 |
| Woody Guthrie |
"They stood on a mountain and they looked to the west,
And it looked like the promised land.
That bright green valley with a river running through,
There was work for every single hand, they thought,
There was work for every single hand." (Guthrie, 1940)
Throughout history, poets and lyricists have documented the highs and lows of their fellow man. Songs can sometimes have a way a reaching a wider audience than a novel might. Guthrie's music also echoed the social battles and call for change during his time. The folk music of the depression greatly influenced song writers to spread their opinions in this manner. <www.woodyguthrie.org>
"Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can ever make me turn back
This land was made for you and me." (Guthrie, 1940)
Considering all of the social uprisings and subsequent changes in society since the setting of The Grapes of Wrath, what other issues or eras have influenced popular music? From Bob Dylan to Madonna, and U2 to Rachel Platten, "fight songs" continue to inspire audiences around the world. As a class, discuss the range of musical lyrics that you feel have affected your generation, whether directly through the current media, or via an older generation's influence on you.
(Make one substantial comment on this post, and at least two short responses to your classmates' comments. See rubric for specific requirements.)
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ReplyDeleteChanges in society have always been used as inspiration by artists in their song writing. As mentioned, the struggles during the dust bowl lead to the creation of many songs. Another example of an era that inspired a genre of music is the 1960`s. The 60's were a decade of social activism and the music written during that time reflected it. Sam Cooke`s song, “ A Change is Gonna Come” speaks of the troubles he faced being an african-american man in a “white-mans world”. Specifically the song speaks of him and his entourage being turned away from a motel in Louisiana. The song goes “I go to the movie, and I go downtown, Somebody keep telling me ‘don`t hang around’. This is one of many examples that could be used when talking about social change and the music inspired by it.
ReplyDeleteFast forward to today and music has changed greatly, from genre to the way its`s produced but the lyrics still carry meaning. As mentioned by Ashley in her last blogpost, the LGBTQ+ community has grown significantly in the past decade. Musicians have also been more apt to come out, and create songs about their experiences in a world living their “controversial” lifestyle. A prime example of a current and popular song would be “Same Love” by Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis. In the song he speaks of his journey discovering his sexuality, coming out as well as keeping his Christian faith. As seen in this lyric “America the brave still fears what we don't know And ‘God loves all his children’ is somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five hundred years ago” you can see him questioning his religion as well as referring to how the LGBTQ+ community is yet to be 100% accepted.
In conclusion, music has been and always will be inspired by the changing society as artists know they are writing music not only they, but their fans can relate to. Whether it be about politics, mental health, a humanitarian crisis, environmental distress, war or anything else singers will use their voice (quite literally) to speak their opinion and bring light to these topics.
Sam Cooke, “A Change is Gonna Come” Ain`t That Good News
RCA Hollywood, 1964
Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis, “Same Love” The Heist
Mackelmore LLC, 2012
I agree that these songs have influenced society, but do you think that they also an outcome from history or should I say the lack of history? We’ve come to a point in society where it is okay to speak out about gender and sexuality, but for years and years it was hushed. In the 1980s this wave along with the AIDs crisis, people began to protest for LGBTQ+ rights, tired of being in the shadows. But this took a long time and LGBTQ+ rights were still not accepted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5pMa-WIdW8 I think that going beyond music is where we truly find why music has been created in the first place.
DeleteMadeleine
Morgan, I agree with your point about artists being inspired by today's changing society. Society is constantly changing, new ideas are arising, old ideas are being dug up and controversial ideas are being spoken about.The artists of today need to make sure that their music is both pleasant to listen to and relevant to the issues in society at that given time.
DeleteIt's inspiring to see an artist come out with a song that addresses controversial ideas because it's listeners are learning about said idea as well as appreciating the artist for taking the risk to produce such music. The appreciation can come from the fact that creating music is their job. They get paid to create and sell the music that has been created and so when something risky is released, these artists are putting their entire careers on the line to get their message out into the world.This alone shows the dedication and love that artist have for music.
As we have discussed in class, music in the Grapes of Wrath was symbolic of hope and survival. Music was and is free. Before Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music, people got music from anywhere they could, like banjos, harmonicas and more. It provided an escape and distraction for the people experiencing the Dust Bowl. We see this in the novel from the Saturday night dances at Weedpatch.
ReplyDeleteNot only was music important in this novel, many artists were influenced by John Steinbeck’s story. Songwriters like Woody Guthrie, Bruce Springsteen and Christ Knight have all taken the story of the Joad’s and transformed it into songs. These song lyrics show the effects of the dust bowl on humans and how their lives were forever affected. Lyrics are meaningful words put into catchy melodies to leave a long-lasting message.
Pop culture music is extremely influential for everyone, especially children. Child development is crucial to success and future behavior. Children sing along to pop music and copy the things they see in music videos. When I was younger, I did the same thing. However, it was not always appropriate. Just look at any Britney Spears video. Music lyrics can truly force children to grow up and face reality at a much faster pace than normal.
It is important for female pop culture singers to show their true selves through their music. Many famous singers/songwriters have introduced more gender equal songs, which stand up for women being treated unfairly. Men and women should be celebrating the songs that have these messages.
I’ve listed some extremely woman empowering songs that I genuinely believe lift my mood. If you don’t already have them, I suggest adding the songs to your “get ready playlist” … it’ll make a difference ;)
“God Is A Woman” by Ariana Grande
“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé
“That’s My Girl” by Fifth Harmony
“Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys
“Confident” by Demi Lovato
“GIRL” by Maren Morris
“Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain
Your point on lyrics in pop culture being extremely influential on children is very true. Not all lyrics are meant to be heard by young ears and with the use of apps like Spotify and Youtube it can be difficult to monitor! The idea of growing up too fast is already a major issue in today`s society, music does not need to add to it ! The idea of women`s empowerment is also so important as even though it has been almost 100 years since Steinbeck`s novels setting, women still do not have 100% equal treatment or rights. The songs mentioned truly do vouch for women and how strong they are, and they`re great to sing along to!
