Music has been a tool of subjective violence and objective violence multiple times. The documentaries Shut Up and Sing!, Amandla!, and Soundtrack to War show how music is a tool to create violence and to stop it. In Amandla!, the music that black South Africans sang in protest were often heavy with objective violence. In this music, black South Africans protested against their white South African government and sometimes included hateful speech towards their superiors. Specifically during Toyi-Toyi demonstrations, these protests often would lead to, and end in, some form of subjective violence. Even though white South Africans were unable to understand the language of the Toyi-Toyi chants, the dancing and shouting that accompanied these chants …show more content…
People voiced their reactions to this comment by voicing their hate for the Dixie Chicks and insisted that the Dixie Chicks’ music be banned from being played on radio stations. The violence goes even further when it became physical, with people smashing and burning their CDs, and this violence escalated all the way to death threats being sent to the Dixie Chicks. Aside from how music can cause violence, these documentaries touch on how popular music and violence are more directly connected. In Shut Up and Sing!, it is clear that people do not expect, or want, to hear the political opinions of famous musicians, and the listeners feel they have the right to respond in whatever way they want to, no matter how violent. In addition, in the documentary Soundtrack to War, the most popular music is often the most violent music. This is because this violent music is the music most soldiers need to get into the right mindset for going off to war and to commit the acts of violence needed in the war environment. Moreover, it is not just the music, but the musicians themselves that interact with the
Throughout all the anti-war protests and marches during the Vietnam War, it is interesting to note the changes in the music of that time. From the beginning of the war, where support and loyalty from Americans was present in songs, to the end of the war, where anger and distrust was evident in musical lyrics, American’s opinion changed about the war. This change in opinion was easily recognized by the altering of musical lyrics about the war when Americans grew tired of the constant sending of U.S. troops to Vietnam. The growing dissatisfaction with the Vietnam War led to increasing levels of anger and hostility in the popular music of the time.
Topic: Natalia the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks made a negative comment about President George W. Bush and in result upsetting a lot of American Republicans displayed their hatrurite for the band. Audience: Americans Citizens spectating the outcome of the Dixie Chicks Purpose: Displays how a comment against the presidents can cause many issues from public and media criticism, fan backlash, threats from different politicians and from the rightward. Thesis: A statement sparks a firestorm formed by the right wing attacking the Dixie Chicks for their negative opinion on George W. Bush action on the Iraq war.
The United States of America seems to be protected by a very important historical document called the Constitution. Despite the fact that it was written and signed many years ago, the American people and their leaders still have faith in the Constitution. One of the major statements of the Constitution is the First Amendment, freedom of speech. Although it is difficult to decide what is offensive and what is not, it is clear to see that songs of rape, violence, bigotry, and songs containing four letter words are completely unnecessary for susceptible minds to acknowledge. It is reasonable to say that more people listen to music everyday and for that reason, music tends to be more influential. The American
Throughout history music has been used as a method of communication and protest. This trend spiked particularly during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and is shown throughout the decades with different groups or genres to continue in increasing popularity throughout the decades (Candaele). One particular song that portrays this is “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” written and sung by Billy Joel. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” exemplifies a popular song taking a stance against contemporary social issues in 1960s-1980s America, particularly involvement in the Cold War.
Through songs many people express their feelings of the world threw the words they have wrote. Many songs talk about civil rights of the people and how change should be an option. In the world we live in today we have social issues that people have to face such as: police brutality, racial profiling, discrimination etc. Through Kendrick Lamar, Public Enemy, The Game, Bebe Winans, and N.W.A they will use their voice as a weapon for change among all people. Music with a message thrives in a live setting, for obvious reasons, and many politically conscious musicians aim to channel the heightened emotions
In life, music affects everything many people look at all the different stories of teenagers committing violent acts and have begun to wonder can violent songs make teens violent? With all the violent acts that music glorifies as of recently many psychologists and parents alike have begun to wonder why certain types of music cause their children and teenagers to become so violent. Because of the questions that violent songs raise and why teenagers have started to gravitate towards violent songs more than ever before. Some factors that could be reasons as to why violent songs have such a powerful effect on teenagers could be that: teenagers learn violence from their surroundings, teenagers can have a history of violence, and violent songs give teens a place to vent their frustrations at,
From the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter movement, music continue to be the expression of all that is contained in the movement. It shows the struggles, the passions, the history of the movements. It gives hope, brightens the day, rallies, and unifies the people of movements.
Music Cannot Be Blamed for Crime and Violence Since the beginning of time, music has been the heart and soul for
To what extent can music provide a means of resistance for challenging the power relations of racism, class and gender?
In a broader context, protest musicians composed songs about student protests in which they firmly sided with the protesters, supporting their actions and condemning those trying to stop the protests. (OnlyEverArabella, n.d.). The ideas were expressed in music as it served as a form of publicity and promotion for the counterculture community during this era. The government continuously tried to prevent media coverage about these movements but their music simply spoke the
Boom, boom! Boom, boom! The kind of bass that drains batteries and the kind of lyrics that unload clips, these are the sounds that rap music produces. I chose this topic because I am extremely interested in rap music and I want to explore the violent aspect of the industry. I have never had a chance to look at the violent side of it and I plan to find answers to questions I have in my search. Tupac Shakur is one of my favorite artists and when he was shot and killed I really started to take notice of the violence. People were getting killed because of an image that was being set. What I really want to know, however, is why rappers feel compelled to graphically describe the violence.
Music and its powerful means to spread messages to the humans have a big effect on society today. It may affect one in a negative manner such as teaching an individual how to use foul words or it may put one into a bad mood. Although one may not know the hidden meanings behind one song influences an individual as well. One message spread through music is the idea of racism.
Music allows an artist to give those whose voice may not be loud enough to be heard. Their music can cover any issue of poverty, discrimination, segregation, people of color, oppression, and etc. The lyrics are the key part to get any point across but also any footage that accompanies gives the viewer more of an insight into these issues. Many artist/bands like Bob Dylan, Fort Minor, Joyner Lucas, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Michael Jackson address many issues the class talked about and the point of view of those who are viewed as minorities. The music these artists and bands produce gives the listener an idea of what exactly is happening in the world and what has happened. Each song individually covers the importance that we, as humans, must change the way we think and act and listen to the problems others have and even if it does not affect us.
Throughout time, music has been an influential part of society. As a form of entertainment and expression, its impact has always been felt both economically and emotionally. During the Vietnam war, music evolved into more a form of expression rather than pure entertainment. Emotionally charged songs became a method to oppose the war, and vent frustrations. While many songs opposed the war, numerous others focused on peace and happiness. They provided a positive perspective in an otherwise depressing time. Along with incorporating passion into music, cultural diversity increased in music greatly. Black artists became progressively more popular and accepted in the musical scene. This respect
Music is one of the most popular ways of expression and has been for generations. It makes us want to dance, inspires, soothes, relaxes, and sometimes tells us a story. Music is something the whole world shares and has brought together different kinds of people. However, there has been a question on whether some music has affected society negatively and crossed the line with some of its lyrics, content, and the persona of the artists. Certain music has been boycotted and even banned in the U.S. Pro-censorship supporters say that music is something that can deeply affect our society especially children who should not have to be subjected to things like violence, sex, drugs, or hate. However, being that music is a form of expression,