Tupac Amaru Shakur was an influential and compelling American rapper, actor, and activist who expressed African American injustices in his music. In his 1992 song, “Changes,” he discussed components that interfere and affect the everyday life of an African American, which included poverty, racial-profiling, and racism, while indicating the need for a change to end the oppression. While using his song as a tool for social commentary, Tupac addressed matters beyond African American struggles, which included social, political, and economic issues in American society. This is especially true when considering Tupac’s lyrics and references throughout his song, “Changes.” Moreover, Tupac tackled multiple social issues that were occurring in the 1990’s.
…show more content…
Tupac says, “It's war on the streets and a war in the Middle East,” which refers to the Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. In response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait, coalition forces from 35 nations led by the United States fought against Iraq from August 1990 to February 1991. Tupac’s comparison shows how individuals could not avoid the topic of war due it surrounding them. Tupac also includes the 1992 Presidential Election, which involved major candidates Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Ross Perot. He raps, “We ain't ready to see a black president. It ain't a secret, don't conceal the fact” due to the election lacking African American candidates. Additionally, Bill Clinton, who won presidency, was advocating for the War on Drugs, which was an United States government's campaign created by President Richard Nixon in 1971 to reduce the illegal drug trade. Tupac says, “Instead of war on poverty, they got a war on drugs so the police can bother me.” Tupac was referring to the policies that were locking consumers up for decades at a
Tupac says, “It's war on the streets and a war in the Middle East,” which refers to the Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. In response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait, coalition forces from 35 nations led by the United States fought against Iraq from August 1990 to February 1991. Tupac’s comparison shows how individuals could not avoid the topic of war due it surrounding them. Tupac also includes the 1992 Presidential Election, which involved major candidates Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Ross Perot. He raps, “We ain't ready to see a black president. It ain't a secret, don't conceal the fact” due to the election lacking African American candidates. Additionally, Bill Clinton, who won presidency, was advocating for the War on Drugs, which was an United States government's campaign created by President Richard Nixon in 1971 to reduce the illegal drug trade. Tupac says, “Instead of war on poverty, they got a war on drugs so the police can bother me.” Tupac was referring to the policies that were locking consumers up for decades at a