Week 7 – Can Popular Music be a genuine force for political change?

To address this question, we have to ask how influential music is upon its fans and whether this contributes to political change. More recently than before, music has become a medium in which to address and raise issues to its listeners in order to motivate and influence. Such an example can be noted in bands such as ‘Green Day’ and ‘The Foo Fighters,’ who have more than recently released songs to convey their own views on politics, yet does this influence the listeners? To address this, we must identify the listener; on one hand, the idea contributes to an individual and how influenced they are by the song. Yet, it is arguable that whilst the song may persuade a few, unless we truly listen to the message within the song, then the point of the political meaning is lost. Therefore, in these terms, music can only be a genuine force for political change if the audiences are subjected to really listen to the message, rather than accept it as entertainment. Overall, popular music may not force a change in politics, but it can inform and influence listeners without them almost knowing.