We all
have our political views, but when you start mixing music and your beliefs
together what will be the outcome likely. The 2012 Presidential elections
are coming up soon and the politicians are pulling out all the stops.
More and more celebrities are endorsing political campaigns. It really
makes you wonder on how much does music has to do with politics. Do music and politics mix? If
you’re favorite artist was endorsing a candidate that you didn’t care for would
you still support them? Music gives you the freedom to write and
sing about whatever you like. The connection between music and politics has gone back many
years. We have music in our patriotic songs, political campaigns, national
anthem and anti-war songs.
Greenwald,
Schneider and Mapes (2012) stated, “Music and politics have long gone
hand in hand. But the two haven't always seen eye-to-eye. From protest songs of
Woodie Guthrie to the streetside concerts of Occupy Wall Street.” A few examples
of when music and politics didn’t
mix were when Former President Ronald Regan used Bruce Springsteen’s song “Born
in the U.S.A. in 1984 without permission. John McCain used the Foo Fighters,
Jackson Browne and John Mellencamp without permission. Sarah Palin’s play
the song “Barracuda” by the Heart’s without permission. Lets not forget
about when The Dixie Chicks were boycotted for talking about being ashamed of
Former President George W. Bush while on tour. The music industry was
just in an uproar over Nicki Minaj endorsing Republican Presidential candidate
Mitt Romney. So who says that the music and politics don’t mix?
I think music plays an important role in politics, all the way back to the
1700. You will always have to consider where and when you are playing
this music. Music will always have a way of making you feel a certain
kind of way. Music can bring you together or tear you apart.
On a positive
note Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s decided to create a vision to
mix music and politics. Her vision will feature over 21 countries
touring around the United States to bring people together to engage and create
a better understanding of our difference in Diplomacy. According to
an Office of the Spokesperson (2012) “The One Beat Program will start in New Smyrna
Beach, FL and tour to Charleston, SC; Asheville,
NC; Floyd, VA; Roanoke, VA; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; and New York,
NY to engage with local musicians, and conduct outreach workshops with local
youth.”
So I
asked the question before, if your favorite artists supported a political
campaign would you still support that artist? These are things that make
you wonder and question what roles music plays in our life. How much does
music influence what we do in our life? You can deliver a powerful message
when, where, what and how this song the performed.
The beauty
of music is the creation of where it comes from, so be
unique and different!
unique and different!
Sing,
write, compose and produce from your heart!
You bring up an interesting topic in your post. A lot of people feel that music and politics do not go hand in hand however I disagree. Music is about life, and the experiences we go through. Our life and experiences are heavily affected by politics. This can be positive or negative; however artists like Janis Joplin, Bob Marley, and Kanye West have incorporated political issues in their music and have touched millions of people. Of course music effects all of differently but I see no problem with involving music with politics. This can also be applied to Literature. Reading a novel is a way for readers to mentally escape their surrounding and leap into another world. However many novels involve politics, and it is something we can't escape. Whether the topics or in the novel are about love, loss, triumphs and failures, there is usually some underlying political issues of the role woman play in society, substance abuse, child care, and the list goes on and on. I am really happy I got to read your post, and I really appreciate your insight. Great topic!
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