In my household, we barely talk about politics. The country in which I was born and raised, we are not encouraged to talk about politics. In this country, which I now call home, we try to avoid political discussions due to the fear of controversy among family members. So what makes politics the forbidden fruit?
By nature, politics is often controversial, because it determines the allocation of a society's values. Allocation is the key. If the allocation is not fair then there is an issue. The issues are usually related to American society's values. Our values and beliefs change over time. One generation differs from the other. American society's values include freedom, equality, family, faith and many more. When these fundamental values are taken away from us, we must protest (for example, civil rights). Many people speak up in public, but others choose to use music to express their ideas and opinions.
The very first protest song, "Strange Fruit", was sung by Billie Holiday. Her deep voice goes perfectly with the melody and lyrics. We can easily sense the pain from the lines - "blood on the leaves and blood at the root". "Then the sudden smell of burning flesh" intensify the undertone of the song. It implies the KKK's atrocity in the South. The black and white video on Youtube makes us sob together with Billie Holiday...
2 comments:
I think it is going to be really interesting to read all of your views on this, Amber, considering your background. I am excited to hear what you think about American politics and protest songs and everything! You'll be a fresh voice in this discussion. :)
You mention how politics can be controversial, and you are definitely right. What is great about this country, I think, is that we are able to have the freedom to discuss our political views and stand up for our beliefs (at least most of the time...). The cool thing is that Americans can argue about political views that they disagree on, and then go out to dinner or something and enjoy being with each other. We don't have to let differing political opinions stop us from seeing each other as friends.
I think what Allie said is right; the really great thing about America is that politics are really important to us becuase we love to exercise the rights given to us by our constitution, but we can leave those differences momentarily behind out of respect for others' differing views for the sake of frienship. We value our freedom to discuss our differing viewpoints ao much that we extend the same right to all members of our society, no matter their ethnicity or creed.
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