Social Causes Like 'Black Lives Matter' Were A Major Theme At 2015 Grammys
This year's Grammy's made an extra special effort to do more than just entertain and celebrate music, as artists pushed for various social causes through their performances and speeches.
With President Obama obviously setting a high benchmark at the event, by addressing the issue of domestic violence, most musicians followed suit and raised awareness about various malaises that are plaguing our society today. The other major highlight in this regard was Prince bringing up the recent violence and discrimination against african-americans. When he came on stage to present the best album award, he kept his message short and powerful saying that albums, "like books and black lives still matter." The theme of "black lives still matter" which was spurred by the Ferguson incident, was an overarching one at the awards. Pharrell Williams worked a special spin on 'Happy' as a tribute to Ferguson. His backup dancers, who wore hoodies, were supposed to symbolify 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Even during Beyonce's performance, it is believed that her backup choir members, made the gesture of "hands up, don't shoot" by raising their hands in the air as a remembrance to Michael Brown of Ferguson.
Katy Perry tackled domestic violence by choosing to singe her song, 'Grace of God.' Dressed in pristine white, with her hair neatly tied back, Perry stunned with her performance. The backdrop captured silhouettes, seemingly battling her demons. Her powerful delivery consumed the space, assuming the song's poignance about resiliance and not giving up.
The president's special PSA message brought up the issue of domestic abuse which also hits close to home for celebrities, who are also not immune to violence from their partners and lovers, with high-profile cases making the headlines.
Here's Obama's speech:
"Tonight, we celebrate artists whose music message helps shape our culture and together, we can change our culture for the better by ending violence against women and girls. Right now, nearly one in five women in America has been a victim of rape or attempted rape. And more than one in four women has experienced some form of domestic violence. It's not okay. And it has to stop. Artists have a unique power to change minds and attitudes and get us thinking and talking about what matters. And all of us, in our own lives, have the power to set an example.
"Join our campaign to stop this violence. Go to itsonus.org, and take the pledge. And to the artists and the Grammys tonight, I ask you to ask your fans to do it, too. It's on us, all of us, to create a culture where violence isn't tolerated, where survivors are supported and where all our young people, men and women, can go as far as their talents and their dreams will take them."
