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Music Global Politics Critique Refiguring American Music

Andy Hayes

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Published in Audible Empire: Music Global Politics Critique (Refiguring American Music)

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Music has always been a powerful force in global politics. From the anthems that inspire nations to the protest songs that challenge authority, music has the ability to shape public opinion, mobilize people for action, and create a sense of community. In recent years, the increasing interconnectedness of the world has led to a blurring of musical boundaries and a greater awareness of the political dimensions of music.

Audible Empire: Music, Global Politics, Critique (Refiguring American Music)

by Rachel Scheer

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4800 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	432 pages

This article critically examines the ways in which American music has been refigured through the lens of global politics. It argues that the increasing interconnectedness of the world has led to a blurring of musical boundaries and a greater awareness of the political dimensions of music. The article draws on examples from a variety of musical genres, including hip-hop, pop, and rock, to illustrate how music has been used to critique global power structures, promote social justice, and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Music and Global Power Structures

Music has long been used to critique global power structures. In the 1960s, for example, folk singers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez used their music to protest the Vietnam War. Their songs helped to raise awareness of the war's atrocities and to mobilize people for action. In more recent years, hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole have used their music to critique police brutality and mass incarceration. Their songs have helped to shed light on these issues and to demand change.

Music can also be used to challenge the dominant narratives of global power. For example, the music of the indigenous peoples of the Americas has often been used to challenge the colonialist narratives that have dominated the history of the continent. This music has helped to give voice to the experiences of indigenous peoples and to assert their right to self-determination.

Music and Social Justice

Music can also be a powerful force for social justice. In the United States, for example, the civil rights movement of the 1960s was fueled by music. Songs like "We Shall Overcome" and "Mississippi Goddam" became anthems of the movement and helped to raise awareness of the struggle for racial equality. In more recent years, music has been used to address a wide range of social justice issues, including poverty, homelessness, and climate change.

Music can also be used to promote cross-cultural understanding. By sharing our music with each other, we can learn about different cultures and break down stereotypes. This can lead to greater understanding and empathy between people of different backgrounds.

Music is a powerful force in global politics. It can be used to critique global power structures, promote social justice, and foster cross-cultural understanding. In recent years, the increasing interconnectedness of the world has led to a blurring of musical boundaries and a greater awareness of the political dimensions of music. This has led to a refiguring of American music, as artists from all over the world have begun to use music to address the challenges of our globalized world.

Audible Empire: Music, Global Politics, Critique (Refiguring American Music)

by Rachel Scheer

4.4 out of 5