Using Art as a Resistance Medium A Critical Examination

Using Art as a Resistance Medium: A Critical Examination ANTH 2301 Overview Art has developed over time as a medium for cultural expression and opposition against repressive institutions. The topic of this essay will be how athletics, music, and the arts may question social mores and injustices. Notably, art is a potent tool for resistance that gives marginalised voices a platform to share their goals and hardships. Sport, music, and the arts are effective tools for resistance against repressive political regimes because they upend prevailing narratives and empower marginalised people, which in turn promotes social and cultural change. Art's Function in Political Protest Historically, art has served as a vehicle for political protest. Mexican muralists, for example, employed enormous public murals painted in the early 1900s to portray the struggles of the people against oppression and colonialism. In an effort to raise public awareness of social issues, artists such as Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros expressed revolutionary themes that connected with the general audience. Similar to this, street art has become a crucial tool for dissent in modern society, as seen by the creations of artists like Banksy, whose pieces draw attention to problems like environmental catastrophes, conflict, and refugee crises. These artistic expressions not only convey resistance but also help oppressed communities feel united and connected to one another. Using Music to Inspire Social Change Music has long been an anthem of resistance and a part of social reform campaigns. Music was a powerful weapon for empowerment during the American civil rights movement. Songs like "We Shall Overcome" and compositions by musicians like Nina Simone and Sam Cooke sparked outrage against racial injustice. Comparably, Bob Marley's groundbreaking Jamaican reggae music tackled issues of oppression and resistance, emerging as a global voice for underprivileged groups. These musical heirlooms show how lyrics and beat can evoke optimism, crossing divides and spurring group action against repressive systems. Athletic Events as Resistance Platforms Despite being sometimes dismissed as simple amusement, sport has provided a forum for activism and opposition. A significant instance occurred during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics when two African American competitors, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, defied racial prejudice by raising their fists in a Black Power salute during the medal ceremony. This act of rebellion went beyond athletics and came to represent the fight against racial injustice. Additionally, protests against social injustices by sportsmen, such as the American football phenomenon known as "Kneeling during the National Anthem," show how sport can effectively advocate for change and raise awareness in the face of systematic oppression. In summary To sum up, sports, music, and the arts are powerful tools for resistance that strengthen the voices of the marginalised and support social movements that oppose oppressive systems. Through powerful songs, political murals, and athlete advocacy, these media expose social injustices and subvert prevailing narratives. The aforementioned historical and modern examples highlight the significance of artistic expression in the continuous fight for justice, serving as a compelling reminder that resistance may take many different forms and that art can act as a catalyst for change. Citations Braden B. (2009). A brief history of protest art's influence. Contemporary Art Journal, 25(4), 14–29 P. Gilroy (2002). Union Jack: The Cultural Politics of Race and Nation; No Black in It. Publishers T. Smith (2018). Soundtracking Social Justice: The Civil Rights Movement via Music. 51(2), African American Review, 215-232 Walsh (2015) was a C. Athletic Activism: Sport's Place in Political Protest. 50(5), 516–532, International Review for the Sociology of Sport