This week, singer songwriter Kesha lost her case against music producer Dr. Luke, and there has been quite a stir in the media about it. Kesha’s lawsuit was made in an effort to work with other labels besides Sony Music and Dr. Luke, who Kesha said had been “sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally” abusing her (for more information about the specifics of the case click here).
While Kesha’s loss was disheartening, the support from fans and celebrities in favor of #freekesha has been astounding. Many celebrities have spoken in support of Kesha including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Lorde, and Lena Dunham, but two celebrities in particular have caught everyone’s attention: Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato.
Lovato, who has been indirectly tweeting about the “right ways” to show support, criticized Swift’s $250,000 donation to Kesha during this difficult time with a tweet reading, “Take something to Capitol Hill or actually speak out about something and then I’ll be impressed.”
This is one part of the conversation surrounding Kesha’s lawsuit that made me somewhat uncomfortable. Sure, not everyone has $250,000 to give Kesha in her time of need, and maybe it’s not bringing as much awareness to the issues in the music industry, but support is support. In my opinion, there’s no wrong way to help a sister out. Lovato using her powerful voice to support Kesha is wonderful, and Swift using her financial power to support Kesha through a difficult time is equally wonderful—both have different effects.
I definitely support Kesha’s freedom from her Sony contract. As a feminist, I believe she deserves to work in an environment where she feels safe and is held to the same standard as her male counterparts. However, Lovato is basically saying that there’s only one way to be a feminist or support Kesha—and by extension—your fellow woman.
Say I don’t have access to Capitol Hill or the $250,000; is sharing a tweet from me saying #freekesha on all my social media any less powerful? No, because I’m making an impact the way I feel most comfortable. To me, there’s no wrong way to support Kesha—just as long as you support her and the cause she’s fighting for in court.
For more on Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift’s Twitter conversation click here.
Photo credits to:
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and
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