It’s Time to End the Political Ignorance

What has happened to the political and social activism of music; the music that once attempted to speak out and convey important messages.  Today, mainstream pop music reflects primarily issues of money, sex and greed.  This presents a serious issue, as the youth today become more concerned with instant gratifications, and become less aware of the wider world that exists out there.  Political ignorance is indeed a bi-product of this.  If in the 60’s teenagers were engaged with the political issues surrounding the Vietnam war through artists like Creedence and Bob Dylan, today Justin Beiber entertains the youth market with songs about boyfriends, whilst Kesha sings about getting drunk.  Something is seriously wrong with society if this is what has become of mankind’s greatest creation- music. 

I for one can not understand why music today is not more engaged with the issues that face society.  The world is undergoing greater changes now than ever before in history yet mainstream pop music is burying its head in the sand.  It seems that being politically ignorant has been made to seem cool.  Being disengaged with important issues, and even acting dumb are the ideals set forth by current pop stars.  Where are the songs about climate change or the continuing war in the Middle East?  I’m sure someone could offer some examples, but the point is there is nowhere near the same amount of musical engagement with these issues as there was during the Vietnam War. 

Some may question the point of this.  Why does music even matter to political or social issues?  Well it’s fair to say that for the younger members of Generation Y, the music they’re listening to isn’t encouraging them to take action, but rather head to the nearest nightclub and get plastered!  It’s glorifying a pretend lifestyle of consume more and you’ll be happy.  It basically implies that for all the bad that’s happening in the world, everything will be alright.  Well guess what, everything is NOT going to be alright!