In this class, we have continually discussed the role of art, literature in particular, in resistance and political movements. As a form of expression, the production of literature is intrinsically linked to the process of claiming agency and becomes in itself a form of political and personal resistance. In our popular culture, we see music occupying a privileged role not only as self-expression, but also as a form of political activism especially during times of conflict. Music expresses the injustice of our times, our grief, our anger and indignation, and celebrates the self even if that "self" is deemed unworthy of basic human rights.
For this blog post, view/listen to some samples of politicized music from the last 50 or so years and then reflect on what you have seen and heard. In a 2-3 paragraph response, address the following questions: How do these artists use music as forms of political activism? Do you think music is an effective tool to express dissent and enact resistance? Why or why not? This post is due Thursday, May 15th by 5:00 pm.
Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'"
Gil Scott-Heron's "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"
Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name"
M.I.A.'s "Born Free" (Note: This video contains graphic imagery and violence. Skip this video if you don't wish to see such images.)
Killer Mike's "Reagan"
James Brown's "I'm Black and I'm Proud"
Lauryn Hill's "That Thing"
The Beatles's "Black Bird"
Bob Marley's "Redemption Song"
Music is one of the most powerful forms of art because it surrounds us in our everyday lives. Our popular culture is centered on singers and musicians and it is one of the easiest ways to reach out to a vast amount of people. Most of the time, listeners can find some identification through music, whether they can relate to the issues addressed in a song or not. Music is a very powerful form of resistance, especially in popular culture, because it has the ability to be heard by the entire world through radio, television, records, and the Internet. Whether or a not a song produces a concrete outcome or not, it can trigger movement and awareness at the very least.
ReplyDeleteBob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A Changin” states exactly that. Our world its people are constantly shifting and evolving from generation to generation, but there are always some people have trouble accepting it. I think this is a very important message that we need to take change with a grain of salt and grow from it, rather than dwell on it. The music video for M.I.A’s “Born Free” is a very graphic and controversial film that was based on real events that occurred Sri Lanka. The fact that they used red heads was very powerful because it further conveyed the gravity of these situations by expanding the audience and using a group of people that is not usually discriminated against. Doing this provides a broader perspective and puts a different group of people in the shoes of those who have been victims of genocide. An example of a recent song that conveyed a powerful message is “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, that brought up issues of homosexuality. The song addressed the fact that we are born with our identities and to ask us to change them is immoral and absurd. Overall, music is a very powerful tool to express dissent and enact resistance because it reaches out to a large audience who will want to react, especially when people that they admire are advocating this resistance.
Artists can be very powerful activist through their music. Music is accessible to many people all around the globe. Music is present all over the place even if sometimes we don't realize it. When a person walks to class, goes running, in a TV show, in a TV program, in Movies, play it while driving.Through the lyrics and music videos they want to share with people their stands and feelings on certain issues. I think it is a very strong form for resistance and dissent due to the large audience.It is not only about listening to a song or watching a music video but it is also about the spread of such options and feelings. I know I've hear the song by Bob Marley and The Beatles and a couple other songs that address political and educational issues. Some people become fanatics of artists such as Bob Marley that now even if he is dead his ideas, opinions, feelings live on through them and are passed on to younger generations.
ReplyDeleteEvery day we are told about racist encounters and more and more artists are engaging in this type of political activism very efficiently. Music is shared and little by little people become aware of issues and sometimes people take action in any way that they can. Sometimes that what music is, a call for action. Some songs or videos are harsh than others and have a greater impact, like in the MIA music video. We actually get to see and imagine how things are in some countries and makes some people realize that there has to be something done, that violence is not necessary and that we should at least respect one another.
