Adele Petition Asks Singer To Publicly Recognize Her ‘White Privilege’

Adele has experienced success over the past two months that appears to go beyond anything seen in pop music over the past decade or two. However, there are some people who think Adele’s success is unearned.

A relatively new petition at Change.org, which pictures Adele in front of a Confederate flag, claims she needs to publicly recognize her white privilege.

“Adele sold over 3.38 million copies of her album ’25’ and the media is praising her as if Adele’s success has everything to do with talent. Rather, it’s her white privilege that has put her on top,” the petition claims.

The petition goes on to note that Adele has sold more than recent albums by Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Janet Jackson, while also stating the albums by the aforementioned artists are supposedly “better.” The mission statement of the petition says that the fawning over Adele by fans and the press continues to show how minorities are repressed in the music business.

It’s important to point out that Rihanna’s album ANTI hasn’t even been released yet. It’s also important to note that the alleged name of the person who started the petition is “Rihanna Jones,” so it could possibly be a Rihanna stan who is a little overzealous. Even so, some of the people signing the petition are pretty angry.

“Those who think this petition is ridiculous. Let me ask you this. Would Adele be popular if she was Black? Think about it,” says Alan Goldstein of Bulan, KY.

“Adele does have a good voice, but her whiteness has helped her succeed. She doesn’t have to work hard like Beyonce or Rihanna,” claims JD Young of East Orange, NJ.

The fact that Adele’s album has sold over 1.1 million copies in its second week, helping 25 sell 4.49 million copies in total so far, is likely more fuel to the fire. Billboard has the news.

“The final sales figures are in for the second week of Adele’s 25. Nielsen Music reports that it sold 1.11 million in pure album sales in the seven days ending Dec. 3 in the U.S. As earlier reported, 25 is now the first album to sell a million copies in two different weeks since Nielsen began tracking point-of-sale purchases in 1991.”

However, things get even better for Adele as 25 has become the biggest selling album since 2011, when Adele’s 21 sold 5.8 million copies. According to Rolling Stone, Adele claims Madonna’s most-critically acclaimed album has inspired her work in 25.

“The direct sonic influence is hard to find, but one of the chief inspirations for 25 was Madonna’s Ray of Light. ‘You know what I found so amazing about that record?’ Adele says. ‘That’s the record Madonna wrote after having her first child, and for me, it’s her best.'”

Many people considered Ray of Light, which sold more than 4.5 million copies in the United States, a huge comeback for Madonna. However, Adele’s 25 has outsold it in just a couple of weeks and proves what a phenomenon the album has become. Next up for Adele is a tour to support her latest album (not that it needs any support) and Forbes quotes Adele talking about stage fright.

“I get so nervous with live performances that I’m too frightened to try anything new…It’s actually getting worse. Or it’s just not getting better, so I feel like it’s getting worse, because it should’ve gotten better by now.”

Does Adele’s “white privilege” have any bearing on overcoming stage fright? Or, can she overcome her stage fright with natural talent? Her fans will find out on her upcoming tour, which has sold so well that many new dates have been added. Are you a fan of Adele? Let us know in the comments section.

[Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP]