"You gotta make a difference on your own."
A rebel's words. Words that seem to have been lost in our culture. Looking back to how the USA (and most other nations) were created/founded, it was done through revolution. So where has that type of rebellious passion gone?
As a society, we have gotten soft. We live in an era where everyone gets a prize just for participating. Sure, that is very nice and all – but isn't the reason for participating in a contest or sport to win or earn the prize? Now, before you get all huff & puff about it, I understand there are instances and events where participation prizes are perfectly acceptable. For example: charity events, fundraisers, recreation events, etc. However, part of building character, respect, and a solid work ethic is learning how to lose...without a prize. Nowadays people, not just children, throw a fit when a game, sport, or contest doesn't rule in their favor. I'm a passionate competitor myself, but a value which was instilled in me at a young age was "Rise up, keep your head up, and live to fight another day; no matter the outcome". These words came from my father, and from the various accounts of music I listened to growing up thanks to my older brother. This message was displayed through the punk, rock, and rap channels during the later parts of the 20th century and spilled into the new millennium.
Groups and musicians that went against the grain; away from the norm.
Pennywise, N.W.A., H2O, Public Enemy, AC/DC, Dr. Dre, Sex Pistols, The Clash, NOFX, Beastie Boys, Against Me!, Bad Religion, Ill Bill, Talib Kweli, Authority Zero, Dead Prez, Nirvana, Eminem, Tupac, Rise Against, Nas, The Misfits, Rage Against The Machine.
Just to name a few among the many.
These artists used music to relay their messages. Whether the matter at hand was politics, society, authority, or any other factor in the world, they stood up for what they believed in and weren't afraid to express it. It was tough music. It made you want to push through and persevere whatever your obstacle was. It reiterated independence. These artists weren't soft. They lost more battles than they won, which helped build them ethically as individuals and collectively as a group pushing forward different movements. Their music was honest. Although the lyrics may have been aggressive in their attacks, it was for a better cause: trying to rise above a low standard. Somewhere in between the anger and questioning was a glimpse of respect. These artists were looking to further advance our culture for the better of the people; in civil rights, in politics, and morals & ethics in general.
There is a lot of music today which directs to the material things and don't get me wrong, it's great music to vibe with while at the bar or hanging at a club. However for a generation that seeks change in many aspects, where is the meaning in the music?
Bring back the rebels.