The beauty of music is that artists are free to create and express themselves how they want and people have a choice if they want to listen to it or not. These artists use music to convey different types of messages. In "Times are Changing," Bob Dylan wants people to understand that life is a cycle and the road is going to end so you might as well enjoy and make the most of it. The "Killing in the Name" video was cool because one of the guys was playing guitar with no shirt on. That is him expressing himself how he wants to and if people don't like it then they are not forced to watch it. Artists can wear whatever clothes they want to give themselves a persona or just to be different. This is a form of expression that certain music listeners may choose to indentify with and listen to their music because of an artist's physical appearance. "I'm Black and I'm Proud" is a perfect example of using music to embrace one's identity and in turn, listeners can identify with the artist and enjoy their music. "Reagan" is a great example of how musicians are free to criticize the leaders of our country and how they portray themselves differently in the media than they do in reality and that they lie to us.
ReplyDeleteMusic is a great way to freely express oneself and enact resistance because it creates power within the people. If a musician reveals shortcomings of the government or embraces a certain identity, certain people are going to indentify with this music and agree and movements can be created this way. Bob Marley is a good example of this. He used his ideals and peaceful mentality to unite and bring people together who also felt the same way. He is still a profound artist today even though he is dead. Music is so unique because there is infinite room for an artist to express themselves however they want and basically say whatever they want. There will always be people who don't like certain music, but there will always be people who like and identify with it as well. With the increasing connectedness of the world and the increasing use of technology, music is so accessible and easy to find. Artists are free to challenge previously held beliefs or facts by defying authority and wearing and saying what they want and listeners can choose to indetify with what they like. Music allows people to be themselves and embrace their own individual identities.
The music samples span a variety of genres but all of their lyrics have the same message in mind, to resist those in power and stand up for your rights. I enjoyed Gil Scott’s spoken word about revolution because I agree with his ideas. He constantly speaks about how revolution cannot be done at home watching television because revolution must be done live. You must be actively protesting to achieve your goals, otherwise the status quo will never be changed. Scott uses his song as a medium to rally people together to rebel. Killer Mike’s verses about Reagan and US Politics were powerful as well. Everyone deserves and strives to achieve the “American Dream” but the government is not providing the right means to do so. The government wages wars on terrorism and wars at home. The government's unjust “war on drugs” targets certain citizens and imprisons them for long periods of time to make gains on money. I have learned about this in school before, but by using it as lyrics in his song, Killer Mike is able to educate masses and spread the word of unjust politics. James Brown uses a similar technique in “I’m Black and I’m Proud” where he sings about being proud of his ethnic identity even in times where racism is rampant. He expresses that everyone should never back down on fighting for equal rights. I think these artists are effective by using their lyrics to inform listeners about current situations and to enact resistance. Everyone enjoys music, and the fans of each respective artist will listen in and act upon on what has to be done for peace and equality.
ReplyDeleteIn this time and age of the digital revolution, the more recent videos depict the message of resistance in tandem with each artist’s song. I think that MIA’s Born Free video gave the most striking visuals of oppression. The video included a lot of violence from the SWAT team towards the red-haired people. Watching this made me feel uneasy even though fictional, but I can see that music videos can be effective mediums for raising the public’s concern on corrupt political situation. Since music videos are watched all over the world by the help of YouTube and other social media sites, this effectively spreads the word about oppression quickly to the masses. In result, people can group together and begin the rebellion online or in person through one video. (Similar to the TED talk about 21st century rebellion) I appreciated Lauryn Hill’s music video for “Doo-Wop (That Thing) because of the contrasting visuals There are two sides of the video, New York City in 1967 and New York City in 1998. From listening to the lyrics and watching the two sides unfold I found that Hill’s message to the present day African-American men and women was to resist the urge of being someone else - the men buying overly expensive things and women trying to be provocative and sexual. The music videos help viewers understand more about the song itself, and allows for the spread of information around the world quickly, which reaffirms music is an effective way to express dissent and enact resistance in others.
Music is not only a form of expression but a way of life for several individuals. Music acts as a tool for change in the world. Artists are able to bring certain social and/or political awareness to their audiences. Music, and even other forms of art, invokes emotion in the mind of the listener. Thus, it is a wonderful tool for self expression of the artist, in that one can actively redefine the role of music as not being just a form of art, but a form of political activism. Whether it is through the lyrics or the catchy tunes, songs (music) can be powerfully heard and interpreted by the artist and the listener. Music is also very much prominent in everyday life, whether it involves listening to songs on a computer or in the elevator. In this way, the presence of music is globally effective, and individuals all over the world are able to communicate their own thoughts/ideas through this universal form of expression.
