Discrimination In African American Culture

African culture is discernible in every culture – through black people’s suffering and discrimination, they were able to create different types of art all over the world. Since the time of slavery, African Americans created music with hidden messages in them, longing for the freedom and opportunities every human being should have. Through these songs, black people instilled a hopeful feeling in themselves and their children, passing it on to the present day generation. Black artists of today, like Janelle Monae and Kendrick Lamar, are continuing this hopeful message interwoven in their music and bringing awareness to the world. Janelle Monae’s “Many Moons” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”, although not exactly similar in style nor exuding typical …show more content…
This is a contrast to Monae’s funky beat in her song, as the verse is rather somber. This could continue to refer to the slavery days, when they would work all day until the sun goes down, and once they go to bed, they are left with their thoughts. Their thoughts remind them of their broken dreams, of the little opportunity and freedom they had and would most likely never get in their lifetime. Endless crimes, however, could be seen as a more present-day problem. As Black people are more likely to live in poverty and dangerous neighborhoods, they are often accused of the crimes committed in the country. These Black people, like their ancestors, long for freedom as well. This freedom is difficult to make theirs, though, because they are aware of the oppression they face and realize they most likely will never be treated as equals. How can they truly be free if their mind cannot free them of their burdens? As Monae continues with the song, her hook is of her rapping a list of more Black culture: “Civil rights, Civil War…Black girl, bad hair, broad nose…HIV, lost hope…”. This is a constant reminder to her Black audience that this song is to relate to them, to their struggles and their longing for equality and hope. As the song comes to an end, Monae …show more content…
Throughout the video, people are dancing – this puts a positive outlook on a gloomy situation. Dancing is used to express emotions, and dancing through difficult situations can give people the message to have strength to be positive and stand up for themselves. Kendrick Lamar is also shown throughout the video floating through the city as kids watch in awe. This can be seen as Lamar being a “superhero” figure to these Black kids, a symbol that they too can make it out of poverty and be successful. However, Lamar also describes the consequences that come with success and wealth, as he is open about his depression and suicidal thoughts. Through Lamar’s message, it seems as he is explaining that life itself – both in poverty and success – is a struggle, and the intertwining of racial tension adds to that struggle. Lamar does not say to give up, though, but instead raps the hook, “We gon’ be alright…” By continuously repeating this, Lamar is reminding his Black audience that despite the pain and suffering they will go through, they will survive as long as they are united and proud of their culture. A significant symbol repeated in the video is police brutality, as Lamar shows scenes of him in a cop car as cops carry him and the ending, when Lamar is shot by a policeman by a “finger-gun”. Lamar is standing in solidarity with the “#blacklivesmatter”