With today's Hamilton news, I've seen the onslaught of hate resurfacing- which is fine, self-expression is important- but I don't think everyone really understands what's going on here. Of course, I can't speak for all fans, but my love of the Broadway musical Hamilton does not cause me to "stan" or unconditionally praise the historical figures within the show. And really, none of those people are the reason I come back to the musical time after time.
IT'S ABOUT THE MUSIC. It's about the lyrics Lin wrote that inspire me when my life is falling apart. It's about the happy memories to which Hamilton was the soundtrack. It's about sharing my love of something beautiful with friends and family. Of course, not everyone is going to like the music and once again that's fine. I'm not trying to change anyone's opinion about whether or not they like Hamilton. I'm just trying to help you understand why the musical is beloved even if it's not loved by you.
Are there problems with the musical? Of course. It's man made and thus could never be perfect. Historical facts are missing or altered for the sake of the musical not lasting six hours. However, the purpose isn't to be solely informative. A musical is meant to be entertainment. If pure unbiased facts are what you're after, feel free to read all the history books you want.
While historical facts are missing or altered, the musical does not exclude certain events that show that the characters are complex and human. Yes, Alexander Hamilton is the protagonist. Yes, his achievements and struggles in life are highlighted. No, his affair is not swept under the rug. The affair Hamilton had with Maria Reynolds is a major arc within Act II and Hamilton does not go unpunished for it. The songs in which this affair is highlighted include "Say No To This", "We Know", "The Reynolds Pamphlet", and "Burn". ("Burn" is actually my favorite song as it is from Elizabeth Hamilton's perspective as she reacts to her husband's affair and the pamphlet Hamilton published about it to prove that he had not broken the law. It is gut-wrenching and the vocals are extraordinary.) There is so much more I could say but this is too long already.
I know I cannot stop the hate. People will always find some reason to hate on things that others love. Popular things are especially targeted because there is the misconception that all popular music, shows, movies, etc are empty in feeling or cheap or otherwise unworthy of being considered art. I don't know if there is some shame felt for "jumping on the band wagon" or some superiority complex in liking things that are "indie" or "unknown" or "underrated", but I've found that more and more people refuse to interact with some of the most beautiful things just because they are popular. And that's fine. You are entitled to your own choices and opinions, but please base those opinions in true fact instead of making assumptions on a topic you know very little about. I've hated things that I ended up loving a few years later and I regret being so closed-minded.
Once again, I am not trying to stop you from self-expression. This post is my self-expression and I wouldn't want anyone to shame me for putting my thoughts out there, so I would never do that to you. I hope you are safe and healthy regardless of whether you agree with me or not.
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