Protest/propaganda/social — Defining our terms

4/1/2019

In our first class, we began considering our initial conceptions of what a few foundational terms mean:

protest song
propaganda song
socially conscious song

What's similar about those terms? What's different? Are they applied within certain contexts?

A chief goal of this course will be to carry forward these preconceived notions and begin applying them to the music and theory we will encounter — and to see what changes, if anything, about them. Will they work the way we think they will? Will they require updating?

Participation! Assist in creating that record by posting the definitions you wrote down during or after class, in the comments here (before class on Wednesday).

15 Comments

Kristi Rowe

4/2/2019 01:16:05 pm

1) A protest song is standing up against a particular issue, most likely a controversial, relevant event occurring in society. Within the Comm 113t playlist, "I Feel Like I'm Fixin to Die Rag" by Country Joe McDonald is a protest against the Vietnam war. If I listen to the lyrics closely, or were to research the song, it would quickly uncover he not-so-discreet political lyrics protesting against the Vietnam war. Though I was actually able to come to this understanding because I played the song in front of my Dad and he recognized it immediately. He told me that Joe McDonald played the song live at his college and that he was protesting against the Vietnam war in the song. I found it interesting that this song served to have such relevance during the time period and surrounded a huge political event in United States history. Once I looked up the song, i found several other songs protesting against the war as well. This further examines media’s influence on society and how it could have contributed to the protest against the war, raising individuals opposition.
2) A socially conscious song assumes a consideration or respect for current events or the respective time period. This definition sounds very similar to that of protest, though a socially conscious song doesn’t particularly attempt to persuade or take a strong stance on an issue. An example of a socially conscious song is one that has social awareness towards current events or issues, anywhere from gang violence, sexual abuse to civil rights.
3) The word “propaganda” itself suggests and attempt to influence or persuade a particular political issue through a medium. In this case, a song is used as a medium for the message, or the propaganda. What comes to mind initially when I think of propaganda is music that prides the U.S. or supports patriotism.

Ori Faigon

4/2/2019 04:09:39 pm

I suppose not much difference exists between the three. Protest, Propaganda, and Socially Conscious songs all are theoretically written and performed for the purpose of either "educating" or uniting a group of people on or for a common idea or goal.

If a division between the three is to materialize I suppose a Protest song could be more directed at changing the way something is, such as a behavior or law. An example of a Protest song I think can be found in Bob Dylan's "Masters of War".

A Propaganda song seems more aimed at promoting a central idea, such as democracy or patriotism which I believe can be found in just about any country's national anthem. Compare Bob Dylan's "Masters of War" with "The Star-Spangled Banner", both referring to war but in vastly different contexts.

Lastly, I believe that a Socially Conscious song is much vaguer and can theoretically be a title applied to just about any song, but in the most unanimously received way, a Socially Conscious song just must reference and form of social issue or idea. An example of this can be found in Childish Gambino's song "This is America".

Timothy Shin link

4/2/2019 07:25:04 pm

I personally see a protest song as a song that primarily tries to illustrate anger, frustration, or disappointment as a way to incite change or reform. It is political in nature and would often be a part of social movements.

I think that a propaganda song is a song that deals in making people believe in something a certain way or creating loyalty. It can also be used as a way to demonize an other or to drum up support towards a cause.

Socially conscious songs are similar to protest songs, but what I think separates the two is mainly that socially conscious songs offer more of a description or representation of the current state of things relative to the artist as opposed to inciting social reform.

Overall I think there's a lot of overlap between the three types but there are characteristics that define them accordingly.

Annette Magana

4/2/2019 10:06:39 pm

The three instances of the type of songs presented share a very fine line with almost indistinguishable differences that one could easily pass one type of song as the other. In trying to make a point in an argument within the song, it veers into all three. A protest song leans into demanding some kind of recognition or change and with enough spread, one will then think of it as a propaganda song. One can think the message that it is spread is misleading. I guess that it turns into a propaganda song when a biased political view is heavily incorporated into the song. For instance, if a song revolved around U.S politics, sharing the author's negative point of view about Trump or support. Yet, if the author wanted to talk more about a change in the community lifestyle particularly affected by political decisions, instead of focusing on the political aspect itself, then it veers more into a protest song. Similarly making it a socially conscious song as well. A song that takes into consideration what is happening around society and any particular community, while not making it a protest, but at least either mentioning it, something that perhaps can make the song be perceived as a contemporary song.

Natalie Teuton

4/2/2019 11:31:45 pm

These types of songs all revolve around social issues, whether advocating for or against a certain belief or situation. A protest song typically involves the artist objecting something, like a war or governmental decision. It may also call for change or attempt to inspire others to protest the issue through the lyrics or the basic emotions of the song.
Propaganda songs try to encourage others to think a certain way or have a certain opinion. Propaganda is typically misleading in some way; therefore, these types of songs could have strong biases or purposely not include important information. Nonetheless, it is often very successful in causing people to obtain fixed beliefs.
Lastly, a socially conscious song could be defined as a song that acknowledges social issues or events in society. This type of song may just shine a light on social news while not specifically protesting or advocating it. I feel as though it could be an umbrella term that could contain categories like the aforementioned protest and propaganda songs.

