The Effects of Politics
Music and politics have long been bedfellows. For centuries, music was used in protest or praise of a leader. Oftentimes composers or their works were banned for political reasons. In 1930 Stravinsky stated in a Roman newspaper, “I don’t believe anyone venerates Mussolini more than I.” His music was soon banned by Nazi Germany.
More recently, rock groups have banned together to promote political participation by their listeners. Groups like Rock the Vote have strived to educate a younger generation as to their value in the political process. R&B artists are even getting involved. Sean “Puffy” Combs led the “Vote or Die” campaign in 2004. His aim was to register overlooked racial minorities and all 18-29 year olds.
