Rarely do the Grammys go by without a controversy. This year, Kendrick Lamar stood up for the challenge with his performance of “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright.”
Complete with prison cells, jumpsuits and flames in the background, Lamar brought up issues of police violence against blacks — and he was not happy about it. At the end of the performance an image of Africa glowed, labeled with the word Compton.
With Lamar’s show occurring shortly after Beyonce’s Superbowl halftime performance showcasing dancers in Black Panther outfits, it is clear that police violence issues are still prevalent. Many fans responded positively through Twitter, and The Los Angeles Times and USA Today said Lamar’s performance was the only one that mattered.
Lamar has every right to express his opinion on stage, but I hesitate to agree with the White House’s tweet: “Shoutout to @KendrickLamar and all the artists at the #Grammys working to build a brighter future. #MyBrothersKeeper” from the official account @WhiteHouse.
Accounts of recent police brutality, such as the shooting of Michael Brown in August and the controversy in Chicago involving the shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald have left many Americans weary of the police, displayed through the riots in St. Louis last August and in Baltimore last April.
Protests across the country with the slogan “Black Lives Matter” continue to tear down the police that do an immense amount of work to protect our civil liberties. The passion of Lamar’s performance showcased pride for his African heritage but also took part in the insult against police.
The White House’s commending of Lamar’s performance is inappropriate as it can suggest encouragement of the condemnation of police officers. Although performers often utilize the Grammys to spread political and social messages, the White House does not have a place in siding with pop culture figures l
ike Lamar.
The issues of police violence within the past few years are undeniably prevalent, and Lamar’s performance was certainly well received. Adele even acknowledged Lamar at the end of her performance saying, “Kendrick, you’re amazing.”
The Grammys were not the time or place for the White House to make a statement, as the sensitivity of this issue is one that requires respect towards all sides — both those who feel threatened by police forces as well as the brave men and women who risk their lives everyday for our protection.