OPINION: Should you choose music or morals?
INFOGRAPHIC: There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Coachella’s owner, Philip Anschutz, and whether people should still support the music festival.
By Averi Brayton and Hannah Cho,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–
Coachella, a music festival that invites the world’s most famous artists, attracts more and more fans each year.
Yet with allegations of the owner Philip Anschutz making donations to anti-LGBTQ, anti-abortion and pro-gun organizations, controversies have been arising about whether people should still support the event.
People should support Coachella
People should go out and buy their tickets because even though the owner is anti-LGBTQ, anti-abortion and pro-gun, most of the performers from last year and this year are pro-LGBTQ: St. Vincent, Tyler the Creator, Hayley Kiyoko, Perfume Genius and Cardi B.
This year’s line up includes Childish Gambino, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Khalid. Having a stage with an audience of 198,000 gives the performers a chance to speak out on the LGBTQ community and how they support it.
Even though Anschutz believes in controversial ideas, the billionaire still makes the majority of his money from other events he owns under his concert and festival company Golden Voice.
In addition to supporting the singers in their opportunity to speak up, there is also a positive to going to Coachella to freely express yourself with all walks of life. Anyone and everyone should feel that they have the rights to go to Coachella no matter what the owner thinks.
Having the opportunity to go to Coachella allows you to experience an amazing concert with an unforgettable memories, so it’s worth your time.
People should not support Coachella
At first glance, Coachella seems like a magical break from the dull monotony of school. But before you place your order for those pricey tickets or maybe even before you start saving money for the purchase, you should know that your money is falling into the hands of a homophobic billionaire.
In 2016, the Washington Post reported that Coachella owner Philip Anschutz funded organizations such as the National Christian Foundation and the Family Research Council.
The National Christian Foundation is known for supporting groups that attack equal rights of the LGBTQ community.
The Family Research Council was classified as an “extreme group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center, claiming that “homosexual conduct is harmful to the persons who engage in it and to society at large.”
As accusations started spreading, Anschutz turned to an alternative method of supporting Republican politicians who are anti-LGBTQ, anti-abortion and pro-gun.
Is it really worth it to hand your money off to such hateful causes for a fleeting few days of fun?
It may not be an easy decision for avid Coachella fans. Some have waited for months, maybe even years to finally see their favorite artists in person.
But every time you purchase a ticket for this festival, you ultimately justify Anschutz’s actions. The billionaire will not halt his support for hate groups as long as he continues to get the support he needs from fans.
There are plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite singer–tours, concerts, meet and greets, you name it. The damage countless Americans get from organizations that Anschutz funds is irreversible.
So instead of wasting $395 on a Coachella ticket, consider joining the #BoycottCoachella movement or even donating that money to a LGBTQ rights or anti-gun organization.
