On August 27th MTV hosted one of its most famous events, the Video Music Awards. The night was hosted by a joke cracking Katy Perry. However, her jocularity was not what I will remember from this year's event. Three instances stood out from the rest of the evening.
Alessia Cara performed a powerful version of her hit "Scars to Your Beautiful." At the start of the set, she ditched her trademark comfort wear for a more lavish look. Throughout the beginning of the song, she took off her wig, dress, jewelry and even makeup. What she looked like at the end was herself, no makeup, in all black leisure wear. The message was clear. She was telling women that they did not have to go to any lengths to be beautiful. Alessia stopped wearing makeup, living the lesson she was teaching. Her performance was as touching as it is important. It seems that in the last couple years, The United States has begun to promote self-love. Alessia Cara is someone who has shown again and again that beauty is not defined by the products you wear, but WHO you are. Pink also shared an emotional story about her daughter and reinforced the message that Alessia shared. It is my opinion that this is what we need to be emphasizing.
Jared Leto gave a touching tribute to the late Lincoln Park front-man, Chester Bennington. If you are unaware, Chester Bennington died by suicide on July 20th of this year. During his speech, Jared spoke about Chester's life. He also spoke about the people left behind. This simple statement brings to light that suicide does not effect just one person. Your life touches more people than you may ever know. Suicide is not an easy topic to talk about. It is encouraging to see people like Jared reaching out and saying that suicide is devastating. He closed his speech with an important message; “If there is anyone out there who is watching this tonight, who feels like there is no hope, hear me now. You are not alone.” Every time I read that statement, I get the chills. It is so true, you are never alone.
Finally, Kesha introduced Logic with a goosebump inducing speech. Kesha's powerful introduction was punctuated by the Suicide Hotline number, which is also the name of Logic's song. 1800-273-8255. Logic, Alessia and Khalid took the stage along with dozens of survivors of suicide. It is important to spread the message that suicide is never the answer. In the song Logic sings "But you gotta live right now you got everything to give right now". This message is so important, it makes me think of something I was told as a child. Just give it one more day, and that one day could make all the difference. I am thankful that those who have the platform to speak about suicide prevention do. But, it is also important to know that you do not need to be a celebrity to make a difference.
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1800-273-TALK
