Hello all,
Here is an assignment I had to submit for one of my classes, I thought you might find it interesting. The assignment was a blog I had to write for my pop culture. My assignment is as follows:
The National, Tupac, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and former U.S Ambassador Barzun? The Politics and International Relations of Music At first glance or listen in this case, one cannot necessarily be blamed for not recognizing the links between International Relations and music. Whether you enjoy music or not, there is something to be said about the emotions and feelings that are amplified when connecting with a new song or melody. Many of us don’t realize the importance that music plays in our day to day lives, we listen to it every day, while walking to class, singing along in the shower, driving to and from home, even at clubs when, Music plays an integral part of our social spheres when instantaneously crowds erupt with euphoria as in some way or another the emotions and memories associated with that song sweep over us with thunderous bass. Even now I am writing to you enjoying the soothing tunes of an American folk band Bon Iver, (roughly named after the French meaning for good winter, bon hiver.) Music is an integral part of our lives and by extension our beliefs. Even if it's listening to Coldplay on a rainy day in England or jamming to Tupac on a sunny afternoon in California when broken down, music and song tell stories and act as a communication outlet for worldwide contemporary issues (Street, 2007: 324-325). Attali (1985: 4) stated it best “Music, as a mirror of society, calls this truism to our attention”. Much like Bob Dylan’s Song “The Times They Are A-Changin” Contemporary issues give musicians stories to sing and play and while the times continue to change storytelling and musicianship will never cease. In many ways songs and lyrics often pass feelings, emotions and perceptions (Dunn, 2005: 246) to those who may not otherwise may not have been inclined to speak or act upon, thus music can create a sense of togetherness (Watkins, 2001: 42) for not political and social activists but to the citizens of world. While music and storytelling have long gone hand in hand, politicians and musicians are starting to take notice and utilize music events for charities, political events and global awareness for humanitarian causes. The Artifact, I have chosen is a vinyl record given to me as a gift by the U.S. Embassy. The vinyl is a perfect demonstration of International Relations and Music and the politicization of music. The cover of the vinyl is a picture of a concert at Winfield House in London, the living space of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. What is peculiar of the picture is not the musical instruments in front of backdrop but the backdrop itself. The backdrop displays a heart with the Union Jack, The national flag of the United Kingdom, on one side and the flag of the United States on the other side. As for some historical background, as to why this vinyl was created, it was an initiative by former ambassador Barzun to engage in what he calls “cultural diplomacy” (Green, 2014), inviting members of public and political officials from the U.S. and the UK to Winfield House to enjoy a few drinks and listen to various bands throughout the year. The lists of artists to play at Winfield House have included Englishmen Ed Sheeran, and Scottish band Belle and Sebastian, and American band The National, and Damien Jurado. The beauty of these events is that it demonstrates how music appeals to its listens through universal emotions, love, happiness, sadness, fear, and anger, that can overcome physical boundaries and borders. Whether you agree with these relatively unorthodox events in London, the Winfield House sessions are creating new avenues of political unity through the emotional power of music. While more and more politicians and musicians alike are demonstrating their political attitudes through music, we as listeners must remain aware and continue to create new avenues of international connections and stand with musicians and their messages blasting through our headphones and speakers. Bibliography: Attali, J. (1985) Noise: The political economy of music (Vol. 16). Manchester University Press. Dunn, K. (2005) ‘The clash of civilization: Notes from a punk/scholar,’ in Marianne Franklin, ed., Resounding International Relations; On Music, Culture, and Politics, New York: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 263-283 Green, C. (2014) ‘Matthew Barzun: America's diplomatic dude’ available at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/matthew-barzun-americas-diplomatic-dude-9602438.html, accessed 27 August 2009. Street, J. (2007) ‘Breaking the Silence: Music's Role in Political Thought and Action’ Critical review of International social and political philosophy, 10(3), pp. 321-337. Watkins, L. (2001) ‘”Simunye, we are not one”: Ethnicity, difference, and the hip-hoppers of Cape Town,’ Race & Class, 43(1), 2001, pp. 29-44.