MTV’s approach to addressing current issues came to a head last night during the 2017 Video Music Awards, as many celebrities who were able to present and accept awards made bold statements about the current politics in America.
The network even went as far as creating a new award, the Fight Against The System award, which was created to honor artists and entertainers who push forth socially-conscious messages via their work.
The award was presented by a descendant of Civil War General Robert E. Lee, whose likeness on a statue was part of the reason for the white supremacist incidents in Charlottesville, Virginia. While presenting, Pastor Robert Lee IV took the time to address all of the people who were using his family’s name to promote prejudice, hatred, and violence of any kind in America.
Lee said “We have made my ancestor an idol of white supremacy, racism, and hate. As a pastor, it is my moral duty to speak out against racism, America’s original sin. Today I call on all of us with privilege and power to answer God’s call, to confront racism and white supremacy head on.” Lee also went on to say that Black Lives Matter and Heather Heyer (the woman who lost her life in Charlottesville) are people we should strive to be like in the fight against hatred and injustice.
You can check out a video of his presentation below.
“I call on all of us with privilege and power to confront racism and white supremacy head-on" – Robert Lee IV #VMAs pic.twitter.com/ko4SM9VnaU
— MTV (@MTV) August 28, 2017
