The Art of Protest Music

One of the most highly recognized forms of protesting in our society is the protest song. A songs message can range from direct targeting (NOFX's "Idiot Son of an Asshole") to obscure protest (Rush's "The Trees"). Over the past decade, a growth has been seen in the art of protest music, but the earliest recollection of one of the best and most popular protest songs comes from Woody Guthrie and his song "This Land Is Your Land". While many now view this song as a national anthem, if you dig deeper, you will find it written in a time when the world seemed to be in charged by the Rockafeller's of the country. Guthrie wanted to let people know that this country was for all of us. The 60's brought forth a slew of protest music with the Vietnam War, the growth of the folk movement, civil rights and other issues. Various artist from various genres such as reggae (Bob Marley) to soul (Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", Billie Holliday "Strange Fruit") to of course the folk artist (CSNY "Ohio", Bob Dylan "The Times They Are A Changin) were letting their voice be heard. As time moved on, protest songs were becomeing scarce. You had a view in the days of the Reagan administration (Genisis "Land of Confusion") and you had artist dedicated to their beliefs (Rage Against The Machine, System of A Down, U2), but nothing really screaming of a rally cry. Then in 2004, the fear of a second Bush administration and more time spent wasted in Iraq brought out artist by the barrel full. Fat Mike of the band NOFX created punkvoter.com to help get today's kids interested in punk rock music to change, even releasing the "Rock Against Bush" compilation albums. Artist from REM to Bright Eyes to Bruce Springsteen were embarking on the Vote For Change Tour, performing songs they written for this time such as "Devils and Dust" (Bruce Springsteen) and "When The President Talks To God" (Bright Eyes). This of course did not have much of an impact but more will come. Rage Against The Machine have reunited. Bands such as Rise Against and Strike Anywhere are becoming more popular in the mainstream. More and more artist are speaking out their voices. More music is on it's way.  

What Is Needed To Protest

I recently was a part of a protest against the Westboro Baptist Church spreading their message of hate on the campus of the Ohio State University. While the mission was a success, I mainly took note about why it was. This got me thinking of my opinions of what is needed to have a successful protest.

1. A Cause- Like any good arguement, you need something that you disagree with to be present in the world.

2. An Opponent- You need someone who believes in the opposite of you.

3. Relators- You need people who feel the same way as you do. Though this could be optional.

4. Attention Grabbers- During the protest, groups got people's attention using music, signs, and free food to draw people in to what they were fighting for.

5. Passion- No protest will work if you do not 100% believe in what you are fighting for.

Hopefully at the end of this journey, I will be able to better develop this list and add too it.

Welcome

Hello readers. My name is Joseph Inch. As the title may suggest, this is a study in the art of blogging. Through the next couple of weeks, I will be exploring the techniques, theories, people and groups know for protesting to figure out which ways are the most effective of bringing down a corrupt system. My knowledge on a few of the techniques are limited. What I still would like to go deeper into why protesters chose the method they did. In this, I would like to learn and teach how to become a better activist. To better know myself, I am a Ohio slam poet. I have always been known as an entertainment nerd. And last is that I was a student in the final year of Antioch College, so that gives me expirence in fighting corrupt systems. More information on myself can be reached at http://www.facebook.com/people/Joe-Atticus-Inch/725633137. Stay tuned for the next post.