Lorde shared her feelings about joining the now-global Black Lives Matter movement in a weekend note to fans on her email list.
“I’ve been following this week’s events in the States from New Zealand. I also attended the peaceful protest in Auckland today to support the Black Lives Matter movement,” Lorde wrote. “One of the things I find most frustrating about social media is performative activism, predominantly by white celebrities (like me). It’s hard to strike a balance between self-serving social media displays and true action,” she added. “But part of being an ally is knowing when to speak and when to listen, and I know that white silence right now is more damaging than someone’s wack protest selfie.”
Lorde included not only her verbal support, but also her tangible actions. “I’m still learning the nuances of all this. I’m still working out how to practice activism while refraining from social media. Numbers at protests and mass gatherings speak loudly, hopefully lead to eventual legislative change, so I do that,” she wrote.
“Money helps concretely, paying things like bail funds to free unjustly held activists, so I do that. I don’t feel completely comfortable posting donation links asking you for money – I don’t know what kind of financial situation you’re in right now. It’s on me to use my resources – resources you gave me, directly or indirectly – to donate on your behalf.”
Her main point of the letter was: “This ongoing systemic brutality by police is racist, it’s sickening, and it’s unsurprising.”
She ended the note with: “To my black and brown listeners – I’m so sorry this is your reality, that you haven’t had a choice but to be defined by this, to give it your energy. I’m aware of that tax on you. I hope white people you know are doing what they can to ease your load. And I really, really hope systems will change to better protect you.”
