Many may ask whats the importance of protest songs? Its not like these songs are hits or at the top of the charts. Many people don't even know about many protest songs. The truth is, protest songs aren't popular because they can't be. Many mainstream radio stations won't allow these songs to play on their station. This is sad because most protest songs have meaningful, powerful messages to get across to the public. Protest songs are important because they allow others to know that they are not alone. It helps the audience to realize that they are not the only ones upset with certain injustices in our world. They give a sense of community which allows groups to organize together and make change. The importance of protest music is seen throughout American history. Every major movement in American history has it's own set of protest songs. From slave emancipation to women's suffrage, the labor movement, civil rights, the anti-war movement, the feminist movement, the environmental movement, etc. Each has its own protest song speaking out against these injustices. Phil Ochs was one of the greatest protest song writer. His short career consisted of many songs ripping at just about every aspect of society, and all sides of the political spectrum. His song, "What are you fighting for" addresses many social issues.
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Nice cogent statement, and you mention a great unsung protest singer.
ReplyDeleteThough many radio stations do indeed try to censor these types of songs, what about the songs that we heard in class like Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" or Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" or "What's Goin' On?" Or even John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change?" and System of a Down's "B.Y.O.B?" These are all forms of protest songs, and were quite popular in mainstream media and album charts.
ReplyDeleteI understand that radio stations censor protest songs, but sometimes that's a good thing. Some protest songs like Bruce Springsteens's "Born in the USA" are not even taken as being protest songs because they are so mainstream. I think that the danger in making a protest song mainstream may cause the song to lose its meaning or some people might not grasp the meaning. I think protest songs rely mostly on listeners and how people interpret them and look for them.
ReplyDeleteNICELY SAID MISTER KAVIN!
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