Sodexo Protest

Walking back to my dorm friday afternoon, I heard people screaming in mega phones, pounding drums, and chanting words. Then I saw a flood of purple. The Sodexo workers at Loyola and students were rallying around campus that day, protesting against the workers' under payment. I've never really seen a group of people protesting before like that, and never realized how it affects surrounding people. Everyone paused in their tracks to see what the uproar was about, thus leading to the spread of the group's message. It got so out of hand that police officers had to stand out of the Danna center and Marquette hall denying anyone, including students, that were a part of the protest. It satisfies me that a group of people are so passionate about an injustice that they can orginize a rally. It also satisfies me that they are allowed to do so. Seeing the rally made me think twice about my rights, and be extra thankful that I'm allowed to speak up if I'm not happy with something. Seeing groups of people chanting around campus, wearing t-shirts, and marching around showed how passionate these people felt about what they were protesting. Many were shocked to see what was going on, but then soon realized that what they were doing was OKAY. The only thing that upset me about the whole thing was the denial of Loyola students into certain halls due to their affiliation with the protest...aren't we a Jesuit school?

Music Censorship

The topic of censorship has a strong grip on my attention, and it should on yours too. Imagine a world with no music. Or imagine a world where you are told what to play, sing, and listen to in the privacy of your own home. No need to imagine. This is the world we live in. Some of us are unaware that we are part of the on-going cycle ran by the government. Through music censorship we are forced to listen to and hear music that is chosen for us. Do we really have freedom of choice? The answer is no. As talked about previously in class, we only have the freedom to chose between options that are provided to us. Music censorship lays a huge threat to musicians and composer, and this threat is growing. South African musician Johnny Clegg has said: “Censorship is based on fear.” Music is a free expression of ideas. Therefore, musicians express their hopes, aspirations, joys, and sorrows through music. These expressions may conflict with those of people who are in power. The ideas may be disrupting the idealistic cycle, sparking thoughts in listeners' minds. The answer to diminish this threat is censorship.

GET UP, STAND UP.

So, one afternoon I was hanging out at a local college bar near campus, and the song by Bob Marley 'Get Up, Stand Up' came on. I recognized the tune because I wrote about it in a previous blog. Little did I know that it was a song that was still listened to today and known. I saw numerous college students mouthing the words, and, to me, this was a shock. It's astounds me that a not so popular protest song written years ago is now a popular song that college kids jam to. While listening to the song that afternoon, it occurred to me that the song's powerful message can still be applied to today to many different groups of people. Whether it be an ethnic group, religious group, or age group, the song's message is timeless. It pleased me to see that people today are still familiar with this tune. I think we underestimate the power and life-span of protest songs such as this. The tune's ability to still apply to this day interests me, forcing me to ask myself how far we have actually come. I also find it interesting that this tune was being played at a bar where its customers are mainly made up of college students. What do you think?

Dynamic Duo: Beyonce and Gaga

Okay, so Beyonce and Lady Gaga are such a great combo. Beyonce's signature style of music and Lady Gaga's craziness and amazing creativity come together to create some pretty awesome songs and music videos. Beyonce's Video Phone feat. Lady Gaga is a catchy tune that makes you wanna get up and dance. At first you would think this combination of Gaga and Beyonce wouldn't really work out, but the music video proves otherwise. The song is definitely a hit! Gaga takes on a new, sexy look and leaves behind her crazy look so people see another side of her. The dancing is awesome, and surprisingly Gaga keeps up with Beyonce. For me, this proved that these two together are definitely a dynamic duo. To further prove this, the music video for Telephone was recently released. This is the ultimate display of Gaga's overflow of creativity. The video is like a mini-movie about Beyonce's and Gaga's teamwork that eventually leads to a mass killing. They work so well together and it is seen on screen. They are two artists that people never expect to work together, but gladly they went against the norm (which isn't really new for gaga) and joined forces. Something great has to come out of the collaboration of two outstanding artists! I think its really great that artists work together and share their different ideas. This allows artists to create and be a part of different kinds of music and it also broadens their music ideas and outlooks.

Then and Now

We look back on the past and think "gosh, I'm so glad I didn't live back then." We have this idea that today we live a better and more ordered life than we did in the past. But is this necessarily true? Are political disappointments less common today? Are there less homeless people on the streets? Has crime risen or fallen? Is our society today THAT MUCH different from how it was years ago? Hopefully these questions open your eyes to the fact that times really haven't changed THAT much. Now, I'm not denying the awesome convenience of a cell phone or ipod. I'm leaning towards more of the political spectrum. The 60's was a time period of chaos. From the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War, disappointment and protest were common amongst many citizens. Many songs written during this time can be listened to today and still apply to our political condition. The main aspect that we have in common with 60's is war. Many furious artists wrote songs in protest of the Vietnam war. One example is 'Eve of Destruction' by P.F. Sloan written in 1965. Almost every phrase of this song can be interpreted as a song protesting the war happening today. Music one form of evidence that shows just how much things have changed from the past. I believe it to be disappointing how many songs written during the 60's can apply to today's conditions. Although we have made many advancements technologically, have we really made any progress politically speaking? And if so, is it really that much?

The connection between music and politics

From the National Anthem to Bruce Springsteen's 'Born In the USA' America's political history hides within the lyrics of many songs delivering messages to the audience.Political music aids one of two causes; either serving, or rebelling against an institution of society. Political expression and music has a strong tie that is tightly bound throughout history. History is preserved in music. Music can carry either a positive or negative political message. Our National Anthem delivers a message of extreme patriotism and pride. Raising an attitude of devout allegiance to our Nation, this song carries the political message of America's pride. On the other end of the spectrum, Springsteen's 'Born In the USA' carries a more negative political message. The song speaks out against the unfair treatment and injustices of the land of the free. People speaking out against war, slavery, civil rights, etc. can all be heard through the many political protest songs out there. The impact of politics on the work of musicians is crucial. Many songs are written due to the influence of politics during that time. Music is a major form of political discourse through history. As John Street (1986) puts it, "The politics of music are a mixture of state policies, business practices, artistic choices and audience responses." Music has always been an effective tool in both creating and providing a commentary on social change and crises.

I wanna be Britney.

Britney Spears bombarded the minds of many young girls with her big break in 1998. Maybe not all young girls, but definitely mine. There I was, and eight year old Britney Spears wannabe. The name Britney Spears is one of the first names that pops into my mind when i think back on my childhood. I admit it, i was obsessed. I wanted to be her. My girlfriends and I would dress like her, try to act like her, sing like her..EVERYTHING! I believe that Britney Spears strongly influenced the lives of many of young girls world wide. When I first saw the music video of "Baby One More Time" I was amazed. She was my idol. The girl in the sassy short skirt, tied up shirt, and pigtails was the girl that me and my friends wanted to be. This is just a small example of how influencing Britney was on many girls' lives. Then she made another boom with "Oops, I Did It Again." Britney ruled the world of pop. As time passed, she started to break out of her shell and go towards a more sexy image. Many organizations claimed her to be sending out the wrong messages to young girls. But others say it is simply innocent fun. Was Britney helping to shape the world view of young children by giving an opportunity to talk about emotional and relational issues? Or driving young girls to go out into the world and act scandalously? What do you think?