The Vamps Use Their Platform to Ally Against Racism
This boy band is using its platform to vocally stand against racism.
British pop-rock band, The Vamps, is using social media to stand up to racism. The group was one of the millions who participated in Black Out Tuesday on June 2, 2020. The movement’s purpose was to freeze the music industry for 24 hours in order to observe a “blackout day” in the wake of George Floyd’s death and massive protests.
The Vamps however provided more support than a simple black square and hashtag. “We are taking #blackouttuesday to further educate ourselves on this desperately important subject,” reads part of the caption on the band’s Instagram. If you swipe left, the Instagram post shows an illustration of overt and covert white supremacy.
The mass difference is horrifyingly apparent of socially acceptable realities versus non-socially acceptable realities. The non-socially acceptable being a tiny fraction of the huge list of what has become socially acceptable: “You don’t sound Black,” “assuming good intentions are enough,” and “calling the police on Black people” to name just a few.
The source is from Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (2005) “Building a Multi-Ethnic, Inclusive & Antiracist Organization-Tools for Liberation Packet for Anti-Racist Activists, Allies, & Critical Thinkers.”
Singer Bradley Simpson posted to his Instagram June 1, 2020, saying “I will continue to educate myself and others around me and urge my followers to do the same.”
He provides a link in his Instagram bio “Ways To Help” sign petitions, text or call, donate, vote, and more.
If you haven’t already read up and signed petitions please do, share this link wherever you can x https://t.co/HC7Seb89UX#BlackLivesMatter
— Bradley Will Simpson (@TheVampsBrad) May 28, 2020
Lead guitarist and back up vocalist, James McVey, shares the same link in his bio along with several posts in support.
Some of us won’t ever know what it’s like to experience extreme discrimination + racism. Other’s have no choice. Demand justice for George Floyd because #BlackLivesMatter
Sign➡️ https://t.co/bXqftWB2cy
If you can, text “Floyd” to 55156 to help George Lloyd’s family get justice
— James McVey (@TheVampsJames) May 28, 2020
He also tweeted exposing disgusting Nazi activity in the UK.
Nazi salutes beside the Cenotaph? The irony. An embarrassing and shameful day for the UK iN 2020… yes, TWENTY TWENTY. https://t.co/TvmKB2da0N
— James McVey (@TheVampsJames) June 13, 2020
You can join The Vamps in being a necessary ally by doing your part here.
Writer | Tweet me @juliaroulhac