DeleteFilm and music are two huge art mediums in today’s world that interlink in many ways. Over time the feminist movement has grown in film. The Bechdel Test is something that has expanded the idea of having women in film. https://bechdeltest.com/ This idea of sharing the stage, giving women more powerful and important rolls is vital to growing a more equal world. The Grapes of Wrath sees to this as well. Ma and Rose of Sharon end up playing huge rolls in the lives of the Joad’s. Ma is viewed as the structure of the family and Rose of Sharon is seen as the continuation of the family because of her pregnancy. Art in general continues to defy the social constructs created to attempt to create a better society.
DeleteMadeleine
I think we can also see that music about feminism isn't a new thing. 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA is a song from the 1970s that can be considered influential to women.
DeleteLooking at the women themselves that make music is influential and crucial to society. Who is making music today? Who is writing novels? Who is filming movies? Women. In the 2017 film 'Lady Bird' directed by Greta Gerwig, one of the very first scenes in the film is a mother and daughter listening to The Grapes of Wrath on tape in the car. Women see strong women portrayed and continue to portray strong women. This is a film about a journey of a family falling and coming together. Women can make film. They can write novels. They can write music. And we have finally found our voice to do so.
Madeleine
Jessica, your opinion is very well constructed. In GOW Ma and Rose of Sharon are two very influential characters. These strong leads could be related to today's famous female role models portrayed in media. I believe if songs you had listed off existed in the '30s these two women would have made an even bigger impact in society due to the feeling of belonging they might get.
DeleteEven growing up, I believe there weren't enough songs about being a strong woman. All I heard on the radio were Taylor Swift songs saying that it was the end of the world when her boyfriend broke up with her. If I would have heard more songs ,such as Lizo's Truth Hurts, about self-love and female empowerment I may have had more time to accept myself instead of waiting on a man to do so.
While I agree with what you have said, I wonder about the inclusion of "God is a Woman" by Ariana Grande. I find it very hard to draw the line between sexual empowerment and self-objectification and I find that this song just crosses the line. This song is really only about sex and that the person who she is singing to will only find worth in her after they have sex. I personally don't find this song empowering at all but to each their own.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteInfluential music has changed drastically throughout the centuries, music used to be a time to relax and gather together to listen to inspiring music tones and instruments. Musicians would become inspired from historic events and create songs based off of them, and would re-create these stories into song lyrics to teach others.
ReplyDeleteBut today the music has changed, and not positively. Most music today only focuses on three topics: Alcohol, drugs and women (in revealing clothing). At first it was only rap and hip hop exposing these topics, but now almost every new country song has the word “beer” in it. Young children are being exposed to this music and starting to consume alcohol and drugs, because these songs make it seem as if it is the norm now a day.
I feel that my generation and those younger are quick unnoticed when a song speaks of these substances or describes women in an object manner because it is the only music that many are exposed to. These songs choices will affect younger boys and girls as they will feel pressured to grow up so they can experience and relate to these songs as it will make them appear “cool”.
“Beer Never Broke My Heart”
“Whiskey Glasses”
“Beer Can’t Fix”
“Habits (Stay High)”
“Drug Addicts”
I agree with your statement. Now more than ever is substance abuse glorified in the hands of the media. Young kids start to follow university party pages and expect that to be the norm for their age category. When it is actually intended for a more mature audience. Even as a grade twelve and analyzing younger class men's behavior shows the generational differences. Lots of younger kids are now addicted to nicotine due to the "cool" factor of owning a Juul may bring.
DeleteMusic definitely plays a factor about this topic. But I believe it has always been this way. You listed off many country songs as examples, but if you analyze notorious Alan Jackson's work you would see not much has changed. His most famous song, Chattahoochee (1992) speaks about everything from getting drunk "A pyramid of cans in the pale moonlight" to sleeping with women "Well we fogged up the windows in my old Chevy". I believe this topic has increased in the amount it is talked about in songs, but booze and sex has often been and will most likely be a reoccurring theme in music.
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DeleteI agree with the fact that the majority of music today focuses on alcohol, women, and drugs. I believe that music has changed but I do not believe that it is being glorified in each case like you seem to be implying. Even if music is talking about something, it doesn't necessarily mean that that it is supporting it. Sometimes it can even be used to spread awareness on the topic. I do see your angle though and I do not disagree with your overall opinion.
DeleteSamantha, although I enjoy today’s music and can often find a positive message within the lyrics, there is no doubt that many of the songs are shocking. I agree that there has been an increase in the references to alcohol, drugs, and sex in today’s lyrics as our society becomes more open and liberal. Additionally, the profanity in new music has normalized language that would have been totally unacceptable just a few years ago. For instance, derogatory terms used to reference women in popular songs are now being used as terms of endearment between friends. I know that my friends and I often refer to each other as bitches. As shocking as that sounds, we use this term affectionately. However, upon hearing this word used in this context for the first time, my mother was scandalized. As youth, we push the boundaries, but sometimes I wonder if we have gone too far. It worries me to think of what our future kids will be singing along to.
DeleteWhile I agree with you on how there are many songs in the recent years that have gotten worse, I also believe that it is the parent/caregiver's responsibility to keep an eye out on their children and what they are taking an interest in, especially if it focuses on these subjects and says words that may be discriminatory towards certain groups of people or just plain derogatory/profane language. Another thing is that, while there is the negative content that is being produced and released daily, there is also positive, wholesome music content that is still being released. I think that there are many parents in this generation that give their kids too much leeway and let them grow up on their own, letting them be "free" but also potentially forgetting to raise them with good qualities and morals. This does not mean shunning everything, but it does mean being aware of your children and taking the time to get to know them and prevent this situation from arising.
DeleteSomething I forgot to mention is cliques and the people who may listen to certain genres or types of music. For example, people may see someone with tattoos and long black hair, wearing dark clothing and a shirt that advertises a metal band. This stereotypes the person as someone who may not be a good person, potentially doing drugs or other illegal substances and while stereotypes are not always true, they were not created blindly.
-Desmond MacLean
I strongly disagree with this statement. Hip hop artists should definitely be aloud to say whatever they want. Most of them grew up having nothing. They have beaten all odds to make it out of the rough communities they grew up in. Their music is their way of sharing their story. These rappers love repping their hometowns. For example, rapper Meek Mill always reminds us of his home town of Philadelphia. Other rappers like Drake enjoy including their cities in songs, "All I care about is money and the city that I'm from". Drake has done a lot of work in marketing the city of Toronto. Nowadays everybody knows of Toronto. He was even awarded the key to the city. Sure they talk about drugs, money and women, but remember that they have come up from nothing. This is just their way at celebrating and recognizing all that they have accomplished. Now they are just living their High Lives while having fun! They really do deserve it after all they have been through in their young lives.
