Using a Socially Conscious Song from Either the Caribbean

I am supporting opus Im life to the be nab I willing ask, only he knows how we get through two daylight, with completely the bring up in the price, arm and leg we sire to accept, while our star(p) play Myrie et al (1995, track 5). This song untold Stories birdsong by Mark Anthony Myrie, 1973, popularly kn have as Buju Banton, a stiff Jamai finish dancehall, ragga, and reggae musician. He has in any case recorded Pop and Dance songs, as easily as songs dealing with political topics. Banton is politically forthspoken and exceedingly influenced by Marcus Garvey.These lyrics stated above revealed substantial discontent with existing fond conditions and a robust mistrust of those in luxuriously positions. However linking this with liveliness-sustaining theory, which is described by Bleich (1977) as composing largely of criticisms of various aspects of kind and intellectual biography, notwithstanding its ultimate goal, is to reveal more accurately the constitu tion of society (Ritzer, 2010, p. 282). A sarcastic theory is adequate only if it meets whiz-third criteria it must be explanatory, practical, and normative, all at the equivalent time.That is, it must rationalise what is wrong with current fond receivedity, identify the actors to change it, and offer twain clear norms for criticism and achievable practical goals for brotherly transformation. Critical theorists do not say that economic determinists were wrong in focusing on the economic realm except that they should form been concerned with other aspects of social life as well, the tiny school showked to rectify this imbalance by focusing its attention on the cultural realm (Fuery and Mansfield, 2000 Schroyer, 197333).This is shown plainly in Bantons lyrics in his song untold Stories, he speaks ab proscribed these much(prenominal) aspects of social life that has neer been brought to the attention of others, conditions such as the largeness and rising of daily livin g expenses, the fact that at the end of the day your expenses will always outweigh your earnings, also that the labour he has to pay seemms as if he has to render a body part simply to meet the expenses of life. With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we start out to pay (Banton, 1995).Focusing on other aspects of social life according to the scathing theorists is what Bantons song is trying to bring to the forefront he tries to wrap up the minds of others with relation to poverty in his lyrics where he sings near the clothes on his second containing countless eyeballholes, and one of the major unyielding points he do as he continued to sing is that Opportunity is a meagre commodity Opportunities argon allocated to those who washbasin support it, Banton continues in his plight say that Those who can afford to bombardment will run (1995).Even though you sacrifice and give your last expenses to gain an procreation, the opportunities argon still given to those who c an afford it, being educated does not mean that you are guaranteed a space in the labour force, Filled up with education soon enough dont own a payroll (Banton, 1995) Critical theorists also focus on the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry especially positivism (Bottomore, 1984 Fuller1994). Positivists believe that association is inherently soggy. They sapidity that they can keep human comforts out of their work.This belief, in turn, leads to the view that science is not in the position of advocating either specific form of social action. Positivism is opposed by the tiny school on various grounds (Sewart, 1978). For one thing, positivism tends to consider the social military man and see it as a natural process. The critical theorists prefer to focus on human activity as well as on the ways in which such activity affects bigger social structures. In short, positivism resorts sight of the actors (Habermas, 1971), reducing them to passive entities headstrong b y natural forces. Given their belief in the distinctiveness of the actor, the critical theorists would not accept the idea that the general laws of science can be applied without question to human action. (Ritzer, 2010, p 283. ) A simple save perfect example of this coming from Banton is his perseverance to continue aspiring disdain these deplorable conditions. He pushes himself to continue this life because of bare survival, Though this life keep acquiring me down dont give up now got to expire some way someway (1995).He continues to sing astir(predicate) the trials he has to panorama in life and the injustice of it, that those who are suffering and in requisite of dyer swear out are the ones who never seem to get comfort and redemption, but even though his life entails all these tribulations above them all he sings, that as grand as he is kept alive by the Father ( beau ideal) he will continue to praise him and pray his yell because it is only Him who knows why he is sti ll alive and striving very(prenominal) day, I am living while Im living to the father I will pray only he knows how we get through either day (Banton, 1995) Bantons lyrics proves an apprehensive concern to those placed in high positions, he sings about while he has to struggle to earn and represent a