ReplyDeleteThe artists and their songs listed above demonstrate the influence of music in enacting change and resistance. Although the genres of these songs are obviously very different from one another, the presence of enacting resistance and change is effectively shown. For example, James Brown’s song, “I’m Black and I’m Proud,” addresses the controversial issue of race. The title of Brown’s song clearly illustrates the artists’ opinion on this issue, as he proactively reinforces his ethnicity/race. His declaration of being black and proud is able to affect not only himself but also many other individuals that experience similar instances of racialization and discrimination because of their race. The role of music, in this case, encourages those who have been in similar positions and enacts social awareness of racialization as continuing to be a negative and overwhelming presence in society. Therefore, Brown’s song, as well as many other genres of music, openly express the artists’ and the listeners’ resistance against political and social topics by demonstrating that it is important to publicly express one’s opinions rather than to submit to these issues and remain silent.
The beautiful thing about these songs and performances is that they give a voice to causes that might not get as much recognition otherwise. My favorite example of this from these songs is the “Born Free” video by MIA. Without any background knowledge, the video was very disturbing, yet it was clear that she was trying to make a point about genocide and war. I looked up an interview on Youtube, and at about 15:40 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaK0YBA8Lss) she explains that she had posted a video of the real execution on Twitter two months before, without a single response. Yet her video was banned from Youtube. However, because she was bold enough to make the video she brought attention to important civil rights issues concerning Sri Lanka, where she grew up. She also explains that she wants other Tamil people residing outside of Sri Lanka, especially in Canada, to become educated about what is happening in the world. Even though MIA is not particularly articulate in her interview, her video speaks volumes and does exactly what the activist artist set out to do- draw attention and stir curiosity, even anger. Because of this, her music is an effective tool of resistance. Without any attention from outside of the country, the government in Sri Lanka wins.
ReplyDeleteThe artists also bring people together and inspire them to stand for their rights. James Brown’s “I’m Black and I’m Proud” (1968) is a perfect example of this. The song was released the same year Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot. There was a lot of political dissent concerning blacks and civil rights at this time. The song is a bold statement that expresses resistance to the way blacks were being treated. Brown states “I've worked on jobs with my feet and my hands, but all the work I did was for the other man.” This and other statements speaks for the black population in America at the time. The chorus comprises most of the song. Brown does not just sing it, but in his performance he gets the whole audience to participate in the singing “I’m Black and I’m Proud.” By the end of the song most of the audience is on the stage with him. This shows what art can do. Not only does it express how James Brown is feeling, but it brings people together for a common purpose, and makes the resistance stronger. My favorite line in the song is toward the end, “But we'd rather die on our feet, than keep a'living on our knees .” This statement is necessary, because a successful resistance is one where people stand by their morals no matter what happens. And this actually happened during the Civil Rights Movement. People died in the name of equality rather than allowing themselves to live with injustice. James Brown’s song is a reminder and an inspiration to continue to strive for equality.
I think that music is a very effective tool of resistance. Many think of music as something that is part of their identity. For me personally, music is something that makes me feel good and not only serves as a form of entertainment but also serves as an outlet for my emotions. Therefore I believe that people can relate to music in a way that is more powerful and personal than other forms of media.
ReplyDeleteBlackbird by the Beatles is one of my favorite songs. The lyrics paired with the beautiful melody of the song makes the song even more powerful. Paul McCartney wrote Blackbird about the civil rights struggle for blacks. Blackbird is the symbol for blacks. The song is encouraging, giving strength and possibility for the struggle against discrimination. As the Beatles continually sing "blackbird fly, blackbird fly" they are encouraging African Americans to resist the struggles of the time and use this moment of time to be free. Since birds are associated with flight and freedom as their wings gives them infinite possibilities. The Beatles make the same association by encouraging blacks to "sing in the dead of night". In times as dark as the race riots in the US, the band gives hope that the "blackbird" can sing and be free. The Beatles are considerably one of the most famous bands of all time and thus through the message of resistance embedded in their songs they were able to convey these messages across the globe.
