One day while I was driving down Main Street, I was listening to the radio and a rap song came on. Instead of immediately switching to another station, I stopped myself as I clung to the first line of this particular rap song: “When I was in the 3rd grade I thought I was gay.”

I’m sure most of you know what song I am talking about. But for those who don’t, it’s “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.

I continued to listen to the song and turned it all the way up to hear each word. It fascinated me like I’m sure it did for most of you when you first heard the song. A rap song speaking out about an issue that has everyone conversing lately— wow.

After I heard the song I had to listen to it again. The way it made me feel sent chills down my spine. I felt happy, sad and confused all at the same time, all because of some words. It really touched me how this artist wrote a song about this issue, where he touched on pretty much every important perspective pertaining to it.

Macklemore isn’t gay, so why should he have a say on what people go through who are gay? Right? That is what I’ve read lately. People don’t think he should have the right to sing about an issue he personally doesn’t have direct perspective on.

What I don’t get with their argument is, why are they pushing for “same love” and acceptance from everyone (including those who are not gay) but are upset with a song that is supporting all of these issues solely based on the fact that Macklemore himself isn’t gay?

Yes, these people may have obvious religious reasons, I don’t know. However, they should not be bashing on this meaningful song because he doesn’t have a direct perspective. He has his own opinions, morals and beliefs just like the rest of us.

It hurts to read these things on the Internet about a song people should be praising but there is rarely ever back lash from rap songs that are about “hoes and tricks” and whatever else.

I’m not trying to tell you what to think about the song, because like I said above, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. All I am saying is that we shouldn’t bash on something for silly reasons like the ones I’ve read about. Being open-minded is a key, especially in today’s society. So I encourage everyone to try and do that and unite with one another.