Music & Politics: A Symbiotic Relationship? - Essay Sample

Introduction

Music on its own, is a handy tool for expressing one's inner emotions and views. It is a reflection of what people in society feel. Politics, on the other hand, is rooted in conflict and harmony. It aids in solving problems affecting the community, thus creating a peaceful society. Music can, therefore, be intertwined with politics since it provides a platform for open expression of one's thoughts (Turino, 2008). Music has been used repeatedly over the years in America thus can be termed as a useful tool in politics. Below is a detailed description of how politics and music could correlate.

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Firstly, music is an essential aspect of campaigns nowadays to support one's cause. Vying candidates seek to awaken emotions of either empathy or trust in their probable voters. With this, the candidates can promote their beliefs, and the stirred-up emotions lead the potential voters to change their mind towards them and offer them un-merited support. Trump, for example, is known to use the song "We're Not Gonna Take It" by lead singer "Dee Snider" to set off the crowd (Street, Sanna and Martin, 2015).

Secondly, music could get used in demonstrations. Demonstrations are public marches by people expressing their opinions on some political issues. Most of these marches get to be accompanied by songs describing exactly how the people feel about the matter. Example of such problems include police brutality and oppression by the government in the country. This approach during demonstrations makes the people's idea clear to the leaders and often results in peaceful protests

Thirdly, songs have been used to give people hope in political times such as wars. Songs that emphasize peace are composed and played during these times. Songs such as "Give peace a chance" by John Lenon spoke against the death of civilians in an unnecessary war (Street, Sanna and Martin, 2015). These songs bring about the aspect of constant fight for peace and harmony in society. It teaches people that there are better ways to solve issues other than wars. It also emphasis on how a peaceful state resembles.

Moreover, music could get used as a means of educating the people on the society they live. Songs such as "Public Enemy" may be listened to for pure enjoyment but can also teach the people on various aspects of the community (Street, Sanna and Martin, 2015). These aspects include racism and the black struggle in American society. Even in "This is America" Childish Gambino tries to bring out various elements such as the level of violence in America and the haste of the Americans or the media to ignore their problems and take less care of their victims (Turino, 2008).

Besides, music can boost patriotism and nationalism. A song such as the American's anthem sang in various political settings stimulates people's love for their county. It encourages them to be loyal and diligently to serve their country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that there is a relationship between music and politics. It could be either positive or negative, depending on how it influences the people. Impacts of music in politics are felt in areas such as; during campaigns and demonstrations, boosting patriotism, during the fight against wars. Music is also a tool used to educate the mass on the political atmosphere of the society. Music influences the decisions of the public towards a particular political notion or state.

Works Cited

Street, John, Sanna Inthorn, and Martin Scott. "Politics and popular culture." From entertainment to citizenship. Manchester University Press, 2015.

Turino, Thomas. Music as social life: The politics of participation. University of Chicago Press, 2008.