Stopping sexual aggression at gigs isn't just about keeping people safe at shows, it's boycotting the people who are known to be part of the problem. Using an industry worker who you know has done wrong because it's easier for you - because of price, availability or convenience - makes you complicit, you're supporting them wether or not you mean to. You may be doing it to further your career but you're also furthering the career of the wrong people and adding to this problem that seems to be consuming the music industry. The only way to stop sexual aggression is to stop the people orchestrating it, then we have a safe place for everyone.
These problems happen all over the world, no one expects it to happen until it does. In my hometown this was no different, we had a lovely music venue that everyone I knew attended weekly to watch shows and have a good time but when it was announced that someone who worked there had sexually assaulted someone, no one knew what to do, some people didn't even recognise what had really happened. Sometimes you may not want to believe what you're hearing but when irrefutable evidence is placed in front of you all you can do is the right thing. While some people carried on to use this particular venue most of the people I knew made a conscious effort to find new places to watch and perform live music. This is when everyone started using our long time favourite pub/venue which we have made many new memories in. This new venue is now the hub of music in our hometown with big names such as 'Slowthai' and even 'Skepta' playing there, and in good news I haven't even heard the name of the individual that caused the move in over a year now.
We must stand with anyone who has been a victim of sexual aggression. A sexual assault victim who wants to attend a show may be discouraged if they see support for an abuser there, it's not fair that they should miss out. Music is meant to be a way to bring people together, shows should be a safe space for everyone and to do this we have to take responsibility and remove dangerous people from these venues. Being complicit discourages people to share their stories and then the problem continues to grow. A good friend of mine shared her story that just makes me outright disgusted, she was attending a hard-core gig in Bristol where some guy grabbed her crotch and rightfully so security kicked him out. Afterwards other gig goers caused a scene and got mad at her for getting him kicked out, even though he had sexual assaulted her. How are people meant to feel safe in this environment when there are people who will ultimately shame you for speaking out and keeping yourself safe.
I was recently introduced to the 'Not Normal, Not OK' campaign which is an organisation started by music journalist Ed King and is in conjunction with the west midlands police. The campaign aims to bring awareness and stop sexual aggression at shows and make all venues safe for everyone. The campaign is gender neutral as sexual aggression isn't gender specific and everyone deserves to have a safe and fun time at all music events. The 'Not Normal, Not OK' campaign encourages gig goers and performers to take actions as small as wearing one of their campaign stickers while attending a show to show their support and solidarity in stopping sexual harassment at gigs. Stopping this problem lies in the peoples hands, in my hands and in yours, we all have to work together and create a safe environment to perform and listen to the music we all love so much.
To hear more about the 'Not Normal, Not OK' campaign head over to their website (http://www.notnormalnotok.com) to read more about it and sign up to support their cause. This is our problem to solve and the only way to solve it is by standing together.
No comments
Post a Comment