Music Is Everything

We are living in a strange time, especially in the USA where for many of the USA citizenry, education is not something to be admired or sought out.

Personal opinion replaces fact, and ignorance is something to be proud of. I am writing this in response to the "cancel culture" toward musicians and other celebrities. The minute an artist of any kind publicizes their opinion, all the ignorant haters come out in force claiming they will never purchase that person's art again and that they will lose money, etc. etc.

Newsflash. Most artists who are driven to perform or produce work that is political in nature really do not care if you like them or not or if you are going to stop buying their work. For most artists with integrity, it is about the work not the money.

Music has been part of the political landscape since man could sing. Also for many artists, expressing themselves honestly is more important to them than maintaining a fan base or making money. I know this is a strange concept, but many artists have integrity unlike the orange turd that you so admire sitting in the White House.

I'm going to post a little education here for you but I imagine it's probably going to be out of most of y'all's wheelhouses.

Music and politics have been intertwined throughout history, with music serving as a tool for expressing political views, promoting ideologies, and even inciting social change. From ancient times to the modern era, music has been used to support, critique, and challenge political systems and events.

Early Examples and Connections:

Ancient Greece: Music played a vital role in Greek society, with its use in religious ceremonies, public gatherings, and even warfare.

Medieval Times: Music was heavily influenced by the Church, with liturgical music serving as a tool for religious instruction and social control.

18th and 19th Centuries: Music became increasingly associated with national identity and political movements. Folk songs, ballads, and anthems were used to express patriotic sentiments and rally support for various causes.

20th Century: Music played a significant role in both supporting and opposing political regimes. Totalitarian states, like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, attempted to control and instrumentalize music for propaganda purposes. Simultaneously, music emerged as a powerful tool for protest and social change, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war protests.

Music as Political Communication:

Protest Music: Music can be a powerful form of resistance, expressing dissent and challenging the status quo. Examples include folk songs of the Civil Rights era and punk rock music of the 1970s.

Propaganda: Music has been used by political entities to promote their agendas and shape public opinion. Examples include the use of patriotic songs and marches during wartime.

Instrumentalization: Political regimes have often attempted to control and manipulate musical expression to serve their own interests.

Resistance: Music can be a form of resistance by providing a platform for marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives.

Examples of Music's Role in Political History:

American Civil Rights Movement: Folk songs like "We Shall Overcome" became anthems of the movement, inspiring activists and mobilizing support.

Anti-Vietnam War Protests: Music played a crucial role in the anti-war movement, with artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez using their songs to express opposition to the war.

Fall of the Berlin Wall: The lifting of the Iron Curtain was accompanied by the powerful symbolism of music, with songs like "Wind of Change" by the Scorpions becoming a global anthem.

Contemporary Issues:

Digital Platforms: The rise of digital music platforms has created new avenues for both political expression and manipulation. Algorithmic recommendations on streaming services can shape musical tastes and potentially reinforce existing political narratives.

Political Polarization: Music can be used to reinforce political divisions, with artists and audiences often aligning with specific ideological viewpoints.

In conclusion, music has consistently served as a powerful force in political history, reflecting, shaping, and even driving social and political change. Its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, convey complex ideas, and mobilize collective action makes it a unique and enduring form of political communication.

Before spouting self-righteous ignorance, let's try making educating ourselves a priority.