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  • Essay / A perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement in White Privilege, a song by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

    White Privilege “White Privilege” by Macklemore is an eight-minute song that expresses a diverse perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement Matter. Usually, when we hear about the movement, it's from the voice of an African-American. However, this work gives the perspective of a white defender, specifically Macklemore. With radically varied timbre and dynamics, the listener is drawn in and informed about the cause itself, the unjust reasons for supporting the cause, and cultural appropriation. Macklemore perfectly expresses his views on the movement as a whole in a unique and intelligently melodic way. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayBlack Lives Matter is a modern international activist movement that campaigns against violence against black people. This violence comes from corrupt white police officers who have unjustly killed many African Americans. “White Privilege” begins with chanting, similar to the sound of Gregorian chant. This song contributes to the integration of society by uniting activists. Later in the chorus, this wordless song begins to take on very powerful lyrics; “Blood in the streets, no justice, no peace, no racist police, no rest until we are free. » These words explain the basics of the cause and encompass another function of music that anthropologist Alan P. Merriam described in his work "The Anthropology of Music"; Communication. Through the lyrics, activists explain why they are marching and that they will not stop until these unjust actions end. Macklemore also does a great job explaining his role as a white American in the movement. He is someone who is deeply involved in the cause, even if he feels like others are only showing support for their own benefit. For example, the song says, “You can join the march, protest, scream and shout. Get on Twitter, hashtag it, and make it look like you're depressed. But they see clearly, people believe you now? You have publicly said, “Rest in peace, Mike Brown.” You talk about equality, but do you really mean it? Do you march for freedom, or when it suits you? I want people to like you, to want to be accepted. This is probably why you are protesting here. Before this verse, there is a choir without any instruments other than the voices of the singers. However, during this verse the timbre shifts primarily to the piano. The timbre switch provides a more solemn feeling and allows for emotional reflection. The piano is primarily in a minor key, which also contributes to the emotional expression of disappointment and sadness. I have met many people who have committed many of the acts Macklemore explains. People from my old high school have been posting about Black Lives Matter all over social media, even though their actual knowledge on the topic is limited. Cultural appropriation usually involves a dominant group exploiting the culture of less privileged groups. Macklemore explains this idea in such a simple and realistic way. For example, he states: “You have exploited and stolen the music, the moment, the magic, the passion, the fashion that you play with. The culture was never yours to improve. You're Miley, you're Elvis, you're Iggy Azalea. Fake and so plastic, you have stolen the magic. You took the drums and the accent you rapped with... All the money you made. The whole watered down pop culture version, buddy. Go buy a big one.