DeleteDesmond, I don't agree with your response to Samantha. I don't think that it is fair to blame the parents for allowing their children to listen to the music of today. With all of the social media platforms and streaming apps available to ANYONE, there is no way to possibly monitor everything a child is doing without completely shutting them off from the world.
DeleteAlso, your point about parents giving their children too much "leeway" is not necessarily a negative thing. Giving children and teenagers the ability to make their own decisions and compose personal ideas and opinions is good as it allows for a child to grow up with independence and a sense of being their own person. I can attest to this as my mother never coddled me nor did she shower me with rules and restrictions which in return allowed me to flourish and become the independent person that I am today.
Music has always been an escape from reality. It can trigger all sorts emotions like love, happiness, sadness, envy and anger. Music can influence people and educate them on societal, economical and even environmental issues. In The Grapes of Wrath we discuss music that is seen as an escape and then studied music created to educate the world on the lives of the people who lived through the Dust Bowl.
ReplyDeleteIn today's society there are so many different genres of music that can address infinite issues experienced everyday. We typically hear of heartbreak and not fitting in but 9 years ago, in 2010 Ludacris released a song ft Mary J. Blige called Runaway Love. This song addresses the issue of teenage runaways, specifically those that are female. It tells stories of young girls that experience sexual and physical abuse, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and the death of loved ones. Ludacris uses names, ages and background information to make a greater impact on his listeners. After every story he sings,
“Forced to think that Hell is a place called home
Nothin’ else to do but get her clothes and pack
She says she’s ‘bout to runaway and never come back” (Ludacris, 2010)
These lyrics show the pain that these young girls go through daily and result in a huge impact on the listener. Runaway Love is personally one of my favourite songs and every time I hear it, I still get goosebumps because of the immense power in the lyrics. In addition to the amazing lyrics of this song, a beautiful music video was produced and released with the song. I highly recommend for you all to watch the video and truly listen to what is being said while visually experiencing the stories Ludacris sings about. The impact is everlasting.
In conclusion, music is one of the most powerful and impactful platforms for peoples’ voices to be heard and is something that will never grow old.
Bibliography
“Ludacris - Runaway Love Lyrics.” MetroLyrics,
www.metrolyrics.com/runaway-love-lyrics-ludacris.html.
Music can be a touching stone for people, especially when people can relate to music and find answers through lyrics. Many artist dedicate their talents to making music that can help people going through difficult experiences, either by writing their past events and how people can relate to them more as a person rather than a celebrity, and/or make music to bring awareness that terrible things are happening in the world and that someone sees them and is tryng to change the world with music for awareness.
DeleteI have always found music to be a beautiful escape. There is something for everyone and every mood/ situation people are faced with. It can be an amazing way to spread awareness as you touch on with young women facing different types of abuse. What I love most is that it connects people from all around the world.
DeleteAfter watching the “Runaway Love” video and listening to the song’s lyrics, I definitely understand why you get goosebumps. It is extremely eye-opening in my opinion, to the point where it is almost unimaginable to comprehend that these stories are reality for many girls. As you mentioned, music certainly does trigger many emotions. I think that it is important to let those feelings out, once in a while. It does good for the soul and provides an escape from your own personal situation (at least in my opinion.) Like in “The Grapes of Wrath”, music is their escape from their harsh realities’.
DeleteThank you for sharing the song, it’s undeniably one I will be listening to often!
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DeleteShaylin, I think that your post about the huge impact music has on listeners is spot on. I do not think that there are words in our vocabulary that can properly explain the emotion that music can evoke. This is why music was played by a band as the RMS "Titanic" sunk. Survivors of the wreck recalled how the music seemed to calm the passengers and lighten the mood. Additionally, the benefits of music have been scientifically proven. For instance, according to "Science of People," music improves memory, workouts, the ability to heal, and quality of sleep. It also reduces stress and anxiety. Today, music therapy is a treatment employed to improve patients’ health and quality of life. Music has the ability to reach in and touch a person’s soul, and while emotion is a condition of being human, music will be loved in all of its forms.
DeleteWorks Cited
Baker, Danielle M. “The Scientific Benefits of Music.” Science of People, www.scienceofpeople.com/scientific-benefits-music/. Accessed 17 June 2019.
A Bad Rap
ReplyDeleteMusic is a refection of time, genres change dramatically with the passing decades. These transformations are predisposed by the mood of society, current events, controversies, and disasters. As well as society influencing music, music can also influence its audience. Music is a means of telling a story or teaching a lesson that is available to virtually all. Today, one of the most controversial types of music is rap. It often references violence, sexual exploitation, gangs, and the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, the profanity used in the lyrics is shocking. However, despite rap music’s bad reputation, this genre of music has positive influences on today’s society, particularly on my generation, as rap has the youngest audience demographic in the world.
Certainly, rap music has served as a unifier of diverse populations. Although rap music started among African American communities, many white artists such as Eminem, Mac Miller, and G-Eazy have mastered the art, and rap is now a global phenomenon. Over 50 percent of the global rap audience is non-black, serving to unify millions of youth worldwide.
Additionally, rap promotes social and political awareness in youth. For instance, J. Cole’s song, “Friends,” explores the causes of drug abuse in impoverished neighborhoods:
There’s all sorts of trauma from drama that children see
Type of shit that normally would call for therapy
But you know just how it go in our community
Keep that shit inside it don’t matter how hard it be
Fast forward, them kids is grown and they blowing trees
And popping pills due to chronic anxiety (Cole, 2018).
The lyrics state that children in underprivileged areas live through harrowing incidents that would call for therapy for wealthy children. However, therapy is not available to the poor, so the problem results in drug abuse to dull the pain. Drugs are a serious issue in poor communities today, and this song is shining light on this problem and it effects.
Moreover, Nas’s song, “Cops Shot the Kid,” brings to light police brutality against black youth:
I don’t wanna hurt nobody
We just came here to party
See a few dames, exchange some names
I’m a top shotta, kid, stay in your lane
The cop shot the kid, same old scene (Nas, 2019).
