‘You speak about equality, but do you really mean it? Are you marching for freedom, or when it’s convenient?’
Macklemore has, without a doubt, started a conversation black people have been engaged in for decades now. When “White Privilege II” dropped late Thursday night, the white rapper stirred up diverse reactions to his verses about modern day cultural conflicts and white supremacy’s place in America. In the song, he speaks on the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement from the perspective of an ally who wishes to participate but feels restricted due to one definitive factor: his race.
It’s a perspective that multiple movements have. A man supporting the feminist movement will refer to himself as an ally. A cisgendered, heterosexual supporting LGBTA rights is also an ally. Caucasians supporting black liberation and minority rights are in the same position as the aforementioned, and they each face the same dilemna. Identifying where their boundaries are, thoroughly understanding their privilege in society, and knowing exactly what it is an ally can do to better the situation.
Comparable to Matt McGorry in this regard, Macklemore is met with very mixed opinions. There is no argument against him stating his support for the African American community. After all, as stated in the song, he has at least recognized that he’s benefiting off of hip-hop culture and desires to give back, unlike Iggy Azalea and Miley Cyrus (who have yet to make a formal statement on the Black Lives Matter Movement). However, one can’t help but wonder what the intentions behind his actions are. Some speculate that by releasing this song about a month before his latest album releases (February 26th), Macklemore is only attempting to build up his fan base and gain media attention, insinuating that the rapper values black money, but not necessarily black lives.
There is also those of the opposite opinion. Many appreciate the fact that the issue was brought up and is being discussed. Questions do arise, such as ‘Why is inequality only acknowledged when white men call each other out on it?’, but this is an issue with society, rather than with Macklemore as an individual. Supporters of the rapper includes prominent black activist, Deray McKesson. According to tweets made this Saturday morning, the two spoke about the song, and about what the rapper intended for it to do. Deray stated that:
‘Macklemore understands that awareness is the beginning, not the end, of the work. He will be (rightly) judged by the actions that follow.’
Macklemore has spoken out on his position before with the song ‘White Privilege’ back in 2005. He has marched in a Seattle Ferguson Protest back in 2014, and though he has made his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and position as an ally clear in this song, he still has a long way to go. Actions speak louder than words. The fact that he directed this conversation towards white youths is incredible, but the public will have to wait to see what he does to elevate black voices.
