Childish Gambino’s “This is America” sparked the reality of racism in America today. However, there are other songs that also speak a similar message to advocate human rights against social and governmental issues.
Americans - Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae released “Americans” to address America’s social flaws against not only violence against colored people, but also against LGBTQ+, as she recently came out as a “queer black woman in America” because as a person who is placed amongst the minor social group in all aspects such as a female, black, and queer, she explains the struggles and difficult situations people similar to her undergo due to societal norms and acceptance.
God Bless America-And All The Beautiful Women In It - Lana Del Ray
Although Lana Del Ray’s “God Bless America-And All The Beautiful Women In It” is not about specifically colored people, this song focuses on another social issue, violence against women, in America. Lana addresses how America used to be a promised land in search of freedom for all, but is now a racist and sexist country. Lana’s music imagines a world where women are safe from patriarchal forces who have power, which follows the recent MeToo movement, which sparked from several allegations against Harvey Weinstein for sexual assault.
Who Will Survive In America - Kanye West
Kanye West’s “Who Will Survive In America” is a cover of Gil-Scott Heron’s “Comment #1” about America being celebrated as a country of democracy, freedom, and justice, but tend to forget the enslavement of African Americans and mass genocide of Native Americans. Racism and discrimination against people other than white continue today, affecting people not only socially, but also physically due to less income, which leads to the loss of a home, and more, and it brings up the question, “Who Will Survive In America” today?