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The fusion of popular music and political agendas has become increasingly contentious. Artists like SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter have voiced their opposition to the White House’s use of their songs to promote divisive policies. A recent incident involving a video featuring SZA’s track ‘Big Boys’ underscores a disturbing trend of utilizing music as a tool for political propaganda.
On December 8, the White House shared a video that depicted the harsh realities of ICE enforcement, accompanied by SZA’s music. The video’s caption was provocative, suggesting that the crackdown on illegal immigration represented a positive development for the nation. In response, SZA took to social media to express her outrage, labeling the tactic as “PEAK DARK” and criticizing the administration for exploiting artists for promotional purposes.
Political exploitation of music
This incident is not isolated; it follows a pattern of the current administration co-opting songs from popular artists to further its agenda. In November, for example, Olivia Rodrigo’s music was featured to encourage self-deportation among undocumented immigrants. Similarly, Sabrina Carpenter’s song ‘Juno’ was used in a video depicting the detention of immigrants. Each of these artists has condemned the White House’s actions, expressing their opposition to the politicization of their work.
The implications of this tactic
These actions by the Trump administration reveal a dual strategy: normalizing the brutality of its policies while provoking responses that can be leveraged for political gain. By incorporating popular music, the administration seeks to soften the image of its inhumane agenda, making it more palatable to the public. As noted by Carpenter, this manipulation serves to desensitize audiences to the harsh realities faced by immigrants and refugees.
Additionally, SZA’s commentary highlights a deeper issue: the administration’s deliberate attempts to stir controversy and outrage. By positioning artists against the government, attention is diverted from problematic policies, creating a narrative that keeps these issues in the public eye and generating fear and anxiety among immigrant communities.
The impact on communities
With intensified ICE raids during the Trump administration, the call for self-deportation has been amplified. The Department of Homeland Security has even offered financial incentives to undocumented immigrants to leave the country. This approach is framed as a cost-effective solution, despite the average cost of detaining an individual being estimated at over $17,000, and is steeped in coercion.
This tactic of creating a hostile environment for immigrants is known as attrition through enforcement. It is designed to instill fear and drive individuals to leave voluntarily. The administration’s actions, including aggressive raids, serve as a warning to undocumented individuals, reminding them of their precarious status.
Artists as advocates
While the White House may attempt to divert attention through these controversies, the artists’ responses are crucial. Figures like SZA, Rodrigo, and Carpenter are not merely reacting to their work being used; they are vocalizing solidarity with those affected by these policies. Their protests are essential for raising awareness about the injustices faced by immigrant communities, reinforcing that many Americans oppose such tactics.
While these individual acts of defiance may not immediately dismantle the administration’s policies, they play an important role in fostering a sense of community and collective resistance. When individuals living in fear see their favorite artists standing in solidarity, it can provide hope and empowerment, reminding them they are not alone in their struggles.
A call for collective action
The involvement of artists in this discourse transcends mere defense of their work; it signifies a broader movement advocating for the rights and dignity of immigrants. The visibility these artists bring to the conversation fosters greater understanding of the issues at hand and encourages more individuals to join the fight against injustice.
On December 8, the White House shared a video that depicted the harsh realities of ICE enforcement, accompanied by SZA’s music. The video’s caption was provocative, suggesting that the crackdown on illegal immigration represented a positive development for the nation. In response, SZA took to social media to express her outrage, labeling the tactic as “PEAK DARK” and criticizing the administration for exploiting artists for promotional purposes.0