GAZA REMAINS ON FIRE!  IS LEBANON NEXT ON THE USA/ISRAELI RADAR?  THE MIDDLE EAST IS BACK BABY!  AND THE POWDER KEG IS ON THE PROFITEER’S RADAR!  WTF is going on?

In a world where music is often used as a platform for activism and protest, many artists have taken it upon themselves to stand up for human rights and speak out against violence.

One of the most pressing and polarizing issues in recent years is the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With bombings, blockades, and the complex web of historical grievances, many musicians have chosen to address the humanitarian crisis in their work, using their platforms to call for peace and justice.  I am one of them!

However, standing up for human rights in conflict zones like Gaza comes with its risks. Artists who raise their voices may wonder if they will face retaliation for their stance—and if so, from whom?

Retaliation from Political Groups and Governments

One of the most immediate concerns for artists speaking out about Gaza is the potential for retaliation from political groups and governments.

The Israeli oppression of their indigenous peoples and those peoples now living under Occupation in Gaza and the West Bank is highly charged. Speaking out against violence in Gaza might attract negative attention from governments or lobby groups who are deeply invested in one side of the conflict.

In some cases, governments may put pressure on artists to silence their dissent.

Artists like Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, who has been vocal about his support for Palestinian rights, have faced backlash, including canceled concerts and travel restrictions.

Pro-Israel groups have also been known to organize boycotts or call for bans on musicians they perceive as anti-Israel. These pressures can manifest as lost performance opportunities, censored work, or restricted access to certain markets.

Governments, too, might not always be welcoming of criticism.

Countries involved in the conflict or aligned with one side may blacklist artists or block their content from reaching audiences. So one must be mindful. In severe cases, artists may face visa rejections or even be declared persona non grata, barring them from entering certain nations altogether.

In my case, as most of you know, I have been an advocate for peace in the Middle East since 1982.  I often call for solutions for all Israelis, Palestinians, and citizens of the Middle East like “The Middle East Union”.  In addition, I always condemned the violence at every turn no matter where it shows up and no matter who openly engages in such horrible behaviors.

As ya’ll know I founded and ran VT Foreign Policy for 20 years with over 65,000 articles published by me and the thousands of writers who published on VT.  And many articles condemned war and those who engaged in it for profit.   So allow me to confirm 100% that the US Government NEVER contacted me to censor.  NEVER!  In the USA, the government does NOT censor directly.  However, online private companies like Google and others?  Well, that is another story.

Now, Fascist Trump has recently threatened to use state resources to close down media that critics him and he does not like.  But he’s not President. But he could be. So that’s something to keep an eye on.

Nevertheless, this week, I wrote a song about the Butcher of Gaza called “Serial Killer In A Suit“.  Hey, if you murder over 40,000 human beings including over 25,000 kids, you’re getting your very own song!  That’s how I roll…

And so my advocacy continues with eyes wide open.

Does that hurt some people’s feelings?  Well, if someone is okay with murdering 25,000 children, well, yeah I can see that!  Let me see… Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Son of Sam, Ghengis Khan, Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin and Mae Zedong…. yeah, lots of people will probably condemn this position.  Yeah, I can see that.  I suppose they won’t be inviting me to their murder parties eh?

Public Backlash and Online Threats

Another potential source of retaliation comes from the public itself. In the age of social media, where public discourse is fast-paced and often divisive, artists speaking up about Gaza may face online harassment, trolling, or even threats. Social media platforms can amplify both support and criticism and often, politically charged issues like Gaza attract some of the most passionate—and hostile—responses.

Some fans may feel alienated by an artist’s political stance, leading to a decline in support, fewer streams, and even boycott campaigns. Moreover, organized online campaigns can target artists to discredit them or spread misinformation, leading to reputational damage that is difficult to undo.

This backlash is not limited to artists speaking out in favor of Palestinian rights; those perceived to be too pro-Israel may also face retaliation, especially in countries or communities where Palestinian solidarity is strong.

Cancel culture is everywhere now!  In some countries, you’re a hero.  In some, a zero.  Hell, in some Facebook groups, I am panned and in some, I am celebrated.  So what are artists to do?  Do we turn into vanilla ice cream to please everyone?   I mean, what is the point of art without the expression of feelings, ideas, and thoughts?

Playing all sides is weird.  I see politicians try to do it all the time.  They say one thing to one group and another completely different thing to an opposing group.  Are they not aware that media is everywhere and we can easily see the ruse?

So who was The World’s Greatest Mass Murderer?

But both Hitler and Stalin were outdone by Mao Zedong. From 1958 to 1962, his Great Leap Forward policy led to the deaths of up to 45 million people – easily making it the biggest episode of mass murder ever recorded.

Corporate and Industry Pressures

In the commercial music industry, speaking out about sensitive topics can also lead to repercussions from corporate stakeholders. Record labels, sponsors, and media platforms often prefer to steer clear of political controversy. If an artist’s stance on Gaza leads to controversy, they may face pressure from corporate partners to tone down their activism or avoid certain topics altogether.

Music is a business, and companies tied to an artist’s success may fear alienating a segment of the market or drawing unwanted media attention. This commercial pressure can result in reduced support.

Joe Strummer

Joe Strummer, the iconic frontman of The Clash, was deeply committed to using music as a platform for political activism and social justice. His position was that music should be a force for positive change, and he consistently infused his songs with messages addressing political, social, and economic inequalities.

Strummer believed that music had the power to challenge the status quo and raise awareness about social injustices. In The Clash’s songs, particularly in albums like London Calling and Sandinista!, he tackled issues like poverty, war, racial injustice, and class struggle. Tracks like “White Riot” and “London Calling” spoke to the frustrations of disenfranchised youth and the need for rebellion against oppressive systems. For Strummer, punk rock wasn’t just a genre but a movement that could incite real-world action and social change.

Strummer was staunchly anti-fascist and anti-authoritarian. He spoke out against racism, imperialism, and economic exploitation, often aligning himself with working-class struggles. He believed in solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide, famously supporting causes like the Sandinista movement in Nicaragua, which inspired The Clash’s Sandinista! album. His lyrics frequently advocated for unity

So there is a long history of artists speaking out and NOT shutting up.

Financial Repercussions

For independent artists who lack the support of major labels, the risk of retaliation can be even more financially perilous. Those who speak out may find it difficult to secure sponsorships or collaborations, and there could be reduced demand for their music from platforms that wish to avoid political controversy.

However, it’s worth noting that in some cases, standing up for human rights can galvanize support, particularly from fans who share similar values. Music has always been a force for social change, and some artists have turned moments of controversy into opportunities to build stronger, more loyal fan bases.

Conclusion

Artists who stand up for human rights and condemn violence, especially in conflict zones like Gaza, must be aware of the potential for retaliation. This backlash can come from a range of sources, including governments, industry players, fan bases, activist groups, and financial stakeholders. Yet, the decision to speak out often transcends concerns of personal or professional risk—it is about using art as a platform for truth and justice.

In the end, while the cost of speaking out can be high, the rewards—both personally and socially—can be even greater, as these artists contribute to a long tradition of musicians who have dared to challenge the status quo in pursuit of a better world.