Introduction
Art has been used for a very long time in conveying messages in society. These art forms have come in various types such as works of fiction, tales, songs, and even drawings. The main aim is the passage of information to society as a way of caution or advice on particular matters that affect or may affect individuals (Meyer, 2010). This has been a common practice that is still being used currently to teach the society about the history and whatever is going on. Therefore, it cannot be ignored and wished away as it is an integral part of human life.
Socio-political discourses, music, and art have historically been inseparable elements in the contemporary American society. Music is a vehicle and platform for expression of artistry and human emotion and is a ubiquitous and memorable part of people’s lives. American popular culture is particularly notable as it intertwines music, politics, and social movements. Bo Dylan was an instrumental artist during the folk revival of the 60s and 70’s counterculture an era as they influenced political and social discourses through music. Bob Dylan songs captured the themes of the evils of war, poverty, and racism, and extended to express dissent by popularizing the cause for civil rights movements. However, it is essential to understand that the past did not vanish as history is repeating itself, although in a different and rejuvenated manner with Bob Dylans of the modern era. Trier-Bieniek (2016) conceptualizes the ‘Beyoncé Effect,' a consequence of the artist's music in influencing discourse on sexuality, race, and feminism. In the 21 st century where politics and social movements on race and gender parity have gained significant backing, women are finding different platforms of expression; a privilege denied them by the preceding patriarchal societies in the centuries bygone (Street, 2013). There is tension between social history and the people who inhabit it and musicians, folklorists, and social historians continue to be attracted to it amidst the proliferation of music genres in the 21 st century. Modern Bod Dylan musicians emancipate a repeat of history where music played a central role in the expression of dissent against dominant mainstream political and social discourses.
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The Connection between Music and Politics
Music and politics have a common similarity in that they both emanate from the tenets of conflict and harmony. The unique relationship between music and politics has existed for years at harmoniously and in some instances otherwise. Meyer (2010) noted that historical records have depicted how songs have been used historically to emphasize the achievements of nations dating back to ancient Egypt. Most songwriters have also sought solace music whenever they are confronted with various forms of political and social unjustness leading to the birth of songs that illuminate on the perceived inequalities that happen in the society. Therefore, music is not only a form of communication but a tool that has effectively been used in expressing opinions about matters of the day.
Music, Politics, and Social Life
Connections between music and politics are highlighted in Street (2013) where it is posited that music is not ignored but strikes a chord with politics. Music is a tool for political communication and representation. Modern politicians see it as a trendy thing to do when they express interest in music that invokes emotions that resonate with a majority of the population. According to Street (2013), politicians have perfected the art of using music as a mobilization weapon. Through music, individuals can participate in politics without actively engaging in actual campaigns. Celebrity politicians exploit the role of music as a show business in advocating for political participation. The role of music in the advancing freedom of those oppressed in the society is recognized by the elite political bent on maintaining the status quo. Street (2013) illustrated a case of Taliban, wherein the quest to maintain their autocratic power, outlawed music because it was used by people in the liberation movement to celebrate and symbolize freedom (p. 13).
According to Torino (2008), music matters because its sounds are a powerful human resource often central to profound social occasions and experiences. The music plays diverse roles in the lives of people around the world. Music is used in the creation and expression of inner lives, span the chasm between humanity and the divine, woo lovers and celebrate marital unions, to develop and maintain friendships, and inspire mass political and social movements. The use implies that music cannot be separated from the social paradigm of society. Torino (2008) also highlighted the importance of music in advancing the interplay between the possible and actual. The possible refer to all the things that humans can do, think, know, and experience and the actual comprises such things that have already been thought and experienced. This is a crucial concept in informing expression of dissent because it determines whether they align with the possible or not. This is important in understanding the concepts in self, identity, and culture, which are central to modern activism in social and political discourses.
Music as a Form of Protest
In discussing the role of music as a form of political protest, the name that comes on top of the list is that of Woody Guthrie. Born in Oklahoma, Guthrie was both a songwriter and a poet who based his message on fighting to keep America free (Street, 2013). Before his coming onto the scene, popular music was supportive of the government of the day with some supporting the current establishment such as war. However, a silent revolution began occurring with musicians such as Billie Holiday writing lyrics about civil rights and racism in their songs such as “Strange Fruit.” However, such actions remained a rare occasion as the American culture going into the mid-20 th century embraced music as a tool for patriotism. However, Meyer (2010) asserted that as people approached 1960, America engaged in many wars pitting several musicians to release songs that embodied the anti-establishment movement.
Different musicians engaged in what could be termed as a revolution, as seen by their efforts in releasing songs that unmasked inequality, talked about the need for freedom and peace. Towards the 80's, police in the United States became increasingly militant in what they referred to as the "War on Drugs." As such, this led to increasing in sentencing prompting the then prominent hip-hop musical group known as the NWA to release songs that represented what people felt about the disturbing political situations in the country. The music group was also known for the hip-hop content containing socially aware information which was also at times regarded as violent. Other debates highlighted in the music include the issue of racism which had a profound social and political impact in the country.
The Modern Bob Dylans and Expression of Dissent through Music
Modern Bob Dylans have a solid foundation around advanced pertinent issues in the society courtesy of precedents set by their predecessors. Trier-Bieniek (2016) observed that Beyoncé is one such modern musician who elicits controversy even among feminists. Like many others of their ilk, Beyoncé is an icon, meaning through her, people can make a connection between a sign, and what it resembles (Torino, 2008). Beyoncé is an icon of different social phenomena, including the emancipation of women empowerment, liberation, fighting against racism, and the quest for gender equality. Therefore, her music elicits varied emotions in respect to these social and political discourses. Feminism is a central theme in the majority of Beyoncé’s songs where the female body is idolized. The musician comes across as a liberated black woman capable of standing alone (Meyer, 2010). She is in control of her body, feelings, emotions, social life, finances, and other issues that women in contemporary societies can only dream of. Another notable theme advanced by Beyoncé is that of race. The black community in America has been at the receiving end of historical injustices, and black women are subjected to twice as much negativity (Torino, 2008). While advocacy for civil rights and highlights about the evils of war receive less redress in modern music, issues of poverty, racism, violence, and discrimination that permeate the American society are addressed.
