New perspectives through music

(The songs I write about in this post use foul language and some videos are very graphic. If you do decide to listen to these songs I would recommend listening all the way through.) Earlier this semester I wrote about how important communication was to work out problems. In class we discuss literature and I have learned a lot about new perspectives though our readings. Another powerful tool people are using to discuss issues is music. One of my favorite genres of music is rap and last week a song came out called “I’m Not Racist” by Joyner Lucas. It’s a very powerful song that shows people that there are always two sides to every story. Hearing people out before making generalization is very important. Taking a second and putting yourself into someone else’s shoes could change a person’s view completely. Exposure to things that a person can’t experience in their life could be portrayed to them in music and literature.

Recently there has been a movement in music. More rappers are using their platform to reach out to people, tell their stories, and talking about issues. Artists like J. Cole, Dave East, Joyner Lucas and many others have created songs which portray their experiences and the issues they had to deal with or have observed. Songs that I recommend listening to are: “Be Free” by J. Cole, “High for Hours” by J. Cole, “Don’t Shoot” by Dave East, “Land of the Free” by Joey Bada$$, “Untouchable” by Eminem. Each song gives a different perspective which is unique to the artist but they all talk about the same issue.

In class we read Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington which gives an overview of events that have occurred in the past several decades. It is filled with facts and is an informative read. While on the other hand we also read Home by Toni Morrison and Zone One by Colson Whitehead which are more personal stories about characters. Readers get to experience the stories alongside the characters while reading these books. I think this is a much more powerful experience especially if the book draws you in. Reading facts could be very informative but could easily get overwhelming and difficult to get through. Songs and written stories are an effective way to show new perspectives for issues that need to be talked about.

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