Freedom in Expression

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8V66bxvM2Q

Protest can take many different forms. Most commonly, we recognize it as a group of people coming together in a public setting for marches or rallies that unite for a common cause. Although these methods can be extremely effective, protest typically needs to embody multiple forms to reach its most compelling state. One of the main and most effective forms of protest that can often be overlooked is art. Photos, dances, movies, music and so much more have been integral to various movements for song. With the Los Angeles Riots of 1992, many different forms of art erupted. Inspiration was drawn and artistic protest began. Some of the most powerful works were in the rap industry because during the time of the Riots, the industry was thriving. One of the pieces of art that struck me while doing research was Ice Cube's song "We Had to Tear This Motherfucka Up". With the NWA recently disbanded, in 1992 almost all of the members were working on their own material. All of the race incidents inspired Ice Cube to write this hit. 

The song begins with sound bits from various racial incidents. The first one heard is Ben Watson, the mayor of Nashville, Tennessee in 1961. He states that "Peace, quiet and good order will be maintained in our city. To the best of our ability. Riots, melees and disturbances Of the peace are against the interests of all our people; and Therefore cannot be permitted." This is Watson's response to one of the first sit in's at a segregated lunch counter; a huge turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. The sound bits then grow more modern with a news anchor reading the famous line of "The Jury found that they were all not guilty, not guilty..." followed by a description of what occurred in the riots. Opening with these two extremely real issues provides a sense of urgency; proof that there is still a need for protest which Ice Cube proceeds to do with his lyrics. 

Ice Cube proceeds to explore the harsh reality of police brutality that has been endured through the years through his lyrics. He focuses on the Rodney King abuse, calling out each officer that was put on trial in a different verse. One of the most prominent lines in his song to me is when he states, "to get some respect we had to tear this mother fucker up" which has a lot of reason behind it. Prior to this, instances like what occurred to Rodney King would happen regularly and would be swept under the wrong, but to make a change there was a need for unity against police brutality which Ice Cube assisted with by making his music.

Being able to delve deeper in this topic while backing it with a melody makes it far more relatable to some rather than watching the news, allowing this issue to be spread to wider audiences. Lyrics like this can also act as a motivator for change and the inspiration to find personal forms of protest. Songs like this improve the importance of artistic protest.

Gillian McFerren