Harry Styles says he ‘hasn’t been outspoken enough’ about racism in the past
‘Talking about race can be really uncomfortable for everyone’, says singer
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Your support makes all the difference.Harry Styles does not think he has “been outspoken enough in the past” regarding racism and the Black Lives Matter movement.
In May, the “Golden” singer spoke out publicly in the wake of George Floyd’s death, urging people to “be anti-racist” and educate themselves on racial injustice.
“I do things every day without fear, because I am privileged, and I am privileged every day because I am white,” he said in a tweet at the time.
The former One Direction star also joined a host of celebrities by donating to bail funds to help those who had been arrested during the protests.
Despite his efforts to stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, Styles has acknowledged that he hasn’t always done enough to speak out against racism.
During an with Variety, the “Adore You” singer elaborated on his views, explaining that “talking about race can be really uncomfortable for everyone”.
“I had a realisation that my own comfort in the conversation has nothing to do with the problem – like that’s not enough of a reason to not have a conversation,” he said.
“Looking back, I don’t think I’ve been outspoken enough in the past.”
Styles went on to say that this feeling pushed him forward to being more “open and ready to learn”.
“How can I ensure from my side that in 20 years, the right things are still being done and the right people are getting the right opportunities?” he explained. “That it’s not a passing thing?”
This is not the first time that Styles has spoken about the Black Lives Matter movement. During his cover story interview with US Vogue last month, the singer said that he is actively trying to educate himself.
“I've been trying to read and educate myself so that in 20 years I'm still doing the right things and taking the right steps,” he told the magazine.
“I believe in karma, and I think it's just a time right now where we could use a little more kindness and empathy and patience with people, be a little more prepared to listen and grow.”
He added: “I think it's a time for opening up and learning and listening.”
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