Why did mastodon hire a bolsonarist who rejects progressive cultural policies to be part of a metal band?
Before anyone talks about “why is this thread political,”If you don’t want to hear about it, you can move on to another post. I’m not looking for arguments, just discussions! Thanks!
alternative music has always been political. Metal music is political. Brann has posted political posts.
Over the past couple days, I’ve read concerning information about the keyboardist, Joao. After doing my own research, it turns out he’s an extremely right-wing (think MAGA level but for Brazil) news host that talks about and has fought against women’s rights, talks about global climate impact being a hoax, and generally appeals to conservative christian demographics. He and the umbrella company he works under (Paralelo, Brasil’s far-right media network). Some brazilians have said its the same thing as if they had some Charlie Kirk follower or Ben Shapiro follower join their group.
I’m just really confused as to why the band would hire someone like this when there are so many better people. Especially since Brann has come out saying he hates Trump and he’s “the worst president ever,” meanwhile, Joao supports Brazil’s president who tries to copy trump. Other brazilians have said that entire network is based on hating women, hating immigrants (funny, as Joao is from Brazil and lives in the U.S) and they act to elect senators who hurt minorities.
Here’s a good post with more info and linked sources: https://www.reddit.com/r/mastodonband/comments/1vnxx3s/comment/p44a8md/?context=3&share_id=DgU57OVWrtJrvBxi0jmo1&utm_content=1&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1
Personally, as someone impacted by these types of people, and having friends actively dealing with it in Brazil, Mastodon no longer holds the feeling for me they once did, which is sad, as they have been my favorite band for over 15 years. I grew up with their music helping me through hard times, but now when I think about them, I feel like they’re now collectively part of the problem for supporting someone who brings so much harm as a talk show host who actively get’s paid to spew right-wing propaganda, pitting them directly against people like me who are actively fighting for people’s rights, healthcare for those in need, etc etc, which is a deeply saddening feeling.
I’m posting this in the hopes of then seeing it at some point, but to also bring up an important topic to many people right now who have been negatively impacted by far right christian media making it’s way into politics (separate church and state, am I right?)
I’m also confused as to why they just don’t care about it, having wives and children of their own who are already being impacted by anti-healthcare policies. Lets also remember that healthcare and human rights shouldn’t have to be political. women's rights change by state but men’s rights stay the same across the country. pregnant mothers have lost lives, people have died with no affordable access to medicine and healthcare.
edit: from u/zacray
“There is a critical distinction that keeps getting lost in this sub: having different views on tax rates or municipal policy is a “differing opinion.” Active participation in media organizations that push historical revisionism and authoritarian ideology crosses into a completely different territory. We wouldn't brush off involvement in media tied to authoritarian regimes or far-right movements elsewhere as “just jokes” or “a difference of opinion.” Choosing to work for and lend credibility to a political propaganda apparatus is an active career choice. As fans and consumers of Mastodon’s music, asking honest questions about who is sharing the stage with the band and shaping their new material isn't “violating” anyone. Holding a band’s platform accountable to basic human values isn't “cancel culture” - it's being an intentional fan.
Rasta's Interview on Jovem Pan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ljP4lluiSY this video is relevant because it features João Nogueira directly discussing his political background and his shift to becoming a follower of Olavo de Carvalho in his own words.”.
I’m done responding because its mentally exhausting, unless you having something to actually add the the conversation instead of “i dont care” lmao