburst on Instagram live. Caesar stated that black people were “too sensitive” in regard to our interactions with other races. He continued by stating that black people are also “rude and disrespectful to everyone else.” To top off his whole ‘All-Lives-Matter’ speech, the singer defended the host YesJulz, who is an alleged culture vulture and host in the Miami community. Other celebrities even chimed in on shutting Caesar down. To be exact, rapper Waka Flocka stated “[he] dyed his hair blonde. He shouldn’t talk about black people.”
The cancellation of Daniel Caesar happened in the matter of one day, however, this same energy isn’t kept with most companies. Clothing brands like Gucci and Tommy Hilfiger have been reported to constantly disrespect the black community. This includes verbally and on the runway. However, the black community still supports these brands year-round! In fact, we consider members of the community that wear these brands to be ultimate fashion icons – or in other words, have “endless drip.” The idea of even owning one of these brands means you’ve made it out of the slums, and into a whole new financial level.
Discrimination doesn’t just happen with the black community, but with other social groups as well. The dynamic of acceptance in the United States is at a shift. Many are starting to accept individuals as they are. Some of the biggest breakthroughs have been for the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, there has still been some setbacks, specifically because of the funding of anti-LGBTQ+ legislations. The infamous fast food chain, Chick-Fil-A is actually one of the sponsors for these types of legislation. In fact, many refer to the chain as a “franchise of faith.” The chain’s CEO Dan Cathy has voiced his Christian beliefs on numerous occasions. Cathy even projects this faith within his company.
Several years ago, Cathy made his support for “the biblical definition of the family unit” known in a public. In result, numerous people and organizations are hesitant in working with the company. Airports in New York and San Antonio have taken the initiative of shelving the idea of CFA opening within their airports. The two simply do not want to open if Chick-Fil-A continues to donate to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations and legislators. It has even been reported that the food chain donated $1.8 million in 2017.
So, the question still lies: why do we cancel the artist but refuse to cancel companies? Additionally, why do we feel entitled to sweep these facts under the rug? Someone make it make sense! Over the years, one of my favorite meals has always been a spicy deluxe sandwich, crisp waffle fries, and a medium lemonade, but I’ve found myself regretting the purchase recently once I discovered this company’s activities. We need to continue to keep the same energy with anyone who provides service to us! This includes anyone in the entertainment or food industry. Overall, be sure to always align yourself with your beliefs and keep the same energy at all times.