The message in this song is very relevant, as it depicts the travesty facing young black males today. The kid in the song does not want to hurt anyone, he just wants to enjoy himself, however, he attracts the attention of a cop and is shot. These lyrics reveal a contentious issue to a worldwide audience. They offer insight to a generation that often does not follow the news on the traditional media outlets.
Lastly, many rappers talk about overcoming obstacles and rising to the top. In Nicki Minaj’s song, “Fly,” she sings:
Me against enemies, me against friends
Somehow they both seem to become one
A sea full of sharks and they all smell blood
They start coming and I start rising
Must be surprising, I’m just surmising
I win, thrive, soar, higher, higher, higher, more fire (Minaj, 2011).
This rap provides inspiration to youth. It offers them a reassuring place to go when they are struggling. Within these lyrics, listeners can see that even hugely successful people lack confidence and have issues with popularity, but they can overcome their issues and be a success.
In conclusion, even though rap is the bad boy of my generation, if one filters through the bad language, a strong positive message often lies beneath. Rap tells a story, delivers a message, and brings awareness to controversial situations. Therefore, before you judge rap too quickly, give it a chance, listen to the lyrics, and heed the messages. What do you think? Is rap bad?
Please note that all of the songs mentioned are linked on the works cited page below. They are all worth listening to, and all of the songs have significant messages, however, they are explicit.
I think this is an important point because when people think of rap their perceptions go right to the negative, instead of the realization that many rap songs do focus on bringing awareness to those in jeopardy and especially on poor communities not getting the resources that should be privileged to.
DeleteThere are so many pros and cons to rap because so many artists use their lyrics to slut-shame women, talk about drugs and alcohol which affects the songs that are actually trying to bring recognition to issues but are not taken seriously because of the stereotype the genre of rap has.
People are very quick to judge rap music because of its ethnic background. However, the real issue lies in many different genres of music. Unlike rap, pop and rock genres are highly influenced by drug use and eating disorder references, but still get a pass due to their upbeat rhythms. A good example is Melanie Martinez, whose music seems more like a “depression club” that a positive source.
DeleteYou did mention white rappers, which can become a bit of a controversy. Some rappers, like Iggy Azalea, are known for replicating African-American accents to improve their “sass.” Unfortunately, these rappers receive praise for their stereotypical culture appropriation, while people of colour are under attack for the same content.
Overall, the misconception towards rap music seems more like a racial issue than a genre based argument. Would you agree that prejudice in music has a strong influence on listeners?
Ashley, you read my mind...
DeleteMost genres of music have issues with the glorification of negative things but rap seems to be the genre that gets ragged on the most and I can't help but think it's due to race issues as well. I also don't think it occurs to many people that music exists the way it does because there is a market for it. As long as people continue listening and enjoying music about booze, sex and mental illness, artists will continue making it.
I think that there is good and bad to everything, you just need to find it. Not every single rap artist glorifies women, sex, alcohol and substance abuse, violence, or the long list that can follow afterwards. Take, for example, NF. He is a rapper who uses his rap music for people who may be going through the same situation as he was once in, most of them being based on subject matter such as difficult situations at home growing up, his depression, and failed past relationships. Sometimes, when you hear someone who can relate to you on a personal level that others may not be able to reach because they do not understand, this music helps for the better.
Delete-Desmond MacLean
Works Cited
ReplyDeleteCole, J. “FRIENDS.” YouTube, 20 Apr. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tr94LDSPT8. Accessed 15 June 2019.
Gaille, Brandon. “25 Good Hip Hop Demographics.” BrandonGaille, 2015, brandongaille.com/25-good-hip-hop-demographics/. Accessed 15 June 2019.
“Hip Hop Is Not All Bad.” Impact of Rap Music on Youths, impactofrapmusiconyouths.weebly.com/positive-impacts.html. Accessed 15 June 2019.
Minaj, Nicki. “Nicki Minaj – Fly ft. Rihanna.” YouTube, 28 Aug. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n71KUiWn1I. Accessed 15 June 2019.
Nas. “Nas – Cops Shot The Kid (Official Video).” YouTube, uploaded by Mass Appeal, 7 Jan. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBT7ytgVB9c. Accessed 15 June 2019.
Please note that the song lyrics were supposed to be in block quotation format, but the format did not translate from Microsoft Word to the blog. Sorry if it causes any confusion.
ReplyDeleteMusic educates people in a way that lifts spirits. There are so many simple songs that make people happy while also educating people on a certain topic. For instance, the song by K’Naan Waving Flag. This is a song about finding peace after living in war torn Somalia. Later in life I would not have educated myself on the Somalian famine if I hadn’t heard this song. Music is a way to introduce topics that may otherwise be taboo.
ReplyDeleteThe crisis in Somalia caused millions of deaths and millions of refugees. Many of the other countries around Somalia were in famine as well. But they got relief from the United States unlike Somalia. Somalia had a terrorist group that was a treat to the United States and refrained from giving any relief. This caused millions to die on the accounts of one group of terrorists.
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-january-18-2016-1.3408273/somalia-2011-famine-was-a-u-s-created-war-crime-says-journalist-alex-perry-1.3408302
Music is a way of expressing emotions in a positive way. Letting out anger or love can be done through music. I think that taking these emotions and sharing ideas and information in a creative way is powerful.
In the lives of the Joad’s music is powerful. It brings people together. The Joad’s are lifted by the music. In Weedpatch, Saturday night dances kept the human spirit alive. That is the true purpose of music. The upbeat rhythm of Waving Flag sees to this as well. Keeping the human spirit alive is vital and is only done through art and education. Adding both of these in music is a recipe for a good song.
K’Naan, “Waving Flag.” YouTube. 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMo9vNVkPOs
Madeleine
I definitely agree with your statement about music raising awareness on taboo subjects! We can definitely see the impact music had on the Civil Rights movement as Samantha stated earlier on. However, in your blog you mention that many Somalians were not saved due to a terrorist group. If the song had been released earlier (perhaps say, during the beginning if the situation), do you think it would have had a larger international impact?
DeleteAlong with that, the people in Sudan are currently facing a crisis and the media is going wild. Would you suggest that a song would be able to raise awareness of the subject? I think the one difficulty with writing music about current events is that it usually becomes mainstream after the fact. How do you think hearing these songs would impact the survivors of these tragic events? Would it empower them, or perhaps trigger bad memories?
