This year, internationally famous white
rapper; Macklemore, released a song called ‘White Privilege II’. This song is
an 8-minute thought-provoking piece about the Black Lives Matter Movement, race
and racial inequality. The song discussed his experience when he marched with the
Black Lives Matter Movement in Ferguson when African- American teenager
(Michael Brown) was shot by white police officer; Darren Wilson. Macklemore also
includes direct insults toward certain celebrities, as he believes there work
is fascist and that there work uses cultural appropriation however he does not
believe that they would do anything to improve the lives of black even though
they include cultural appropriation in their music.
What makes this song so interesting is that
it is from a perspective of a white rapper on the outside looking in, which
brings about the idea of cultural appropriation. The term, ‘Cultural appropriation’
is defined as the use of elements of one culture by members from another
culture. Macklemore does not know what it is like to be marginalized as he is
not apart of that particular group, however he notices racism due to the
industry he works within. I think that Macklemore is trying to get across the
point that he is aware of his race however, he is attempting to face the guilt
of what his race did to the African-Americans back in the day.
"It seems like we're more
concerned with being called racist, than we actually are with racism."
These are lyrics of his song and I believe that they are the message of rap
song. He is rappping about a song about the issue of race, which is still an
ongoing issue within our society as racism still exists. It is about time a
white rapper discussed the issue of racial inequality.
Link to song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdVRlM-kSx8
I think that an important part of the song is that Macklemore is acknowledging his part in the history of white people appropriating black culture, and that even by making this song, he is benefitting from white privilege. Macklemore understands his success within the industry is due to his race, and that his ethnic identity limits his ability to speak out on racial issues.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me a bit of Barry Barclay's theory of the communications marae- everyone is welcome to listen, but not everyone is permitted to speak, as speaking may interrupt or affect the voices of those originally within the marae. It would be easier for all if white people such as Macklemore appreciated hip-hop via listening rather than production but if they are going to do it then the least they can do is acknowledge the rules of the communications marae- and their place within it. I believe Macklemore is taking positive steps towards this, presenting himself as ally rather than authority on hip hop and racial issues.