Listen to The Beat, Not The Artist

June 4, 2025
Aylah Seigal

Longmont, Colorado, United States

Class of 2027

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As antisemitism continues to grow more visible in our society, we’ve seen a range of responses from celebrities. Some have taken a strong stand against this rise in hate, using their platforms to uplift the Jewish community. Others, however, have remained silent or have even expressed views that feel deeply harmful. Whether through antisemitic remarks, aligning with movements that dismiss Jewish voices, or simply refusing to speak out, the silence or negativity is loud and painful.

This raises a complicated question: Where is the line? What side are we on? Are we on the side that chooses not to support artists like Kanye West after his antisemitic comments? Or are we on the side that separates art from the artist and continues to enjoy the music?

It’s not a simple answer. There are moments when I hear a song that perfectly captures the vibe. Maybe it's on a late-night drive, or blasting through my headphones during a tough day, and it feels like the artist put my exact emotions into words. Sometimes, those songs have a message or meaning that genuinely resonates with me. They make me feel seen, understood, or even healed. But then I remember who made it and realize that the same person might not support my identity. They might not believe I deserve safety, equality, or even a place in the world.

That contradiction is hard to sit with. How can I support someone who doesn’t support me? How do I balance the emotional impact of a song with the harm of giving that artist a platform or a paycheck when they don’t help me? It’s not just about Kanye, it’s about any public figure who spreads hate or fails to stand up when it matters. It’s about all of us who have to decide if our values outweigh the vibe.

I don’t think there’s one right answer, and I’m still figuring it out. But I’ve learned that asking the question matters. We don’t need to cancel everyone or throw away every song. But we do need to be intentional. We need to be mindful of where we put our energy, who we choose to uplift, and how we stand up not just for ourselves, but for each other.

In a world where antisemitism and hate are still real, choosing what we listen to can be a small but powerful act of resistance. It’s okay to wrestle with conflict. What matters is that we care enough to try.

Aylah Seigal is a BBG from Francis Weisbart Jacobs #5616 in RMR #25 and she plays soccer.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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