Similarly, Bob Dylan's The Time They are A-Changing pushes for change. His song became an anthem for frustrated youth. He directly address groups of people such as "senators and congressmen" and "mothers and fathers" and encourages an acceptance of the new times by letting go of the "old road." Like the Beatles, Dylan also gained a great standing in the music industry and thus his music became a very influential tool to fuel the civil rights movement.
Music is a universal medium that connects all the people around the world. Music contains soul and feelings of artists that all of people can notice and comprehend even though people speak different languages. Moreover, when meaningful lyrics are combined with sentimental rhythms and sounds, the meanings of the lyrics are amplified and conveyed to the listeners more effectively. In addition, rather than documented sources, music can be transferred easily from one place to another. To disperse the music that expresses resistance, people only need simple conductors, such as television, radio, World Wide Web, etc. These days, the speed of spread of the music is very rapid due to the great development of computer and internet technologies. People all around the world are able to listen to the same music at the same time at the released date. So, it became easy to gather all of activists who have the same object through the message hidden inside the music. Therefore, music is the effective tool to express dissent and enact resistance and bring various political activists all around the world.
ReplyDeleteI heard The Beatles's "Black Bird." To me, this song was attractive because of the title and the lyrics. By simply looking at the title, most of the people can notice that the song targeted the issue related to racism. Right after I saw the title of the song, it reminded me of the will of black people of being free from racism like birds flying across the sky freely, trusting their own vision and decision. Moreover, the lyrics are mostly composed with some repeated lines throughout the song; however, the repetitiveness of the lines emphasized the sentiment of "blackbird," which is "only waiting for this moment to be free." Along with sorrowful and sentimental lyrics, the tone and calm rhythms further amplifies the meaning of the lyrics, conveying the listeners the willingness of blacks at that time to get over their lonely and deem present. I did some research to make sure of my opinion on this song. Paul McCartney, the writer of this song, began to write "Black Bird" based on the racial tension happened in Scotland. During the Driving USA Tour, Paul McCartney had an interview and revealed his reactions and song's intention on racial tensions: "I was in Scotland playing on my guitar, and I remembered this whole idea of 'you were only waiting for this moment to arise' was about, you know, the black people's struggle in the southern states, and I was using the symbolism of a blackbird." McCartney directly pointed out his use of symbolism to show his activism on civil rights of black people. Since back then, The Beatles were the greatest and the most famous singers in the world, their intention to stand against discrimination would have conveyed to the public more effectively and more easily. In these days, racial problems were better than the past, but it has to be mentioned through universal medium, music, to constantly remind the public of significance of the racial issues.
Musicians are able to pretty much say whatever they want, people are not always given their right of freedom of speech, but music is the perfect outlet for that right. Music can be used in a very powerful way, it not only amazing to listen to, and a way to escape your troubles but to also stimulate your mind to think about issues, and get fired up about a cause. I do believe that music can express conflict and indorse a rebellion. It has the ability to change or enable someone to stand up for what they believe in, especially when the music that their listening too is by a beloved or popular musician. Certain musicians are their fans heroes, they look up to them, and sometimes that reason is because they express their feelings and problems concerning world issues. They voice their opinions through their moving music.
ReplyDeleteM.I.A’s “Born Free” music video is so messed up, but so right on point. She is bring up the issue of not only the government discriminating different types of people but narrow minded people in our world that find ways to single out certain populations of religion, sexual orientation, or race and not only verbally abuse them but physically abuse them as well. I don’t think that she is saying that red heads are only being treated like this but she is sending the message that there is still discrimination present in our world. We the human race has come a long way from severe discrimination and dehumanization such as slavery but there is still racist people living in our world. Gay rights have been granted in certain states but there are still so many homophobic people living among us, who harass and bully homosexuals daily. And as I found out in Salvation Army, there are still even countries that have made homosexuality illegal.
