Standing up against discrimination: We Are The Others, by Delain

charlottewessels.nl

Delain  have just released a fascinating video for the title track of their newest album We Are The Others. This song takes a firm stand against discrimination by making reference to the hate crime against Sophie Lancaster, which took place in 2007 in Lancashire. Sophie and her boyfriend were beaten comatose just because of their goth looks, and she died from her injuries. As vocalist Charlotte Wessels put it in the band's website:

Sophie's story hit close to home for us, being part of a subculture ourselves, but it's in no way an individual case. People are discriminated against all the time, to the point of violence, based on their cultural or ethnic background. 'We Are The Others' is our own 'outsiders anthem' for everybody who, deliberately or not, diverts from the norm. Whether by looking different, acting different, or choosing a different path in life than is expected from you.

I'm walking with Sophie tonight

She lives in the air that I breathe
I can't get it out of my mind
how you were left to bleed
Was it how you dressed
or how you act
I can't believe
how they could act so violently
without regret
well, we will not forget

We are the others
we are the cast-outs
we're the outsiders
but you can't hide us
we are the others
black-eyed and battered
you're not out there on your own
If you feel mistreated
torn and cheated
you are not alone
we are the others

As simple as air in your lungs
as simple as words on your lips
And no one should take that away
no one should argue this
Now with our heads up high
we'll carry on
and carry out
that we won't let them get us down
or wear us out
'cause we are not alone

We are the others
we are the cast-outs
we're the outsiders
but you can't hide us
we are the others
black-eyed and battered
you're not out there on your own
If you feel mistreated
torn and cheated
you are not alone
we are the others

Normal is not the norm
It's just a uniform
(we are the others)
Forget about the norm
(we're the outsiders)
Take off your uniform
(we are the others)
We are all beautiful
We are the others

For previous work by Delain, you may see an earlier post by black symphony here. For more information on the hate crime against Sophie Lancaster, please visit The Sophie Lancaster Foundation; its aim is to "stamp out prejudice, hatred, and intolerance everywhere," and its website includes the following video: