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Music Social Justice

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The Sounds of Social Justice

Social movements are indicative of existing culture which is why when there is strong lobbying for social change those ideals are reflected in the music being created at that time. “Music has been one social arena more inclusive than many other arenas in American society.” (SOURCE HERE). However, the prejudice that has existed within our society is still equally as evident in music. When examining race relations throughout history, it is clear that while music was a tool used to liberate people of color it additionally has been utilized to suppress them. This suppression is apparent in the stereotypical imagery employed in song lyrics, performance styles like blackface, and the misappropriating of the credit …show more content…
The music they created represent the sounds of social justice and helped them fight for their equality. Minstrel shows were a typical outlet where racist ideology could be expressed. Actors like Thomas Dartmouth Rice, George Washington Dixton, and countless others would paint their skin black and dress up in costumes to perform songs that perpetuated racial stereotypes like the dumb but loyal slave or a heathen vandal like persona. These shows were suppose to be comedic but were fueled by real prejudice and allowed real hatred to fester throughout America. It is claimed these shows existed to express how whites felt marginalized by black culture but it is evident these shows had no other purpose but to mock African Americans. The songs they performed mimicked a syncopated rhythm featured in traditional African American songs but could never quite nail down the complex beat that was used in traditional African American …show more content…
Their agents were often dishonest with them about the royalties they made and the copyright laws on their music. Regardless, race records helped make rise to a genre that is still popular today rhythm and blues. Rhythm and blues originated from African American artists for African Americans. The style of rhythm and blues implements a constant beat and heavy base. The lyrics captured the feelings, emotions, and struggles African Americans had while trying to attain equality. It allowed people who have never understood what facing racism is like to understand how daunting and draining it is. Hip-Hop and rap are notorious for achieving the same effect, being a predominately African American dominated genre it holds true as a voice for the struggles of that community. Currently a lot of hip-hop and rap music tackles the issue of police brutality, expressing how African Americans are being unfairly targeted and killed by the police. Music allows a bond between people that enables them to comprehend and empathize, " A pamphlet, no matter how good, is never read but once, but a song is learned by the heart and repeated over and over." (Rosenthal and

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