'Game Grumps' host Arin Hanson 'torn' about making statement on BLM, fans say 'if Logan Paul can, so can you'
Arin Hanson, the host of 'Game Grumps', a YouTube web series, tweeted that the show had been receiving several requests to make a statement on the George Floyd protests that had been taking place across the USA, at the moment. Hanson wrote that he was "torn" and didn't know what to do, as Game Grumps was a brand, and not a person. Hanson tweeted, "Game Grumps has received many requests to make a statement about BLM (I am in support of BLM personally). I'm torn because Game Grumps is a brand, not a person. Would love to hear ya'lls thoughts on this, please let me know."
Followers were rather irritated with this and said that if YouTube sensation Logan Paul could do it, so could Game Grumps. "If Logan Paul can make a statement without hesitation on the issues, so can you." Logan Paul devoted the latest episode of 'Impaulsive', to discuss the system racism prevailing in the world after George Floyd's death. The 25-year-old acknowledged his "white privilege" in a one-hour long episode and said, "Listen closely. One of my biggest learnings from all of this and I am embarrassed that it has taken me 25 years to realize this: It is not enough to be 'not racist'. You have to be anti-racist. Condemn those who feign superiority because of the color of their skin. Friends—hold friends accountable. Hold your family accountable. Hold yourself accountable."
Another tweeted, "Arin Hanson, hero to the people: Gee, I don't know. What if I lose some of my lots and lots of money for saying I don’t want black people to be murdered? What if I pee pee? What if I poo poo? Logan Paul, sentient flip flop: BLACK LIVES MATTER YELL AT YOUR RACIST AUNT!"
Meanwhile other fans impressed upon Hanson the importance of using his platform to speak up. "You have a reach of 5.3M people. Please consider — how many of them are black and terrified right now and value support, how many are WILLING to learn and listen and would appreciate the perspective, and how many are racists that you DON'T want to represent you & could afford losing," a fan wrote, adding, "Game Grumps is a brand, but it's a brand built off the personalities of the individuals who made it. It's built off people. If those people have something to say, say it with your platform. If you can say the funny hahas, you can say this."
"I think it is very important, now more than ever, that you stand with the movement even as a brand. The biggest thing people with influence can do is make a statement and Game Grumps would most likely reach more people then you as an individual," another wrote. "A brand means nothing, it's the people behind the brand that need to be outspoken, leave your brand out of it and just speak your own feelings," a fan wrote.
Hansen thanked everyone for the feedback and explained his hesitation in doing so. "Thanks for the feedback. My hesitation was that a statement from a brand would ring hollow. I realize from your feedback that silence is a privilege many don’t have, and I find myself angry that I had any hesitation to begin with. I will make a statement and an act of solidarity with Game Grumps and will continue to amplify Black voices and ways to help support the cause with my personal platform as well. Thank you all again."