Danielle Ward

4/2/2019 11:35:55 pm

1. Protest Song
For me, this bring very concise and strong images of songs about isolated events or issues within the time that the music is being produced. When I think of protest music, is it music that may go against the views of a popular group, or may support something that is not being fairly represented in the minds of those making the music.
2. Propaganda Song
Propaganda connotes persuasiveness and the act of trying to get people to rally behind what you support, so it is not as much refuting a cause or event like I would think a protest song would do, but rather it tries to persuade the masses to rally behind something.
3. Socially Conscious Song
This kind of song would push for current issues to be represented or would shed light on current issues with a kind of sensitivity is respect to society. A socially conscious song that comes to my mind is Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" which addresses the current movement/topic of body positivity among women and the push towards freeing women's bodies of social stigmas and expectations, while also combating issues like fat shaming.

Edric Orta

4/3/2019 01:47:19 am

The difference between seems to be the reactions that they attempt to incite within the listener, as well as lyrical elements of the song itself. All the songs have traits of building a community, but the way the listeners adhere to the music determines what kind of song it is. Protest and Propaganda songs seem to require a certain 'first person' opinion, while Socially Conscious songs only present a certain viewpoint without a real expression of what is the 'proper' opinion.

A protest song is a song that actively goes against or expresses a stance opposing a certain topic/issue/event/group. Protests songs inspire rebellious spirits and a sense of belonging through standing out. Protest songs include 'New Slaves' by Kanye West and 'Fuck Tha Police' by N.W.A.

A propaganda song is a song that actively promotes or expresses solidarity within a certain viewpoint/topic. Propaganda songs inspire a sense of belonging as a whole and through oneness. Propaganda songs include any 'National Anthem' from any country and 'DNA.' by Kendrick Lamar.

A socially conscious song is a song that doesn't actively promote or oppose a certain viewpoint/topic, but rather passively expresses an opinion and presents it in a way that the listener is aware of what the artist's stance on the issue is. Socially Conscious songs include 'XXX.' by Kendrick Lamar and '48' by Tyler, the Creator.

Casey Longstreet

4/3/2019 10:03:24 am

When considering a Protest song, this type has a message that is, ultimately, going against something. Whether that is a person, event, decision, rule, etc, a protest song stands for a topic that is going against. On the other hand, a Propaganda song can be considered as a type of informational and persuasive song. Defined by the Dictionary, propaganda is, “information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.” Therefore, this type of song aims to influence a certain idea or topic and make the listener agree with the message. Lastly, a socially conscious song reflects what is going on, socially, in the time that the song is produced. Most likely, this song is discussing issues or stating events that are affecting our social world and making listeners aware. Overall, the difference in definition between the three songs has to do with the message that the song is aiming to promote.

Brianna Driscoll

4/3/2019 11:28:15 am

All three are similar in that they provoke thought and emotion from its listeners, but while they are similar, they are still slightly different. A protest song is a song that is outright objecting to something. A propaganda song is a song that spreads panic and chaos. It uses information in misleading ways so while it could possibly be true, it’s taken out of context. A socially conscious song is usually a song by a socially conscious artist or in other terms an artist that is “woke.” The song has a message that educates or opens people’s eyes to an event or situation currently going on that might not necessarily get enough deserved attention.

Isabelle Hwang

4/3/2019 11:29:52 am

All of these types of songs have similarities and differences in addressing social change. A protest song advocates the opposition of a certain topic. A propaganda song is an informative form of media that attempts to influence an audience for political purposes. Lastly, a socially conscious song brings awareness and knowledge to the social issues that we face today. These types of songs work collectively to bring awareness on different ideas, whether it be in regards to the artist's opinions or factual events that the artist wants to shed light on. The difference is the different messages and purposes that each song has. They are applied within political context and have an established history in the music industry.

Ivana Cuk

4/3/2019 12:01:27 pm

I believe a protest song is one that has to do with standing up for your beliefs and fighting for or against what you think is right. Normally something is occurring in society that one might not agree with, so they spread a message through a song that goes against the situation or even suggests a change. An example would be "FDT" by YG featuring Nipsey Hussle (rip:(().

Propaganda is commonly known as information that is spread through bias in order to promote a particular point of view; this use of information then gets put into a song. It's a song that is created through bias ideals and morals that one believes others should start understanding and following. An example would be "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel.

A "socially conscious" song is one that promotes the meaning of "staying woke" in society and gets you thinking and opening your mind up to what's going on around you as well in the world. These types of songs will often touch on important topics and sometimes even ones that many tend to ignore or avoid discussing because of what is may spark. An example would be "This Is America" by Childish Gambino.

Elvina

4/3/2019 02:58:22 pm

Protest song: A song that has a main goal of expressing its thoughts on a certain subject, sometimes political.

Propaganda song: A song that has an end goal of promoting a specific point of view.

Socially conscious song: A song that is able to talk about society providing experiences. An example of this is a song by Pusha T (rapper) and Jill Scott called “Sunshine.” In it, he says things such as, “laptops are for the county kids, metal detectors is where ours is.”