Song writing has always been one of the best ways to share our stories with the world. During the Dustbowl, many families relied on music to bring them happiness and relief when all hope seemed lost. Readers are first introduced to this concept in “The Grapes of Wrath,” in an intercalary chapter that takes place in Hooverville. Steinbeck writes, “And each wished he could pick a guitar, because it is a gracious thing,” explaining everyone’s desire to play music, as it brought joy to everyone around them.
ReplyDeleteIn our generation, we can now access any kind of music, faster than any before. This exposure to new and old music has allowed teens to hear stories from anywhere in the world. For example, many of us were way too young to remember 9/11 (in fact, I wasn’t even born), yet almost all of us know the song, “Where is the Love” by the Black-Eyed Peas. Written in 2003, the lyrics may have been directed towards the events in New York, but they are still relevant today.
“But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and the Crips, and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate, then you're bound to get irate”
Police brutality and racism are still common threats against people of colour. Very recently, a video was shared on the internet of a high school valedictorian commemorating African-American victims of police brutality who did not have the opportunity to carry out a proper education. With mentions of Trayvon Martin; who was visiting his family in Sanford, Florida when he was shot for “looking suspicious,” and Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy, the principal shut off her microphone. (See the video in this article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/06/06/valedictorian-wanted-remember-black-victims-police-brutality-she-says-her-school-cut-mic/?utm_term=.746408e6a169 )
As long as humans continue to blame other races for their own mistakes, humanity will not improve. Although the situation is much better than it was in the 60’s, racism continues to be very apparent within many communities. Like Morgan and Samantha stated earlier, music does not always have a positive message to share for all audiences. The Black-Eyed Peas allude to this concept in the following line:
“Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinemas
What happened to the love and the values of humanity?”
Movies and music continue to bring us joy and excitement, but more recently, the media is sharing art that isn’t appropriate for everyone. For example, Billie Eilish has proven herself to be helpful for her her fans who are battling depression, but on the other hand, her music also seems to encourage anxiety and depressive thinking. Playing these songs on pop radio channels and having them available everywhere on Spotify and Youtube isn’t beneficial for everyone. Suicide is a trending topic in the media, and more and more children are beginning to take it as a joke.
While music can be therapeutic for certain people, it can also have a negative effect. However, when humans go through tough times, we always turn to the music that makes us feel better, and I think that is the most important aspect of song writing.
Bella, Timothy. “A Valedictorian Wanted to Remember Black Victims of Police Brutality. She Says Her School Cut the Mic.” The Washington Post, 6 June 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/06/06/valedictorian-wanted-remember-black-victims-police-brutality-she-says-her-school-cut-mic/?utm_term=.746408e6a169.
“The Black Eyed Peas (Ft. Justin Timberlake) – Where Is the Love?” Genius, 16 June 2003, genius.com/The-black-eyed-peas-where-is-the-love-lyrics.
Steinbeck, J. (1939). ”The Grapes of Wrath.” The Viking Press. James Lloyd.
“Trayvon Martin Shooting Fast Facts.” CNN, 28 Feb. 2019, www.cnn.com/2013/06/05/us/trayvon-martin-shooting-fast-facts/index.html.
I definitely agree with music being both therapeutic and a trigger for some people! Music can have such a big impact on someones life whether it be positive or negative.
DeleteYour Black Eyed Peas reference to their song on terrorism and other unnecessary violence is a great example of using a platform and their voice to speak out about issues. I also strongly agree that even though it can be harmful for others, song writing on personal struggles or controversial opinions is very important.
While there is positives and negatives to having access to all types of music at all times do you feel the effect overall is negative or positive?
In this generation more than ever, people are talking about mental health. This taboo subject is still not often spoken about enough, especially amongst teenagers. Adolescence is a time of drastic physical and mental changes and pressure to excel at school, at home and in social groups sometimes becomes too much. In Canada, suicide is the second highest cause of death for youth aged 10 to 24.
ReplyDeleteThe song “1-800-273-8255" by Logic is one of the most impactful songs of our generation. The name of the song is the national suicide prevention lifeline created lots of exposure to this problem occurring in young adults nowadays. On its release date, the lifeline received the second-highest number of calls recorded at that time —over 4,573 calls.
All this other shit I'm talkin' 'bout they think they know it
I've been praying for somebody to save me, no one's heroic
And my life don't even matter
I know it, I know it, I know I'm hurting deep down but can't show it
I never had a place to call my own
I never had a home
Ain't nobody callin' my phone
Where you been? Where you at? What's on your mind?
They say every life precious but nobody care about mine
This passage from the song is supposed to represent someone who is having suicidal thoughts. This person does not feel loved and does not feel a sense of belonging. “nobody care about mine” shows the lack in this person's life. This song shapes our society due to the fact that many teenagers feel this way on a daily basis. Even as a person who feels as if I belong, I still get those days when I am in a slump and nothing feels right. Speaking about mental health amongst our peers is the best way to feel normal when we feel unnormal. Days like #Bellletstalk creates exposure for this national crisis.
Logic performed his song as the MTV Music Video Awards which included many suicide attempt survivors to join the artist on stage. He closes the song with
Pain don't hurt the same, I know
The lane I travel feels alone
But I'm moving 'til my legs give out
And I see my tears melt in the snow
But I don't wanna cry
I don't wanna cry anymore
I wanna feel alive
I don't even wanna die anymore
Oh I don't wanna
I don't wanna
I don't even wanna die anymore
This impactful passage shows the progression of this person speaking about their issues. In today’s generation, I believe talking about this issue is the only way it’ll get better. In the ’30s music transported people out of the depression. Similarly, this song helps people escape and shows hope.
Sources :
DeleteChildren's Rights Council. “Conseil Canadien Des Droits Des Enfants.” Canadian Children's Rights Council, www.canadiancrc.com/Youth_Suicide_in_Canada.aspx.
Armstrong, Megan. “Logic Tweets National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Statistics Since His '1-800' Release.” Billboard, 16 Nov. 2017, www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8039094/logic-1-800-273-8255-national-suicide-prevention-lifeline-statistics-tweet.
