Opinion
Listen to The Beat, Not The Artist
As antisemitism continues to grow more visible in our society, we’ve seen a range of responses from celebrities. Some have taken a strong stand against this rise in hate, using their platforms to uplift the Jewish community. Others, however, have remained silent or have even expressed views that feel deeply harmful. Whether through antisemitic remarks, aligning with movements that dismiss Jewish voices, or simply refusing to speak out, the silence or negativity is loud and painful.
This raises a complicated question: Where is the line? What side are we on? Are we on the side that chooses not to support artists like Kanye West after his antisemitic comments? Or are we on the side that separates art from the artist and continues to enjoy the music?
It’s not a simple answer. There are moments when I hear a song that perfectly captures the vibe. Maybe it's on a late-night drive, or blasting through my headphones during a tough day, and it feels like the artist put my exact emotions into words. Sometimes, those songs have a message or meaning that genuinely resonates with me. They make me feel seen, understood, or even healed. But then I remember who made it and realize that the same person might not support my identity. They might not believe I deserve safety, equality, or even a place in the world.
That contradiction is hard to sit with. How can I support someone who doesn’t support me? How do I balance the emotional impact of a song with the harm of giving that artist a platform or a paycheck when they don’t help me? It’s not just about Kanye, it’s about any public figure who spreads hate or fails to stand up when it matters. It’s about all of us who have to decide if our values outweigh the vibe.
I don’t think there’s one right answer, and I’m still figuring it out. But I’ve learned that asking the question matters. We don’t need to cancel everyone or throw away every song. But we do need to be intentional. We need to be mindful of where we put our energy, who we choose to uplift, and how we stand up not just for ourselves, but for each other.
In a world where antisemitism and hate are still real, choosing what we listen to can be a small but powerful act of resistance. It’s okay to wrestle with conflict. What matters is that we care enough to try.
All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.
Explore More Stories
Identity
Parshat Matot-Ma'asei: Finding Meaning Along the Way
Whether you’re heading off to camp, traveling abroad, or trying something new this summer, every experience has the power to shape your story. Matot-Ma'asei reminds us that growth comes from the journeys and the people who share it with us.
Connection
Tangled Together
How attending a separates at CLTC was one of my most meaningful experiences.
Connection
The Strings We Take Home
A simple string activity became a powerful reminder that the connections we make during summer programs can leave a lasting impact.