Guest Post: Anonymous
The author of this blog wished to remain anonymous in posting, and we hope like us, you will take the time to read and consider their words.
-8123
You're right — you do need to do better. But you also need to teach your fans to do better. Show up.
Music, while a safe space for many, still isn't a safe place for BIPOC. We don't feel safe in your crowds. We don't feel safe with your fans. We don't feel safe.
Why?
Being Black and standing in the line for a show in this particular genre is an easy way to get side glanced and stared at. And why is that? Because we don't fit into the 'stereotype' that exists to serve the pop-punk narrative of skinny white girls and 'bro' boys? Because it's weird to see a Black person in a band t-shirt? Because we're not 'good' enough? Because we can't listen to that music because it's not what fits into so many people's inherent bias?
Honestly, I just started showing up to shows late, because I was tired of the stares.
I stopped asking band members for pictures, because after a while I was tired of being pushed in line and even passed over.
I stopped buying merch because wearing it made me feel like an imposter.
And then I stopped going altogether.
I'm happy that you're acknowledging this, but you also need to do so much better. I actually chose NOT to be a part of 8123 because of the toxicity of fans and the culture surrounding the pop-punk/neon rock/'scene'/'emo'/whatever scene is out there. Because it never felt like it was 'inclusive'. After being a part of other bands' scenes as a fan and attempting to make friends in the scene, it's become pretty obvious: BIPOC are not welcome. Women BIPOC are not welcome, especially. I have friends who are BIPOC and who are nonwhite who have never gone to a show - despite LOVING the music - because they have heard about what goes on at shows. It's bullshit.
I'm talking about the people that knock us in the head to get to barricade, and don't get called out. But when the same thing happens to a small white girl, the band stops mid-song and calls the person out. Usually, that girl gets some merch, or a pick, or a drumstick. Something to commemorate for and apologize for how they were treated at the show.
And I know that if this is posted somewhere where there are comments, people are going to be all "Aw, they're sad that they didn't get a pick or a drumstick!"
No. I'm mad because when we're in crowds, it's like you — you the bands AND you the fans — can't see us. It's like we don't exist. We are pushed over and trampled and stood in front of. I'm talking about the people who literally don't SEE us when we're standing in merch lines, and when they're called out, they look over their shoulders, roll their eyes, and ignore us. And we DON'T call them out because you know what happens when we do? We're 'causing a scene'. We're 'being inappropriate'. We're 'ruining the show'. And then we're removed from the show.
I have a lot of anger, you see.
I have anger because there are contests in the music business for designers, photographers, and some mediocre white artist always, ALWAYS gets picked over wildly talented BIPOC artists.
I have anger because BIPOC professionals: journalists, photographers, media, are given nasty looks when we ask for interviews or are in the photo pits. Like we don't belong.
I have anger because we are not given the space.
I have anger because Black folx are always, ALWAYS treated as less-than-human.
I have anger because you do not hire BIPOC for positions that we are more than qualified for.
I have anger because we don't exist to you.
You're a band with a brand. You say you are listening and you want to learn.
Show up.
Actively listen to your BIPOC fans when we speak. Put people that look like us on the stage. Do not tolerate racism in your crowds, in your forums, in your lines, in your replies, in your comments, in your 'inclusive' spaces, in your venues, even if you're not the headliner. Make an effort. You want to be an ally? Be an ally.
Protest. Can't protest? Donate. Post the links on your socials.
Show. Up.
I hope you share this, because I think it's something that a lot of your fans need to see. It's (kind of) unfortunate, but many of your fans won't speak out against racism until YOU say something. The amount of people on band Instagram and Twitter that didn't say anything about what was going on until you (and a few other bands) spoke up is astonishing, because none of those bands feature BIPOC. Your impact is monumental. You need to be the example. Because they are not listening to us and they are not seeing us.
-Anonymous