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Music and Society

Decent Essays

Music and Society have always been intimately related. Throughout the years, music has had the power to influence the behavior of individuals and societies. Music has been thought of as a very powerful medium within social groups because it can facilitate communication beyond strictly words. Music has multiple meanings which can promote the development of individual, cultural and national identities. Today, music has been criticized for corrupting youth. For example, Rap music has been blamed for crimes and murders that take place within cities throughout America. Rap music however serves a more meaningful purpose within societal development and culture. The defiant images of Rap music and Hip-Hop serve as an inspirational outlet of …show more content…

Tupac begins his song with the verse, “I see no changes, I wake up in the morning and I ask myself, Is life worth living or should I blast myself, I’m tired of being poor, and even worse I’m black”. He also explains racism well with his stanza “Cops give a damn about a negro, Pull the trigger, kill a nigga, he 's a hero, give the crack to the kids who the hell cares, one less hungry mouth on the welfare”. Another stanza which demonstrates racism toward African Americans is, “I see no changes, all I see is racist faces, misplaced hate makes disgrace to races”. Tupac also raps about how the penitentiaries are filled with 'blacks '. He also explains how illegal activities are necessary in order for poor people to survive. He says “I aint never did a crime, I aint have to do”. Tupac 's “Changes” is very moving. Instead of mindless music which distracts individuals from their lives of poverty and from rebelling, this song presents the graphic imagery of life of poor people and their struggles to survive. The entire purpose of this song is to make a change and rebel against current social and economic structures, and move toward equality. Tupac explains the daily struggles of poverty and violence that people in the ghetto go through, and how it has become normal to them. He explains this with the chorus, “that 's just the way it is, things will never be the same”. It explains how the poor do not deserve to be poor, and try to overcome poverty, however their skin

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