wowhollywow: June 2017

On Thursday 18^th May 2017, my best friend, Tegan, and I travelled to Birmingham to see Ariana Grande in concert at The Genting Arena. This was the first time that I had seen Ariana live, however I can confidently say that it will not be the last. I have been listening to her music ever since I watched her for the first time on Victorious on the Disney Channel when I was in my early teens, and it is safe to say that I have been a fan ever since then. That is not to say, however, as if her music hasn’t changed in the last 5 or so years, even, on the contrary, it has grown and progressed just as she has. This is important, some artists get stuck in what once worked for them and has pleased the public in the past, but despite the controversy that comes with it Ariana has clearly stuck to her own mind as hasn’t tried to create a public perception that she is anyone other than who she is. Instead of pretending that she is still the squeaky-cute, baby faced Disney teen star that she used to be, Ariana, and her music, have transformed into the new face of pop, creating her latest album filled with sweet ballads, such as ‘Moonlight’, and dramatic hits, such as ‘Leave Me Lonely’. This delicate mix of emotions and a new transparency of female sexuality brings her music into the new age of feminism and fearlessness. She takes no pains to hide the physicality of adult relationships and stands strong in the face of criticism of this. Despite complaints from parents of younger children, this vulnerability is important for many young women watching and listening as it sends a much-needed message to women and girls everywhere; we do not need to be ashamed.

This theme was evident throughout her show within her tour artwork behind her whilst she was performing, displaying the strong message- “Not Asking For It”. Labelling the female form as ‘divine’ and ‘strong’ creates an oxymoron that is becoming more and more commonly used in reference to women. I could already feel a change within myself whilst watching this display of feminism and self-confidence, I was becoming more confident instantly. I, similarly to many women and young girls everywhere, feel an intense pressure within society to be constantly pretty, always soft and to care about the others’ opinions towards me, however at the same time I am told that caring about my appearance makes me shallow, being soft makes me compliant and the cause of my own victimisation, and caring about what other people think of me turns me into someone vain and weak. I am aware that I have an enormous amount of privilege, being Caucasian and from a fairly well-off, supportive family and I know that I will never be able to understand the situations of people of colour, particularly women of colour, those from low-income backgrounds or anyone that has truly been a victim of our society to horrific ends, however I am always aware of how lucky I am and will always fight for the rights of the voiceless. This, however, does not mean that women everywhere do not need a voice; we do. Through her show, and general acts of acceptance and rebellion against injustices within society, Ariana gives us that voice. No matter who you are, no matter where you are or what you believe, no one ever ‘asks for it’. A seemingly obvious fact, this is often overlooked and victims of crime, especially sexual assault, are often told that they are the cause of the hate acted out upon them. This is simply not the case. I, and everyone, am divine, but I am also strong. We will not be defeated or shamed.

Whilst Ariana’s actions may appear almost insignificant, a drop in the ocean almost, simply speaking out against hate using only love is immeasurable. When I began writing this post, I was on a high from one of the best nights of my life. I was so extraordinarily happy and I truly didn’t believe that I could admire Ariana Grande any more than I did. I was wrong. After last week’s Manchester attack my admiration and faith in this singer has reached levels that I never believed that it could. Despite thankfully not being present at the attack it still reduced me to tears. No-one should ever go to a concert and not expect to come home. I don’t want to stray too much into the reasoning behind the attack, as I do not know it (or believe that it was anything other than hate), however I believe that it is important that it is discussed. This crime was solely an act of terror and the motive behind it is simple; hate. The aim was to drive us apart and we cannot sit back and let that happen. Knowing this does not make it any easier to deal with, but the way in which to face terror such as this is to emerge stronger. Now, more than ever, we need to come together and accept each other for who we all are. Despite the opinions of some, Islam and the Muslim community were not, and are not, to blame. This is a religion of peace and we need to band together to support them in this terrifying time. No matter who you are, who you love, where you come from or what you believe, we need to be a community, not warring nations.

I will never forget the extraordinary concert that I attended nor the feelings of strength, confidence or fearlessness that it inspired in me, but moreover I will never forget those who suffered for this. The thing that has most inspired me is the way that Ariana has handled the situation, including her benefit concert in Manchester this Sunday, and the strength of the families that have lost loved ones in a horrific act that should never have occurred. Hate will never bring us down if we still love.