In times of social unrest fueled by injustice and inequality, artists are expected to speak up and give a voice to millions who are voiceless.
In the 1970s, Marvin Gaye illustrated this idea with “What’s Going On” as the country dealt with the Vietnam disaster and the societal backlash linked to the civil rights movement.
More recently, Pink and the Indigo Girls portrayed George W. Bush in unflattering terms on the song “Dear Mr. President” for his handling of the war in Iraq and opposition to gay marriage.
Demi Lovato is trying to accomplish something similar with “Commander In Chief,” a ballad that goes after President Donald Trump for being corrupt and uncaring.
[embed]https://twitter.com/portalescutai/status/1316570509505691648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw[/embed]The 28-year-old pop star released a video and performed the track at the Billboard Music Awards Wednesday night.
Lovato, who endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016 and is a big fan of Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, incorporated the word “VOTE” in her performance, and NBC decided to censor the message.
Trump is supposed to hold a town hall meeting on NBC Thursday night in Florida as his opponent, Joe Biden, does the same in Pennsylvania via ABC. Some are wondering if NBC was trying to tread lightly and not anger the president by removing the message.
[embed]https://twitter.com/ftlovatow/status/1316588335402553347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw[/embed]Regardless of what inspired the decision, Lovato’s supporters are not happy; the same way conservatives are not pleased that the anti-Trump anthem even exits.
One commenter shared: “This was so good, and the music video was extremely diverse! proud of you for using your platform always, ignore the hate it will come and go but your $40 million dollar net worth will stay the same period.”
This follower stated: “You’re speaking for everyone of different ethnicities and different races. We are all equal and perfect the way we are. Our skin doesn’t define us! YES, BABY!!”
A third person revealed: “I balled my eyes out watching this! @ddlovato, you have no idea how much I needed this video! We all need to heal from this year. Everyone, please vote!”
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CGWTNcyBPaZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading[/embed]This critic hit back with: “Demi won’t be in the streets. She will be in her mansion as she gets others to fight her battles!!”
In a polarized country, Lovato deserves some credit for standing up for what she believes, and her critics are free to do the same.