Logic. “Logic - 1-800-273-8255 Ft. Alessia Cara, Khalid.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 Aug. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb24RrHIbFk.
Upon reading your post, it inspired me to do further research to try and find more songs about suicide prevention and mental health. I found Paramore’s song “Fake Happy” to be a look into a woman’s thoughts dealing with depression. Demi Lovato also has a powerful song called “Warrior”, which was written for whoever is going through something in their lives to know everything will be okay. Logic’s song gave me chills when I watched his performance at the award ceremony. This goes to show just how impactful music truly can be. Some people turn to physical activity while others may stay isolated when going through tough times. I think that no matter how you handle your emotions, music is an excellent way to cope with any problem. You can find so many studies supporting the idea that music helps regulate emotions to channel them in positive ways. Regardless of the genre you like, it is almost guaranteed you can find something that will help you out. Music isn’t specifically reserved for when you’re feeling down either. Just look at “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. That song can make you jump up into a good mood. All of this to say, music can truly help one into feeling better, and I think it is not to be disregarded in difficult times.
DeleteMusic is amazing because it is one of the only things, aside from physiological needs and biological features, that all humans have in common. Every culture from every point of history has some version of music.
ReplyDeleteSince music has such a large involvement in our lives and it’s the one thing everyone can relate to, it’s able to inspire social change. I think a good example of this is dancehall in Jamaica. Dancehall is a genre that is known for pushing boundaries and being over the top raunchy. Dancehall clubs are also under scrutiny both inside and outside of the country due to their nature. Dancehall is practically the antithesis of Jamaica, which is typically deeply conservative and religious.
To an outsider, dancehall may look misogynistic. The music seems degrading, the women are usually dressed in next to nothing, and the acts that happen at these clubs border on vulgar. To a Jamaican woman, dancehall is one of the only platforms the country has to offer.
Dancehall is a space of liberation for Jamaican women. It’s a place where they can be sexually free and celebrate themselves in a society that otherwise ignores them. To many women, dancehall is also the only source of income for them.
Dancehall is encouraging social change by giving women a space to express themselves in the otherwise oppressive society of Jamaica.
I agree with you response! Music is definitely a relatable topic for basically anyone who has ever lived. Every culture has used Music throughout the course of history. Music is truly one of the only things that can connect us all together. Whether its in a music class at school or a dancehall in Jamaica, music is found everywhere. Humans use it to help express their emotions and can be very useful. Everybody has a different taste in music and it allows them to be themselves.
DeleteThis was David H. Krawczyk I ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
DeleteI never knew about Dancehall and the great change its creating for Jamaican woman to express themselves. In times that are oppressive, music and dance is a great form of self expression and freedom. While these are two completely different worlds, it reminds me of the story (movie) footloose, where the towns occupants were banned from dancing. However, when there's a will, there's a way, and they continued to dance in secret. Do you think Dancehall will continue to create greater change in Jamaica, or whether it will stretch beyond Jamaica to other countries?
DeleteMusic is often used as a symbol of hope in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”. Music has always been a source of escape and pleasure in times of despair. Take what happened to jazz during The Great Depression. During this time, jazz music was used to uplift the spirits of those who lost hope and felt no happiness. Specifically, the tempo of the music increased as well as the volume; music was getting louder.
ReplyDeleteDuring the Cold War era, music was once again influenced by world events. Much of the music from the fifties to the eighties conveyed messages regarding the current world standoff. Some songs spoke about the pointlessness of the war. Possibly the most famous example of this is the German song 99 Luftballons, by Nena. She lived in Allied occupied Germany, the capitalist free section of Germany, which was torn up at the end of WWII between the Allies and the USSR.
Throughout the Cold War the USSR section of Germany was a totalitarian state and many Germans tried to flee during this period. Meanwhile, the world was constantly on the brink of world war 3 as the two great systems of governance fought to see which was better. This influenced Nena to write a song about how stupid the entire war really was, and that it could trigger the end of modern society if not deescalated.
The following is the final verse of the song which has been translated from German to English. It gives an idea as to the message it is trying to send across.
“99 years of war
Left no place for winners
War ministers don't exist anymore
And not one jet
Today I stroll around
See the world in ruins
I've found a balloon
I think about you and let it fly”
Sources:
https://genius.com/Genius-english-translations-nena-99-luftballons-english-translation-lyrics
Grace Goedhard
Music is a great way to lift people's spirits. It is just what people need in such sad desperate times. I never realized what strong messages that the song 99 luftballons has. It is really the disturbing reality of war. It was a great song choice for your topic and fit perfectly.
DeleteI also completely agree with this post! There have been some very tough times during human history. Sometimes it feels like there is no escape from the rough situation that people may find themselves in. This is where music comes into play. Music allows the mind to relieve stress and can bring it to wherever it wants to go. It could be a song that reminds you about a friend or even back home. The point is that music definitely can be a great tool to help your mind in a bad situation. IT is true that humans have used it for a very long time. Great Job Grace.
ReplyDeleteMusic has always been a big part of my life, and it is something I cannot go a day without. Even now, as I write this blog, I am listening to music. The impact it can have on different people during different time periods feeling and going through different things is simply astounding and endless. As someone who is interested in becoming a professional mixer and eventually record producer for a record label, I do my best to keep up with trends in music scenes and what common themes and messages are being expressed, with my particular expertise being in mostly rock and metal. Both genres are definitely not new to controversy, with their subject matter usually being misinterpreted and overlooked by the way it is performed.
ReplyDeleteTo focus in on one particular artist, who probably holds the place as the most controversial figure entering the 21st century, Marilyn Manson was a shock rock and industrial metal artist from Florida. He has definitely been vocal in standing up for his beliefs. Being accused of Columbine for his gruesome, vulgar lyrics, it is easy to pin the blame on him as the scapegoat for the heinous crime the school shooters committed at first glance of his appearance and songs. However, when we take an in depth look at the lyrical content and see what his music from this time period had to say, we see a man who wants to see change in a socially unjust world. Take, for example, his song “Irresponsible Hate Anthem.” The lyrics of this song are describing how the contradiction in Christianity, with lyrics such as “I hate the hater, I’d rape the raper.” In Christian faith, they believe and preach that everyone should be loved, but this is not always the case. When considering their perceptions and opinions on those of different ethnic groups, sexual orientation, faiths, and political groups, they demonstrate strong feelings of resentment and potentially hatred. Manson emphasizes this in singing “We love hate, we hate love,” describing their thought process, and responding to this thought process by later saying “I wasn’t born with enough fingers.”