Another powerful and very popular artist is Bod Dylan who is one of my personal favorites, and his song, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is a very revolutionary song but another song that sticks is to the man is, “Maggie’s Farm.” The song lyrics says; “I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more”. Dylan is not going to work for the “man” no more; he is saying screw the government, we are way too smart to be controlled. The song evokes you to speak your own mind and want to take action in living your own life aside from the government. Music can bring up feeling that have been deep inside you, but it is sometimes the bust you needed to get your inner rebel ready to stand up for what you believe in.
To me, music serves as a universal tool in allowing any individual or group express their opinion. Music can be made and altered in any way for any type of audience. Not only can one provoke emotion through the lyrics, but also through the beats and overall production of the piece. I have always been a huge fan of Hip Hop and R&B, and appreciated that Lauryn Hill's "That Thing" was on the post. There are several messages that Hill tells through this song, one of the most prominent being how her fellow Afro-American community should be wary of “That Thing.” Starting the second verse, “More concerned with his rims and his Tim's than his women,” Hill shows us how we can lose sight of what is important, in this case “that thing” representing material objects. I am always blown away by Hill’s lyrical ability that allows her music to serve as a weapon against injustice in the way she perceives it to be. Furthermore, in my opinion, Bob Marley is one of the most influential artists that have ever existed till this day. In his “Redemption Song,” that last song in his album Uprising, Marley effectively uses his lyrics to share his ideals on how only we can “emancipate [our]selves from mental slavery.” He outlines and praises the strife and political upheaval that his community has done and is capable of.
ReplyDeleteMusic is one of the most effective tools to express dissent and enact resistance. It is unique, and has the ability to be expressed in so many ways across the globe. Anyone can create music and express what he/she feels about a certain cause. That same piece of music can be vocalized to millions across the world in efforts to enact resistance and show support for a cause. Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley showed their political activism through their music for fighting for black rights in almost two completely different ways. Hill utilizes an R&B approach to her music while Marley simplistically pieces together his acoustics through Reggae. Both are irreplaceable in their own way, and both songs are extremely effective in what they attempt to express. The effectiveness stems, in my opinion, from the songs ability to appeal to the masses, bringing people together with similar beliefs. In conclusion, music is a universal and never-ending tool allowing anyone to express what they believe to the world around them.
I think that music is an effective tool to express dissent and enact resistance, especially because (for the lack of a better phrasing) music has the power to touch our hearts. In a way, music surpasses conventional literature in that, while many songs of resistance are written with beautiful lyrics, the melodic element to songs push the message to a new dimension, where listeners are more likely to remember the piece and feel the thoughts and emotions behind it. Words alone may not be able to move people, but I believe that its a different story when music comes into play.
ReplyDeleteIn the samples of politicized music above, I particularly remember Blackbird by The Beatles and Bob Marley's Redemption Song, both of which are songs that took me by surprise. When I looked into this blog prompt, I initially expected music of resistance to be something along the lines of bold, explicit and forceful pieces - however, upon clicking on the videos, I realized that my assumptions were far from the truth. Both Blackbird and Redemption Song are simple acoustic pieces on resisting racial discrimination, with a clear, simplistic method of delivery, featuring almost only the singer's voice and the guitar; yet, perhaps it is exactly because of the simplicity that the message turns even more sincere and powerful. Another similarity between the two pieces is that they both incorporate the use of personal pronouns, closing the distance between the singer and listeners, and also the distance between the listener and the cause. Taking the lines "you were only waiting for this moment to arise" and "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery" as examples, these lines are repeated over and over again throughout the song as a sort of central message, serving as an explicit call to action that strikes an impression in listeners. Consequently, the conflict addressed in the song (for instance, the civil rights movement) takes on a personal meaning and becomes relevant to the listeners.
As I listened to these songs, I am convinced that the artists were certainly successful in using music as a tool to enact resistance. While the pieces were not particularly forceful in the way they were delivered, the element of sincerity and humanity is what makes music a universally powerful way to connect to others, especially in times of resistance.
Jenny Chim