What all three hold in common is the ability and power to bring certain subjects to light and bring in a safe space to converse. What’s different is how while a song can show it’s socially conscious, it does not get more in depth and political over a topic than how a protest song or propaganda song would. In my opinion, a propaganda and protest song try to change a view whereas a socially conscious song just brings up an issue.

Thomas Conner

4/3/2019 02:58:25 pm

As mentioned in class, this is excellent thinking right out of the gate. It's interesting to read the obvious gravity at the core of certain terms, but also the shades of difference that presented themselves.

One student wrote, overall, "The difference between [them] seems to be the reactions that they attempt to incite within the listener” — This is a good broad lens to fit into place as we get going here: this idea that there are different types of songs that are used for differing purposes. What we want to emerge with at the end of this term is a map of what those are, and when/how they are utilized, for what purposes.

'PROTEST SONG'
Most of you defined “protest song” negatively — that is, a protest is speech made against an idea.
— "standing up against a particular issue”
— "typically involves the artist objecting something”
— "actively goes against or expresses a stance opposing a certain topic/issue/event/group”
— "a protest song stands for a topic that is going against”

Some of you broadened your scope to include protests for something: "music that may go against the views of a popular group, or may support something that is not being fairly represented” (even the "support" there is linguistically negative, in that the advocating is done to fill in a void).

Or you identified that protests aren’t only the voicing of grievance but the encouragement to act:
— "changing the way something is, such as a behavior or law” (social change!)
— "tries to illustrate anger, frustration, or disappointment as a way to incite change or reform”
"demanding some kind of recognition or change”

'PROPAGANDA SONG'
The addition of this term added new shadings for most of you. “Propaganda” is, indeed, generally a pejorative in the wider culture, and most of you applied the term that way, suggesting undue influence, insidious persuasion, almost to the brink of mind control …
— "suggests and attempt to influence or persuade a particular political issue”
— "making people believe in something a certain way or creating loyalty”
— ""encourage others to think a certain way”
— "the message that it is spread is misleading”

But that’s only when the propaganda is coming from the other team, right? When you rally for the things you believe in and the social change you wish to see, you engage in various degrees of propaganda yourself. So there were some definitions along the lines of promotion of a certain POV …
— "connotes persuasiveness and the act of trying to get people to rally behind what you support”
— "promoting a central idea, such as democracy or patriotism” (this student cited national anthems as an example, which is good — and we'll discuss those in week 9!)

One definition even linked propaganda with a topic from today’s lecture, and a topic central to most of our discussions from here on: community/identity building: "actively promotes or expresses solidarity”

'SO CON'
The term “socially conscious” was not treated as harshly as “propaganda,” but it was dismissed ever so slightly by many of you — as describing a song that is less direct (and maybe thus less serious) in what it expresses and accordingly hopes to see change. To you, these are songs that merely inform about an element of society; they don’t contain an actual call to action.
— "assumes a consideration or respect for current events or the respective time period”
— "much vaguer and can theoretically be a title applied to just about any song, but in the most unanimously received way, a Socially Conscious song just must reference and form of social issue or idea”
— "more of a description or representation of the current state of things relative to the artist as opposed to inciting social reform”
— "passively expresses an opinion and presents it in a way that the listener is aware of what the artist's stance on the issue is”
— "may just shine a light on social news while not specifically protesting or advocating it”

All of that is fine. BUT as we move forward, we will have many, many opportunities to consider the ways passive information can have highly potent effects and create real social change simply by presenting the “socially conscious” issue in the context of the ritual gathering in which it is heard. Therein lies our own two-step flow: the shining of the light, and the call to action. Sometimes simply shining the light is enough to create the **conditions** for a listener to act on their own. (And when the impetus to act seems entirely subjective, it’s often pursued with greater conviction.) Shining the light may not always seem like enough, but it’s better than remaining in darkness, yes?

Faith Bender

4/5/2019 09:28:40 am

Protest Song, Propaganda Song, and Socially Conscious Songs are all terms illustrating the gravity of the relationship between current events and culture and songs.
A protest song is most directly related to a current state of society or movement that is occurring. They represent a cry for social change, often in opposition to an unjust power of the time. They are also usually the most specific.
Propaganda songs I would conducer to be more heavily political and related to persuasion, or promotion, rather than just expressing a need for change. They are more subtle usually and used to sway people rather than outright object or display a certain belief.
Socially conscious songs are an even less direct form of a call to action. Rather than a call to action actually, they are more a call to acknowledgement. They still center around or are closely tied to a social movement or element but don't directly express deep concern for change.

Mariam Abdul Shakoor

4/5/2019 09:12:29 pm

A protest song is a song that displays action for mankind to do something. Music and songs are tools that play with emotion and spirit. When an individual hears a protest song, that individual wants to be a part of that protest. Even if they don’t want to, but once they hear it their emotions won’t let them ignore it.

Propaganda song is song that makes people to do something. A propaganda is controlled my a third party. It is not something that comes from the heart of people. But something great is put in the hearts of people to do something.

Socially conscious song are songs that are not directly focused on the change. But, it is indirect way to change.

music as social action ::
the Blog