Protest Pop Video Analysis

In history, there have been many shifts in lifestyle, reform and in music. What has not changed was the way music affected these changes. Although there may be many different interpretations for these works of art, the truth behind them lies with the artist. There are many ways music can affect an individuals. Most of these feelings are personal and self-centered, but music can also affect a group of individuals. These groups mix and bond and share similar experiences and ideas whether it is joy or sorrow. The Protest Pop video has truly opened up my eyes to the true meaning of reform though music. Its compelling facts of history created an even more real and relatable interest for me. The music used to escort these ideas also aided in my understanding of what was going on at the time and what the people were actually thinking and feeling. Music is so touching and influential that it is utilized as protest propaganda, for monetary aid, and most importantly uniting people together. After watching Protest Pop, I
have realized how powerful music can be as a driving force for change. War is damaging as we all may know. It not only affects our lives in terms of finance but it also brings about death and destruction. Artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger and many others protested through song against these atrocities. Probably the most famous anti-war song was “War” by Springsteen. He asked and answered, “War! What it is good for? Absolutely nothing”. After hearing this song, I immediately recognized the tune, but I never actually deciphered lyrics or matched it to the Vietnam War. I asked myself what war really was good for, and the only response I could come up with was absolutely nothing. Was it because I really thought that or was it because I just heard Springsteen’s great brainwashing tune? The point is that Springsteen’s song was so catchy and so relevant that it was inescapably wedged in my mind. Now that I know it was a protest song about the war in Vietnam, I felt like it was a great technique to show opposition, and an ever better way to advertise protest. Music not only affects change through protest, but it also can be used for charitable fundraising. When Live Aid erupted as a charity for victims of starvation and disease in Africa, much money was raised to help support and save these African lives. The concert also brought about awareness to the American population about people in other countries that did not have the luxuries we took for granted, and how trouble-free it could be to help in their financial turmoil. “We Are the World”, was a song performed by the group USA for Africa that was comprised of some notable members such as Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. This song alone raised 7.5 million dollars to Africa. Not only did these aids assist other countries, but Willie Nelson started one of his own for the farmers of America called Farm Aid. It was so successful that within 20 years, Farm Aid accumulated more than 20 million dollars in aid for our agricultural workers. Although much money was raised, it could not have been done without the power of music and its ability to herd people together that want to make a change. Our freedom of speech in everyday life is constantly being taken for granted. We have the power to speak our minds, to “get up” and “stand up” for our rights. Blacks were enslaved when we should have stood equally. They shared their emotions through song and proverb. Being gay was, and in some cases, still is a humiliating characteristic to some, but people do have a choice in what their sexual orientation is. It is not up to others to classify them into a small downward-looked upon society. It is neither unfair nor acceptable for African Americans to be enslaved due to the color of their skin. Through music, Gays and Blacks fought for self-expression and for their cries of freedom to be heard. These fights were not fought alone they were united in their own society to stand up and fight for their rights. In Protest Pop, a man shares his experience about two gay men at an anti-racist concert. Wondering why they were there, he suddenly realized that they needed each other for that, through power in numbers, they were all “fighting against oppression of the minority”. They needed a way to express themselves freely without having the fear of being judged. These concerts brought people together to share their similar beliefs and sufferings and also to raise each other up. Through all of time, music has moved us in one way or another, whether it is love, sorrow, comfort or happiness.
The fact that music can also be utilized to create a more peaceful environment, raise money for awareness, and to bring people together defines its power in society. “Music unites people at an emotional level more powerful than just words alone”. We are and ever evolving species but we can never escape the emotional trap that music holds upon us. It is a remarkable entity that lives within us. It drives us. Music can be used to achieve great things and overcome great obstacles such as simply living through a day during the times of slavery. Yes, music can drive us to make great changes and do marvelous things, but regardless of the power of music, “the responsibility is on all of us” to “stand up for our rights” and make the difference. “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change”. –Michael
Jackson