Thursday, 29 March 2012

Assignment no.1 - Political influence




 
The Rage against the machine


The hard rock/ hip-hop band, The Rage against the machine, which consists of four members, was one of the most influential band in 90’s who based their music on left wing political beliefs. The significant impact on their creativity was injustice and unfairness in the world. Dissatisfaction with the political situation at home as well as abroad, especially against capitalism, led to the most famous protest songs ever. Their lyrics, which are based on criticism, demonstrate how the system is corrupted as well as how inequality exists among people. Not only do they highlight the crimes of political regimes including capitalism, they also point out infringement of human rights. These burning issues had a noticeable result on their music production.


 The wide range of crimes committed by unfair political system was one of the main conceptions for the song ‘’Voice of voiceless’’. The song was based on the story of Mumia Abu Jamal who was imprisoned and was given a life sentence, despite the lack of evidence, articulates the problem with racial prejudice and injustice in the American justice and police system. In fact, the band used their music to support Jamal to prove his innocence. Moreover, they highlighted how a police department can restrict human rights. Due to the police brutality and racism pointed out in this song, reached The Rage against the machine on the top of the music charts.


  Another point of dissatisfaction with the political system was splendidly expressed in their song called Guerrilla Radio. This song illustrates how some of the media can be shaped for political needs. The spotlight is on the American President George Bush who was thought to have cheated during his election. Furthermore, this song reflects negative political activities during the election and politicians’ unethical behaviour.


 In my view, the dishonest political legislation and constant disappointment in the system led to the establishment of political view which is furiously reflected in their songs. Due to criticism used in the lyrics and the highlighted of the burning issues, the band has become one of the most elevated rock band in the twentieth century.


Bibliography:

The Rage against the Machine
http://www.ratm.com/

The lyrics of RATM a study in radical criminology

Capitalism and its critics The Rage against the Machine

The pretty incomplete RATM site

Apendix

All these web pages are extremely beneficial regarding to information which are supplying. I was able to obtain all information which I  needed to finish my essays. Not only, does it provide adequate information in order to achieve my aims, but also helps to observe how political issues can affect artist's creativity.  I found an article '' The lyrics of RATM a study in radical criminology'' very useful due to its in depth explanation. I do not consider that my material needs further consideration.


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