Johnny 5 straddled the two ends I've struggled to bridge in a helpful and articulate way. It wasn't satisfactory to simply dismiss Macklemore for his passionate navel-gazing. I feel his energy and desire to make things better, and that ultimately shouldn't be discounted, no matter his color. At the same time, it's hard not to listen to Macklemore's grappling with his whiteness and not feel like you're indulging someone's narcissistic monologue of dubious consequence. Johnny hits the nail on the head. Yes this 9-minute track is heavy on confession and light on direction. But thanks Macklemore, for giving a shit, for continuing the conversation. And I say this as a white male consumed by his whiteness and place in the world. Also, I can't help but recall Flobot's excellent anthem Rise. This was a heavy hitter for me. We will march across Those stereotypes that were marked for us The answers obvious We switch the consonants Change the sword to words and lift continents Don't let apathy police the populace
Thanks for posting this. I have to admit, I've always found Macklemore kind of irritating and patronizing. But Jonny 5 makes a good point about the value of encouraging conversation.