When I was a Republican I saw this talking point come up a lot and sadly I used to buy into it. Basically GOPers attack RATM by claiming they are actually part of the machine and justify their argument by saying other people such as outspoken actors in Hollywood have the same politics and that they charge high ticket prices and use services such as Ticketmaster, perform at large venues and associated with Sony Music (through Epic Records).
Reflecting on this it’s not a good argument. In life things are not perfect so while they may be doing things like using Ticketmaster they are still doing a lot of good things and working towards a more fair and equitable society, perhaps one day in part due to their music motivating and encouraging people to elect more progressive people Ticketmaster will be regulated or broken up.
It’s surprising to me to see the same talking points I’m familiar with come not from the right but come from the left because you and RATM likely have a lot in common when it comes to political stances. For example I’m sure you and RATM are both against police brutality. Even if Sony manufactures RATM’s CDs isn’t it a lot better that someone has RATM playing in their car instead of whatever right wing talk show trash is playing on Clear Channel-owned stations (now called iheartmedia)?
Reading that makes me very happy! I try tell people this whenever I can: there’s hope everywhere in America, no matter how red a state is now it can become blue one day. I was a Trump supporter myself and changed, other people can too! Think about all the people in Alabama who bought that shirt. If they banded together they could change Alabama for the better. Things won’t be instant but perhaps they get a better mayor elected, then a better state representative then send someone better to the House, then one day a better Senator. If we try and work together it can happen!