On Monday, May 22, 2017 around 10:30pm, a bombing occurred in Manchester, England at the end of a concert by pop singer, Ariana Grande. 22 people, including children, died in the attack and 59 were injured. Her fans, transcending several generations, attended her concert to simply enjoy her performance. It is reported that Grande’s concert was specifically targeted by terrorists because of her image, songs, and what she represents to her fans.
Grande first gained notoriety portraying Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon TV series, Victorious (2011-2012) and its spinoff, Sam and Cat (2013-2014), as Cat Valentine. Grande’s singing career also took off around this time with the release of the Victorious soundtrack in and her release of the single, “Put Your Hearts Up.” Since, she has evolved into the pop singer we know today with several chart making albums and hit songs.
Ariana Grande is a role model for many, especially young girls. Grande has been able to strike a balance that so many young stars struggle with – the ability to keep the young fan base while evolving her act with more mature elements. While many of her songs have distinctly adult themes, she has been able to them inclusive, relatable, and meaningful to her fans no matter the age. Her most recent album, Dangerous Woman (2016), exemplifies this.
Dangerous Woman has resonated with many women through its balance of infatuation and messages of strength and empowerment. Grande, herself is openly a feminist and been outspoken about equality and celebrating differences. She works hard to project this image: a modern woman who is strong, in charge, and will not let any misogyny hold her down. She is the epitome of female freedom and that will not be easily erased.
Since the bombing, a stronger fan community, perhaps even family, has formed. They have rallied around her and her idea, even certain songs have taken on new dimensions. In addition, her significant following on social media is continuing to grow. Currently, she has 46.5 million followers on Twitter and 107 million on Instagram as of May 30, 2017.
While it will take time for Grande, her fans, and others to come to terms with what took place and grieve, it is important to remember that she is not at fault for the bombing. The terrorists who targeted her were targeting what they consider a threat: the very idea of modern feminism. They have a very different and negative view of woman and their place on society. Their attack on her venue is an attack on all women and girls. We need to take their attack and turn it into an opportunity speak out. This event should be used as a reminder of how far we have come and still have to go for equality for all. This should empower us all.
To help:
- Donate to the British Red Cross’ Manchester Emergency Fund
- Donate to the Manchester Evening News Just Giving Campaign.
- Volunteer and donate to women’s rights, equality, and related nonprofits
You can find Ariana Grande on Twitter @ArianaGrande, Instagram, and her personal website.
Note: Ariana Grande will be returning to Manchester to hold a benefit concert for the victims of this last attack. She will be including other famous headliners.
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