Part 2
DeleteLater in the song, he sings “I am the animal who will not be himself,” telling his audience that he does not act as himself, but as how others expect him to. This would mean abiding to rules that were set up by the Church many generations ago, which include forbidding same sex marriage. He even goes on to continue about how we as humans are controlled in every aspect of our life by those in power by saying “I am totalitarian, I’ve got abortions in my eyes.” In this way, Manson is speaking out about how those superior to us control life and death, with our fate resting in their hands. He also sings “Everybody’s some else’s n****r,” saying that we belong to someone in and must follow them or suffer the consequences. This song, although extremely vulgar, describes how we are subject to others and do not make decisions for ourselves, involuntarily following laws created by the Church a long time ago that infringe our free will as human beings.
When comparing this song, released in 1996 to today, advancements in society seem to be happening on the daily, with certain days being assigned with a certain topic that stirs conversation worldwide and raise awareness that could be discussed on the news, in local stores or at school, keeping everyone involved and informed on the one subject.
I’ll digress and continue on a similar train of thought in that music is so easily accessible to everyone in today’s society because of streaming providers and the internet being so widespread. As a result of how easily accessible music technology is to the general public and streaming platforms being so easy to buy into and contribute towards, everyone in society now has a say and can easily state their opinion to the general public and try to influence others with their thoughts. Thoughts provoked through the artwork only seen by our ears is how I like to describe it. Music is the weapon that tears down barriers and unites society as one, usurping the unrighteous and giving the people the voice of truth.
-Desmond MacLean
Bibliography
AZ Lyrics, Marilyn Manson, Nothing Records, www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/marilynmanson/irresponsiblehateanthem.html.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have marked until this point. If you post past this, please check that I saw it.
ReplyDeleteOur world is filled with many different genres of music. Some are more controversial then others. As time moves on more styles of music are being created. Music can be very different. People also tend to have a very different taste in music. Everybody has the right to voice their own opinion. It is important that people respect the opinion of others. Each song is made for a certain audience and people must come to understand that.
ReplyDeleteNowadays a lot of people give hip hop a hard time. Some people may even go as far as saying its not even music. These people are wrong. They have trouble understanding that this music isn’t made for them. Hip hop has a large following. For example, athletes typically love listening to hip hop. This music is a great way for them to get pumped up for their game. Rappers typically like referencing sports in their song so its more relatable to their listeners. Like other songs, hip hop music can have a story in the song. These stories are typically about the artist rough past and their inspirational rise to fame. A lot of outsiders can’t understand that fact about hip hop. Maybe the swearing in the music is too much to handle for some people. Once again, they must realize that this music might not be right for that individual.
Everybody must realize that everybody is different when it comes to the taste of music. People must realize that times had changed. Hip hop is here to stay. The older generation must recognize that some people do enjoy this music. It can be inspirational to a certain listener. Country music might be really boring to some people, other might think that it is very peaceful and reminds them of being back home. Rap music is very inappropriate to some people, others think that it is very relatable to what they have gone through in their life. Every music fan has a different view on things. Respect is a very important thing in life and in music. Respect must be used when looking at other genres of music.
I do agree with you that Hip Hop is a great way for people to get pumped up. Also I do know there are songs out there that have good meanings and are telling the artist's stories. Although I think that people dislike Hip Hop because there are also songs with inappropriate meanings and derogatory comments. The kind of things that you would not want younger people listening to because it would be a bad influence on them. And I think that some people are a little quick to jump to conclusions and assume that all Hip Hop music and artists are the same.
DeleteFrom Gen:
DeleteI agree with what you’re saying, Hip Hop is a great way for people to get excited but I feel that they don’t listen to it to realize anything. I’ve seen multiple listen to a song and not understand the meaning behind it. Multiple song has such strong words and meanings behind it that the artist explain and make it even more worthwhile to listen to but others don’t bother and make the audience attempt to unfold its secrets.
I do feel Hip Hop is a great way to memorise and remember the tough times in our history and listen to others opinion but I feel that as someone else responded in your reply section that “some people are a little to quick to jump to conclusions and assume something else”. For example Billie Eilish’s song Wish you were gay is totally not what it means, the press and her audience listened to this song and freaked before she could explain herself and now has haters from the LGBTQ+ society when this song isn’t about the LGBTQ+ society at all. This is at least what I think about your comment on how people react to music.
By: Genevieve Jones
Music is a very powerful thing, especially today because it is everywhere. In The Grapes of Wrath the music helped uplift everyone’s spirits. At the government camp when the Joads went to the dance and listen to the music, it automatically made everyone happier. Music tends to have a way of doing that to a person.
ReplyDeleteWe are fortunate today how easy it is for us to access all kinds of music but people weren’t always so fortunate. During the second world war many songs were banned. This was because the Nazis were scared that it would give the Jewish people hope. It was also illegal to play the polish national anthem for the same reason. The Nazis were very smart and knew exactly how to discourage the Jewish people, by taking away their music.
There are many songs of hope but the first one that comes to mind is Imagine by John Lennon. This song is a timeless classic with many great messages that are all still relevant today. Even though this song was released almost 50 years ago I am still seeing and hearing it being referenced all the time. A lyric that really catches my attention is “Imagine all the people, Living in peace”. This is because it is so hard to imagine a world where everyone lives in peace. But it is about the hope that one day there will be peace and that it isn’t that hard to do.
One line of the song that I think relates not only to our world today but also to The Grapes of Wrath. “No need for greed or hunger” Greed was the reason that there was so much hunger in The Grapes of Wrath. Sadly, this is still happening today where there are millions of starving people all around the world and people who keep everything for themselves. This song has had a huge impact on many people of all ages and hints at how to achieve world peace.
Sources:
Lennon, John. “Imagine” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOgFZfRVaww
From Gen:
DeleteI agree with everything you’ve put here. I agree with how music does lift people’s spirits and how people have used it against others in our pasts. You have added both the good and evil in music and it makes me realize that music isn’t all about break up songs and realization songs about our earth and what we’re doing to it. I find it interesting on how you put in Steinbeck’s book the Grapes of Wrath perception on hunger and how you’ve connected these topics together to create a much bigger scenario that doesn’t make you realize until Ms. Dagg posted this question about music and how it relates to the novel.
