Music's Function as a Form of Resistance

Music's Function as a Form of Resistance ANTH 2301 Overview It has long been acknowledged that music is a global language that has the ability to arouse strong feelings and motivate people to behave as a group. When oppressed and marginalised, it becomes an especially effective instrument for resistance. This essay makes the case that music is a potent tool for resistance, enabling oppressed groups to voice their objections, band together against injustice, and promote social change. Examples of this include its involvement in civil rights, anti-apartheid, and modern protest movements. The Civil Rights Movement and Music Throughout the 1950s and 60s American Civil Rights Movement, music emerged as a crucial tool for protesting racial injustices. Music such as 'We Shall Overcome' and 'A Change is Gonna Come' served as a catalyst for inspiration as well as a means of organising and bringing demonstrators together. The movement adopted "We Shall Overcome" as its song, representing resiliency and optimism in the face of hardship. During demonstrations and rallies, the participants' collective singing of these songs cultivated a feeling of identification and unity, illustrating how music can cut over cultural divides and function as a catalyst for group action. Songs Opposing Apartheid The struggle against apartheid, a system of formalised racial segregation and oppression, was led by music in South Africa. Musicians like Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba utilised their platforms to educate the world about the injustices that black South Africans endure. Masekela's rendition of "Soweto Blues," which bemoaned the carnage of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, turned became a potent rallying cry for opponents of apartheid. Furthermore, the 'Free Nelson Mandela' movement, which featured music festivals and concerts, demonstrated how music has the capacity to unite disparate voices in opposition and mobilise global support against apartheid. Modern Protest Music The practice of utilising music as a means of resistance has been carried on by current musicians in recent times. For instance, several songs that address institutional racism and police brutality have been influenced by the Black Lives Matter movement. Powerful songs like "Alright" and "Hell You Talmbout," which not only confront societal injustices but also urge action and community cooperation, have been produced by artists like Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monáe. These songs demonstrate how music is still a crucial tool for resistance in today's society by acting as both a vehicle for artistic expression and a way to inspire listeners to get involved in social justice activities. In summary Numerous historical and modern circumstances demonstrate the use of music as a vehicle for resistance. Music has been a tool for the oppressed to express themselves and for communities to come together in opposition to injustice, from the Civil Rights Movement through the anti-apartheid movement and into the present social movements. The ability of music to motivate change and build resilience will probably always be a crucial component of societal resistance when new difficulties emerge. Citations P. Gilroy (1987). "The Cultural Politics of Race and Nation: There Ain't No Black in the Union Jack" Hatch, K. Hutchinson, London (2016). The Civil Rights Movement's Use of Music, Journal of American Studies, 50(1), pp. 1–25 T. Riley (2015). Sociology of Music, 12(3), pp. 233-249, "Music and Social Change: The Role of Protest Music in the 21st Century."