As many of us know, racism has been around since as early as the 1400's. Gregory K. Freeland's article " 'We're a Winner': Popular Music and the Black Power Movement" examines cultural forms and political opportunities that are critical to political movements. It was clear the movement stood for cultural, economic, and political change. During the Civil Rights Movement many African Americans struggled to posses political and social rights. From that, the Black Power Movement called for blacks to "unite" and "inspire/drive social movements". Freeland stated, "Popular music was viewed as a vehicle for mobilization that could challenge the inequities of American capitalism and racism..." (Freeland 261) The artist who expressed their frustration and produced many songs that molded the BPM was Curtis Mayfield. Mayfield not only had black pride, but his determination helped BPM tremendously. "We're a Winner" which was written by Mayfield was seen as "...the essential ideological message of the BPM." (Freeland 262)
It's amazing how music can bring a community together to fight for whats right. How it has a way of connecting to the listener and being able to influence them to support the movement, in which many were fighting. Record producers were dedicating their work to music that would uplift mass audiences supporting black pride and power. As I read Freeland's article it was just astonishing the levels of power within the music makers and audience. It was clear that if an artist got a message out through music, everyone who listens will support them. Through music the artist who supported the BPM were producing music they wanted in which would reflect their own future. It was amazing the power that came from the people fighting for whats right, and to gain rights deserved.
It's amazing how music can bring a community together to fight for whats right. How it has a way of connecting to the listener and being able to influence them to support the movement, in which many were fighting. Record producers were dedicating their work to music that would uplift mass audiences supporting black pride and power. As I read Freeland's article it was just astonishing the levels of power within the music makers and audience. It was clear that if an artist got a message out through music, everyone who listens will support them. Through music the artist who supported the BPM were producing music they wanted in which would reflect their own future. It was amazing the power that came from the people fighting for whats right, and to gain rights deserved.
Amber, I agree with you that music can bring a community together to fight for what's right. Also, I liked how you talked about the power that came from the people.
ReplyDeleteAmber, it is definitely true the power of music to bring a community together but at the same time music ca be just like politics. It could make people choose to b e in different sides because of their different ways they see things.
ReplyDeleteAmber, it is definitely true the power of music to bring a community together but at the same time music ca be just like politics. It could make people choose to b e in different sides because of their different ways they see things.
ReplyDeleteSilvia, I definitely agree with you. Artists have a lot of power in the way that they influence plenty of people. So if a person is racist or for an example an artist is culture appropriation then their fans might think it's okay for example for them to do the same.
ReplyDeleteIt really is amazing that music has the power to bring a whole community together, because there's not many things that can do that. Music is such a big influence because it's always there to fall back on. If a person is a fan of a particular artist there's usually a reason for it and if they protest against or for something In their music they are going to gain the support of that fan.
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