Whether it’s banning books or preventing Macklemore from touring, silencing artists often backfires

A large-scale study of library circulation finds that attempts to censor books often boost their readership.

By: Naveen Basavaraj, Indiana University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 5, 2026

Words: 1,053

Last Updated: 1 week, 4 days ago

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By Naveen Basavaraj, Indiana University

If the goal was to silence rapper Macklemore by preventing him from touring with singer Ed Sheeran, it clearly backfired.

Macklemore delivered a monologue in support of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and performed his pro-Palestinian protest song “Hind’s Hall” during a Sept. 4, 2026, concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he was an opening act for Sheeran.

Ten days later, Macklemore was …

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