Since the beginning of time, music has been not only a vessel for creativity but also a window into the nature and inner workings of humans. Music has united communities by transcending boundaries and creating emotional bonds that defy the dividers of everyday society through universal struggles and beliefs. Music has been pivotal in moving political and cultural movements throughout history and modern culture. From Joni Mitchell to Kendrick Lamar, many different genres and artists have used their voices to express their opinions on current issues plaguing our world. This blog will delve into the role of music in activism and advocacy.
The Civil Rights Movement
In the 1950s, music as a tool for political advocacy rose in popularity due to the Civil Rights movement in America. Songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan and “Mississippi Goddam” by Nina Simone became anthems of power and unity in the fight for racial equality.
While these songs are beautiful to listen to, they weren’t made just for entertainment but also to spread awareness and inspire change and solidarity for the movement. The emotional story conveyed through songs like these lent to the success of abolishing segregation because they shared the profoundly personal messages and stories that the artists and activists of the time felt.
Environmental Activism
At the beginning of the 21st century, attention grew to the rapid depletion and contamination of resources because of literature such as “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson and “The Population Bomb” by Paul R. Ehrlich. With that, the growing environmental movement, songs centred around environmental conservatorship, also arose. For example, Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop,” wrote many songs about social justice and human rights, such as his 1991 song “Black or White.” However, he also dabbled in composing songs about environmental issues, such as “Earth Song.”
Another iconic song inspired by “Silent Spring” is “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell, my personal favourite of the songs mentioned. This song has become a staple for environmental activists worldwide. Joni famously uses imagery such as a parking lot replacing a beautiful ecosystem. It is a simple yet impactful representation of the repercussions of the exploitation of our planet, which empowered many people to fight for sustainable practices.
Modern Political Anthems
Through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the usage of music and other artistic forms in political/cultural movements has gained even more importance. In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement grew nationally after the tragic death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, though the movement was established in 2014. Songs like “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar have been used as an anthem for the movement and the beliefs that they stood by during these protests. The song is often sung at demonstrations and sit-ins, and the lyrics portray the startling truth of systemic oppression in America, which rallied protesters with resistance, resilience, and hope for a better future.
Additionally, the song “Take Me to Church” by Hozier is another modern song that highlights the struggles the LGBTQ+ community faces, especially within the context of religious institutions. In the song, Hozier tells the haunting commentary of the persecution of same-sex relationships and how the ideologies of societal prejudice and institutionalized homophobia affect women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
Music is a universal language that surpasses the boundaries of societal dividers. Music empowers people by connecting them and evoking emotions to help drive people to catalyze change. It’s important to remember that change does not necessarily only happen in Parliament and on Election Days, but that as citizens of the world, we can express our opinions artistically to spark change. If you have something that you want to speak up about, let this blog be a reminder that maybe using your creativity is the solution you need to manifest change.