By: Genevieve Jones
From John Lennon's words "imagine all the people, living in peace", it gives hope to those listening that times could get better. Music has a big impact on people's hope in dark times, like when the Nazi parties took that away from them as you mentioned. Do you think that had the Nazi's left music for them, would it have created more uprisings due to the hope music provides people?
DeleteGen:
ReplyDeleteI found that influential music has drastically changed throughout time, it has shown both our histories best and worst times. For this essay I’d like to get into the working conditions our history is showing us through music and also the equality and rights people have gone through.
First off, the song “Height Ho” is a great example of people moving off to work to make money and sustain a house hold. This might seem a little far-fetched but just bear with me. In Disney’s song it’s the men that go off to work and the woman stay home, take care of the house, and clean. Now a days it is your decision if you want to stay home or not. But in those time’s, it was the men, this is jumping into woman’s rights but it is also touching base about equality and rights. This song shows that even though your ‘off to work we go” you’re still going to come back to a taken care home as shown in the childhood film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. This has now changed and society is o.k. with that, as this does move on so will the music we listen too. Within the Grapes of Wrath this all relates to the woman staying at home and the men going off to work, Steinbeck does follow his time periods choices and what hes used to seeing and hearing of so obviously he’s not doing anything wrong but this does go to show that how far we’ve come.
In conclusion, music from Steinbeck’s period to now shows the rough times society has about equal rights and equality all around the country(s). Also how the now stereotypical but was correct way of doing thing on women staying home and men going out working. List of other songs down below relating to this topic.
By: Genevieve Jones
The Seven Dwarfs, Disney, “Height Ho” (1937)
The Beatles, “A Hard Days Night” (1964)
Dolly Parton, “9 to 5” (1980)
Sheena Easton, “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” (1981)
Help is on the Way by Rise Against
ReplyDeleteThis song was inspired by Hurricane Katrinas devastation of New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina was a category 5 hurricane that ravaged the city of New Orleans in August of 2005. It did $125 Billion in damage and resulted in the deaths of approximately 1500 people. Tens of thousands were left stranded in their homes and needed to be rescued.
The music video follows a family as they attempt to survive the massive flooding on the roof of the house.
“Can nobody save us?
Will anyone try?
The bayou is burning
The cypress has died” This part of the song is meant to highlight the desperation of the stranded and isolated people. The light at of the end of the tunnel for most of these people was the fact that people were tirelessly working to rescue stranded people day and night.
“Help is on the way (They said they said)
Help is on the way (They said they said)
One by land, two by sea, right there in front of me
Help is on the way”
That’s what this section of song is based on, the volunteers who aided the people of New Orleans.
https://youtu.be/JHiqGqoIGII
Help is on the way
by Rise Against
2011
Album: Endgame
-Riley Murphy
There are many different artists in the world that Rap but a true influencer of our generation is Drake.
ReplyDeleteIf you take into consideration what Drake has done for today's society, example ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, given a positive face to the Canadian Hip Hop culture. He always has a positive input and influence with his music.
His songs have lyrics that appeal to the youth of today. Its not only what he writes about but what he does with the profits of his money from his music. He gives back to the community at large in needy cites where people are suffering the most. Donating scholarship, paying for others food to just giving back to those in true need.
To highlight his song Started from the bottom it is a song that describes how his struggled and with hard work and dedication became to one of the leading rapper's in the world.
Started from the bottom and now we are here, chase your dream and it will become true.
An issue that has been with Canada since its very beginning, is its poor treatment of Native Americans. When indigenous children were forced into residential schools from the early to late 1900’s, many died from the poor, inhumane treatment. We will never know the true number of all the children that died, because so many records were poorly kept or lost, and grave were sometimes not even marked. The number is estimated to be above 6000 indigenous children who died as a result of being separated from their families, being forced into a residential school, and having their heritage stolen from them. (Miller, 2019)
ReplyDeleteA child made famous after his sad passing was known as Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack. He had wandered off from the residential school in northern Ontario into the woods to try to walk home to his family. He got lost, and eventually died at the age of 12 from hunger and exposure to the environment. (Adams, 1967) Gord Downie, from the Canadian Band “The Tragically Hip” created an entire 10 song album called “The Secret Path” inspired by the story and horrors that Chanie Wenjack had to endure. Gord worked with the Wenjack family, and created the Downie Wenjack Fund, a foundation designed as a call to action for all Canadians to stand in solidarity with the indigenous. Their goal is to create awareness and educate Canadians, and when I heard some of the songs on Downie’s album, it was a different, more visual and deep way of understanding what had happened to so many Native people across Canada. These are lyrics from the song Seven Matches, by Gord Downie.
“She gave me matches
Seven wooden matches
She put them into a small, slim glass jar
With a screw-top lid
I fingered that jar
I put it in my pocket
She said, ‘Can't go into the woods without them'
I smiled at her and left
And I kept them dry
And as long as there were six
I'd be fine
As long as there were five
Matches in that jar
Mile after mile
On the chick-chick chick-chick sound of the matches
On the memory of her smile
I kept them dry
And as long as there were five
I'd be fine
As long as there were four
Matches in a jar
With a screw-top lid
I know she did not mean to hurt my feelings
But that's what she did
And I kept them dry
And as long as there were three
I'd be fine
As long as there were two
Matches in that jar”
This song was really dark and showed a section of Chanie’s journey. This song had a lot of impact on myself, and I believe many others, because although Residential schools were gone before I was born, it’s intergenerational impact is important for future generations to know and realize, so it is not repeated. (Downie, 2016)
Adams, I. (1967, February 1). The Lonely Death of Chanie Wenjack. Retrieved from Macleans: https://www.macleans.ca/society/the-lonely-death-of-chanie-wenjack/
Downie, G. (2016, October). The Secret Path. Retrieved from Gord Downie: http://www.gorddownie.com/albums/Secret+Path/Seven+Matches/
Miller, J. (2019, June 7). Residential Schools. Retrieved from The Canadian Encyclopedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/residential-schools