In class we talked about what ways we have been here before, in regard to the current situation of today's society. Firstly, we see the similar use of language as we did during the time of slavery. Words such as 'lazy' are being used to describe black people, just as words such as 'childish' were being used to describe blacks during the time of enslavement. Another similarity is the use of music. Slaves would sing in order to make it through the days, and in order to create their own culture/society so they could separate themselves from their white counterparts. Today, we see many artists expressing themselves in their art of rap, hip-hop, and just music overall. For example, Kendrick Lamar's song 'Alright' speaks to all the madness that is going on in today's world, but he says we're going to be alright because he is going to bring us joy and comfort through his words and message.
Music is speaking to the movement and providing hope. It can also be used to counter mainstream images. The aspect of non-violence is also prevalent. However, when individuals begin a violent protest it gives a bad image to the cause, when in reality the cause does not support violent protest, but it seems to be producing just that. The cause was not made to say that all lives do not matter, it was meant to address a social issue of this time. These similarities through history allow us to draw a clearer picture as to what might be the solution, or more likely, what we should try to avoid.
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