Meyer (2010) posited that over the years, society had undergone radical empiricism that has resulted in the expression of the more profound and widespread shift in cultural beliefs. The change in the ideology of Western culture is reflected in its music and art by the Bob Dylan’s of today. Roy (2010) argued that the role music played in the early and modern contexts as a channel for the expression of political and social dissent owes to its orientation towards culture. An example is offered from the 1934 Workers Songbook that:
“Music penetrates everywhere
It carries words with it
It fixes them in the mind
It graves them in the hear
Music is a weapon in the class struggle” (Roy, 2010, p. 9)
Apparently, the class struggle is an ongoing war and music plays a central role in advancing it. While some aspects of the historical class struggle exist in the modern war, society in the 21 st century mainly grapples with the search for identity. The newfound freedom of women and other minority groups is confusing to most stakeholders in the society. Through music, celebrities such as Beyoncé provide the iconic models to be followed by those trapped between the two phases of contemporary society (Torino, 2008). Through music, suggestions to reject oppressive ideologies and embrace liberating ones are advanced. The use of music in social movements advances campaigns of collective claims against targets in the form of powerful state or private institutions and draw on the collective need of the public for representation of worthiness, unity, numbers, and commitment (Roy, 2010). Music is used to give meaning to these movements on the basis that it connects or refers to something beyond a mere song and reveals its full nature in the connection. Simply put, music gives the oppressed a sense of collective identity making it easier to create social and political mobilizations to advance a common cause.
Music and Art as a Tool for Campaign
Politically, music has an important role, especially during the electioneering period. Music, for instance, has been used in politics today to ensure that campaigns become a success. There is an increased application of art in the campaign trail today as candidates must poise themselves well by determining what they are going to say, how they will say it, and the type of dress they will put on when sharing the message they have for the electorate. Musical aspects such as rock anthems and marching bands are used to stir up passions of voters. Advertising executives have also opined that the use of the right music assists especially in invoking the emotions of empathy and trust on the individuals. Music is, therefore, an essential element in swaying both the minds and hearts of people and could, therefore, play a significant role in the success or failure of a candidate. However, since Donald Trump was a dividing figure in world politics, world musicians such as Adele and Aerosmith asked his campaign to stop using their music in his campaigns hence overemphasizing the essence of music during such political periods (Trier-Bieniek, 2016).
Music as a Tool for Inspiring Political Change
As earlier noted, music has mingled with politics throughout history. Roy, (2010) illustrated that the use of pulsating rhythms, colorful tones, and meaningful lyrics had been primarily used as a means for inspiring change. The use of music as a form of political and social dissent originates from the Greek society which had people who understood the true power of music. The Greek society has for a long time been known as a society that values democracy and the essence of a republic. As such, these people knew the importance of music and art as a way of rebelling against the government. Plato asserted that "any musical innovation is full of danger to the whole state, and ought to be prohibited,'' (Roy, 2010). In full realization of the power that music had in initiating change. In the American society, music has for a long time remained a form of protest and a platform for movements as seen in times of slavery. Furthermore, biblical and religious teachings were used to highlight the need for freedom and servitude as seen in songs such as “Go Down Moses," and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Bob Dylan's songs, for instance, rallied people against supporting the Vietnam War and other forms of social inequalities (Turino, 2008).
It is critical to understand that police brutality and poverty are amongst the social issues that grappled America, especially during the 19 th century. As earlier noted, musicians such as NWA and highlighted stories concerning police abuse of power and the dilapidated conditions in which many Americans, especially the minorities, lived. Joan Baez, a remarkable folk singer of the late 20 th century once asserted that music is the only medium that cut across many boundaries. As such, she explored her talents in playing guitar and singing in the hope of bringing people together to initiate a political cause.
Conclusion
American popular culture in relation to the role of music and art in influencing social and political discourse has a long history that repeats itself in the modern context. Initially used by Bob Dylan and others to advance social and political dissent towards oppressive state agencies, the music retains its role among today's Bob Dylan’s who use it to advocate for recognition of minority groups and the rights of oppressed populations in society. Race, feminism, poverty, and violence remain as the major issues addressed through music. However, the evolution in western culture owing to advancements in technology implies that music’s role as a weapon for class struggle has far-reaching implications because it is accessible by many who share in the collective claim for recognition. Today’s Bob Dylan’s have the potential to change discourse in the society through music more than ever. Therefore, it is still a suitable means of addressing the factors that affect the society as so many people listen to music and relate to the many issues being conveyed in them. As such, musicians need to comprehend the influence they have on the society and the impact of their compositions. The society and the government, on the other hand, should offer a lot of support to musicians as a way of motivating them to carry on with their noble duties. In the end, it will be a win-win for both the musicians and the society.
References
Meyer, L. B. (2010). Music, the arts, and ideas: Patterns and predictions in twentieth-century culture . University of Chicago Press.
Roy, W. G. (2010). Reds, whites, and blues: Social movements, folk music, and race in the United States . Princeton University Press.
Street, J. (2013). Music and politics . John Wiley & Sons.
Trier-Bieniek, A. (Ed.). (2016). The Beyoncé Effect: Essays on Sexuality, Race, and Feminism . McFarland
Turino, T. (2008). Music as social life: The politics of participation . University of Chicago Press.
