Are we entering a #MeToo reckoning for the music industry?
Digest
The episode begins with a discussion of Sean Combs's recent arrest on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The episode explores the allegations against Combs and the potential impact of these charges on the music industry. The episode then shifts to discuss the importance of new voters, particularly young people, in the upcoming election. The episode explores the issues that new voters care about and how their voices can influence the election's outcome. The episode delves deeper into the allegations against Sean Combs and the potential implications for the music industry. The episode features an interview with Naima Cochran, a music journalist and former music label executive, who discusses the industry's culture and the challenges of addressing sexual abuse. Cochran suggests that the lack of high-profile survivors speaking out in the music industry, coupled with a culture of silence and a tendency to dismiss allegations, has contributed to the industry's slower response to sexual abuse. Cochran acknowledges the challenges of creating a completely safe environment in the music industry, but emphasizes the need to shift norms, call out unacceptable behavior, and provide better training and support for those working in the industry.
Outlines
Sean Combs's Allegations and the Music Industry
The episode begins with a discussion of Sean Combs's recent arrest on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The episode explores the allegations against Combs and the potential impact of these charges on the music industry.
New Voters and Their Impact on the Election
The episode shifts to discuss the importance of new voters, particularly young people, in the upcoming election. The episode explores the issues that new voters care about and how their voices can influence the election's outcome.
The Music Industry's Reckoning with Sexual Abuse
The episode delves deeper into the allegations against Sean Combs and the potential implications for the music industry. The episode features an interview with Naima Cochran, a music journalist and former music label executive, who discusses the industry's culture and the challenges of addressing sexual abuse.
Keywords
Sex Trafficking
The illegal act of exploiting individuals for sexual purposes through force, fraud, or coercion. It involves the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or receipt of persons for sexual exploitation.
Racketeering
A criminal activity that involves a pattern of illegal acts, often involving organized crime, to gain an unfair advantage or profit. It can include activities like extortion, fraud, and money laundering.
Me Too Movement
A social movement that encourages victims of sexual harassment and assault to speak out against their abusers. It has led to increased awareness and accountability for perpetrators in various industries.
New Voters
Individuals who are voting for the first time in an election. They are often considered a crucial demographic in determining election outcomes due to their potential to swing the vote.
Music Industry Culture
The norms, values, and practices that are prevalent within the music industry. It can include aspects like power dynamics, creative processes, and the role of money and influence.
Q&A
What are the allegations against Sean Combs and what potential impact could they have on the music industry?
Sean Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering, and there are also multiple civil lawsuits alleging violence and sexual abuse. These allegations could lead to a reckoning within the music industry, similar to what happened in Hollywood with the Me Too movement.
Why do you think the Me Too movement hasn't had the same impact on the music industry as it has on Hollywood?
Naima Cochran suggests that the lack of high-profile survivors speaking out in the music industry, coupled with a culture of silence and a tendency to dismiss allegations, has contributed to the industry's slower response to sexual abuse.
How can the music industry change its culture to prevent future instances of abuse?
Cochran acknowledges the challenges of creating a completely safe environment in the music industry, but emphasizes the need to shift norms, call out unacceptable behavior, and provide better training and support for those working in the industry.
Show Notes
The #MeToo movement quickly gained prominence in the film and media worlds in 2017. Why has it taken the music industry so long to follow suit?
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