In the media I consumed a lot of focus during Covid was: if we cannot perform and we don’t get financial aid, how do we continue make music/art/theatre etc. and it clicked for me that listening to Spotify will not feed the artists.

So as soon as some kind of open air, distance concert was on, I purchased tickets. For me it was kind of cool, because I am very small and never see the stage. Having beach/ deck chair concert or “sitting” at a table was nice since I could see the stage. But I obviously are happy to have the opportunity again to jump into a pogo pit or Schlagerstrudel.

Teenage me would be very confused to know I listen to hip hop now too. But I try to enjoy new music, listen to upcoming artists and just be excited.

Since Covid I go to concerts more often. Try to purchase a new ticket before I go to the last concert I already have tickets for.

So I go to 2-4 paid events and maybe 1-2 for free events a year. This includes concerts and 1-day-festivals. I shifted from only seeing the one fav-band I have and now buy a ticket for everything I like and like to support. No matter if they are small or big names. When I was young, I only saw the one punk rock band. Now I go to pop concerts, gangster rap etc. just listen to whatever I think is cool.

I get you and sure some themes hit harder than others. I myself no kids etc thought pet sematary was an ok book and I have read many comments saying it hits harder being a parent/father.

But there is a difference between: will we get the male perspective and I am not interested in the plot of a female one. Therefore devaluing it.

In a radio show introducing an entertainment to your audience, giving a platform to an author and then being dismissive feels so stupid.

I am especially enjoyed since it was on air in the youth centre. Boys and man constantly use girl and woman and anything related to it as insult. (And obviously gay, which is my personal journey to remind everyone that it is not an insult.) Just selecting a female team in FIFA was nearly too much to ask.

A couple of month ago I was volunteering in my youth centre. We always have the radio on. On air was an interview of a female author writing about a woman and her struggles as a mom and wife, falling for another man. The male interviewer had the audacity to ask if there are any themes in the book which could interest him as a male reader (imagine a very condescending tone).

Reducing “female” themes to lesser themes is so annoying, hurtful and stupid.