Equality is a concept that is central to the smooth administration of the modern state. Having observed the inevitable revolutions and uprisings that have arisen as a direct response to gross inequality, western democracies have been keen to ensure both the equality of opportunity without which a meritocracy and a free market based on healthy competition are unable to function correctly; as well as to contemplate steps toward an equality of outcome that avoids public perception of obscene injustice without, of course, limiting the freedoms of wealth creators. Multiculturalism, a more practical approach than the melting pot, was later embodied by Culture Club, a band who cleverly brought messages of tolerance and equality to a global pop audience. Always the most charming of ambassadors, Boy George also possessed a terrific soul voice and an unwavering commitment to LGBT rights, both of which are displayed brilliantly in his solo song Same Thing In Reverse. The concept of privilege offers a more recent way of assessing and addressing equality. Go on; count it up. Coltrane himself would go on to embrace the discord that King sought to leave behind, seeking spiritual expression and freedom way beyond melody and rhythm. Club culture offers another version of equality, the dancefloor becoming a place where gender, race and social background are irrelevant; where the music is created by deliberately anonymous machine operators and served up by thousands of dedicated and equally anonymous DJs. But are we any nearer to that beautiful symphony?
DRINK OF THE WEEK
Listen to these songs below!
Grady Daron, Reporter June 23, Humanity has always turned to music, and whether happy, sad or angry, there is always something for you. These 15 songs may not all be classics, but they all provide messages that our country needs right now. This song provides the classic Rage Against The Machine sound of the early 90s. Though written in , all issues being combatted in this song are still prevalent in our world today. The ska sounds of this song are fun and bouncy, while the lyrics fight for equality for all. We live in a divided world, and this song shows that if this continues, it will just lead to our destruction. Though recorded in , we can see what this song is describing in our very own country. The two-tone genre of this music was apart of a large movement of equality and unity in the UK.
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During Black History Month it is important to reflect and think about how much change is still needed since the Civil Rights movement in the s. To get inspired to continue to make a difference, take a look at these top civil rights songs you should have on your playlist rotation. This song is definitely empowering.
With her new track "Here Comes the Change," recorded for the forthcoming film "On the Basis of Sex" about a young Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kesha is once again using her voice to rally for change. To celebrate the new song, Kesha compiled a playlist to "pay homage to some of my favorite artists More: Kesha's devastating Grammys rehearsals make her new documentary 'Rainbow' a must-watch. I grew up traveling through rural Latin America as a child with my family and I didn't fully appreciate how important Bob Marley is until I saw how present his music was and is not only there but throughout the world. The Clash is one of the most iconic political bands of all time and pioneers for how they developed the sound of punk rock. And I believe that everyone should know their rights. This song reminds me of growing up in Tennessee, driving down some backwoods road to go find a rope swing on a river. It was only later that I really listened to the words and realized what a powerful anti-war anthem it is. This song will give you full body chills if you close your eyes and hear the passion and heart behind these beautiful lyrics.
