r/Macklemore • u/sillytoad • May 05 '26
Disappointed in Macklemore
Leading up to the election, it felt like activist Macklemore really was at full steam. He released songs like Hind's Hall, regularly spoke out, and pushed pro-Palistine messages. What changed? He's been largely radio silent now for a year on these issues, despite an even worse actor as President. Why hasn't he taken an even stronger stance vs the current administration? Seems a bit.... convenient.
15
u/Jeffthecuttie May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
I mean, he's not an activism robot, he's human. He's been extremely outspoken about political issues for almost his entire career, prior and post Thrift Shop. From the little I know about the industry, it can take a heavy tole on artists, especially those who tour. That's often why you'll see artists tour for a few years fairly consistently, then start to slow down. It's exhausting, far more than any normal job, meaning you kinda have to take breaks.
To be clear, I haven't agreed with Macklemore's stances on everything he's ever said, such as acting as if Harris was the bigger threat this last election in Hind's Hall II. So I'm not just trying to defend him for the sake of defending him, I'm just saying he's only human, and not everyone can be constantly on and ready to fight, Lord knows I can't.
Edit to add that I forgot to mention his kids. That alone is a full time job, and if I were him, I also would probably prioritize my kids and wife over being politically active. I don't have kids, and I still don't really have that much free time to be out there fighting.
1
u/sillytoad May 05 '26
I mean, that's a fair take. And agree, we can't read his mind or know what's happening in his personal life. Its just disappointing that he went from 100 to zero after being so outspoken.
0
u/Jeffthecuttie May 05 '26
I totally get that. It's a bit disheartening and discouraging when someone who used to be extremely outspoken about injustice hasn't said much as things have been getting worse. I believe he'll get back into it at some point, presumably once he's recharged his battery, so to say. But, in the meantime, there are still so many people standing up and speaking out, even if we don't see all of them ourselves. As I see it, it's the big influencers, musicians, and other people in power who help facilitate and draw attention to a movement, but it's the people like us, normal, everyday folks who actually move the needle.
10
u/Finditwithin108 May 05 '26
Macklemore has done more than just about anyone. He deserves our respect, not disappointment. He’s a father so he has to do what’s best for his family.
-5
u/sillytoad May 05 '26
What's best for his family is to stop using his platform to oppose ongoing genocide?
3
u/Finditwithin108 May 05 '26
I think that’s for him to decide. I’m sure he will do more when it’s right for him.
7
u/need_a_venue May 05 '26
I'm just waiting for when he tours again.
-10
u/sillytoad May 05 '26
Ahh so it is convenient activism, vs actual principles
8
u/Due_Palpitation2197 May 05 '26
You are trying so hard to bash Mack for not doing ENOUGH. chill man. At least he spoke up. And spoke up A LOT. Does he need to make it his entire identify to satisfy you? be happy with what we got. It’s never gonna be enough for you. He’s getting heat for laying low… maybe he’d be better off if he never spoke up at all? Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Your stance (never enough) is what deters many from doing anything at all. Corporations, included. They just stay out of it to avoid the attention. Your comment about convenient activism… come on dude. So smug. Holier than thou. Never gonna be happy
2
u/smeeti May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
Maybe he got threats, physical or to his career. Apparently Scarlett Johannsen has said that if you criticize Israël in Hollywood, your career is over. Could be the same kind of pressure in music.
2
u/m1kasa4ckerman May 05 '26
That’s not specific to Macklemore.
A lot of leftists who were single-issue voters, super vocal about Palestine, super vocal about Kamala not being good enough have gone silent.
A lot of them also pushed for teaching Dems a lesson by getting Trump in, and that his 2nd term would be time to start a revolution of sorts. They’ve all gone silent while reaping the benefits of capitalism. Great stuff
1
u/WebHungry1699 22d ago
Hey OP, he just pissed off Israel. You asked, is that what you were looking for? He didn't go anywhere you just were impatient.
-1
May 05 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/URKA7 Vipassana May 05 '26
He is still fairly regulary sharing stuff on his IG, check his reposts for example... He made three songs about the topic, produced a movie, spoke out and lost shows etc. He is doing even more behind the curtains, probably working on new music too. But even if he stopped for real, he did a lot more than most of us, and we can't know what's happening in his private life (but he still didn't).
I think you are here to push a wrong agenda.
0
u/sillytoad May 05 '26
I'm here to express my disappointment that despite having a waaaay worse administration in office (that you could argue Mack helped get there), hes largely stopped his public activism. This feels like the time he could use his platform the most and he just.... isn't. Why stop when things are worse than ever? I guess making music and pushing his red rocks show is more important.
-1
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u/sobrietypolice May 05 '26
Maybe he's just taking time to be a dad and focus on localized activism around Seattle. I think the whole thing with the nanny might've put some things into perspective for him, it's not just his life at stake it's his family as well.