living those who are leadership can sit pole and relax and recreate for they nurse their earning and they can afford to move out of these conditions that may come their way. Though they i. the leaders can run those who cannot afford to will have to stay, they will have to face struggle and dismay, the leaders are unconcerned for the less fortunate, their positions mean nothing to anyone but themselves. He continues in song, singing that it is a rivalrous world for low assort people because of their low budget, they have to manage their income care beneficialy but somehow they always egest more than they make a day, Its a competitive world for low budget people spending a dime bag while earning a plate (1995).He speaks out that there is no one to care about those who are suffering terribly in society, where youths have to rob and steal to make a living even though they have an education and that the only person that can help them is God so they will continue to pray, No bash for the people who are suffering real bad another cost to the poll may God help we soul (Banton, 1995) The critical school focuses primarily on one form of formal rationality modern technology (Feenberg, 1996). Marcuse (1964) He saw technology in modern capitalist society as leading to totalitarianism.In fact, he viewed it as leading to new, more effective, and even more pleasant methods of external control over individuals. Marcuse rejected the idea that technology is neutral in the modern world and saw it instead as a means to dominate people. It is effective because it is made to seem neutral when it is in fact enslaving. It serves to suppress individuality. The actors inner immunity has been invaded and whittled down by modern technology. The result is what Marcuse called one-dimensional society, in which individuals lose the ability to think critically and negatively about society.Marcuse did not see technology per se as the enemy, but rather technology as it is employed in modern capitalist society Technology, no proposition how pure, sustains and streamlines the continuum of domination. (Ritzer, 2010, p. 286. ) Emphasizing Macuses point with the media, this can be used as an example of just that dominating the society with song and lyrics. These songs yes they invoke a signified of solidarity and power but can they really change the world? They let persons express their true selves by capturing a range of emotions and a sense of opposition, but what are they really doing for the society?This social position that they talk about, the one that seems so destructive, by broadcasting it wouldnt it also act as an imitator to others? My thoughts are tha t it can go both ways negatively in that others may learn to do the same to their society to gain better benefits for themselves for example violent songs against persons or the government, others may use this as a reason to conduct destructive and violent, rage-filled acts or counter attacks. Therefore not diminishing but rather back up thus said acts. However these protest songs can also have a positive effect and reaction to the broader society.It helps for others to become aware of the things that are normally referred to as unmentionables. Persons are able to give a give tongue to to unspoken cries and speak out against the true things that cause problems and raise havoc in a society. This Buju Banton song encompassed a range of hidden emotions about struggle and the fight that poor people make on a daily basis, it did not only speak of the hurts and trials but also about the fight to stay alive and the perseverance and the power of pray and will to continue along lifes pat h disregarding the troubles of living.Even though it expressed deep hurt and frustration it still comprehended a sense of power to become uplifted and to find good indoors the bad. The most lasting methodological contribution of critical theory to social science is the way it attunes empirical social researchers to the assumptions underlying their own mobile empiricism.As Horkheimer and Adorno (1972) indicate in dialectical of Enlightrnment, the seeming avoidance of values is the strongest value commitment of all, exempting ones empirical claims from rigorous self-reflection and self-criticism. It is in this sense that the Frankfurt Schools analysis of fableology and ideology can be applied to a positivist social science that purports to transcend myth and value but, in its own methodological obsessions, is mythological to the very core. (Agger, 1991, p. 111. )Therefore leading from this point, I used critical theory in this paper to show the criticism of the different schools t hat the theory disagreed with, also by choosing a socially conscious song I was able to demonstrate this from a societal stand point, illuminating the discontent and mistrust that persons in society feel towards certain social institutions and conditions that they face. I believe that these types of songs do have a positive and a negative effect on the wider society but I support their attempts to be heard.Also, conclusively yes these protest songs may reward this said social order but it is my belief that it will provide more help to eradicate the problem rather than encourage it. BIBLIOGRAPHY * Adorno et al. (2002) Dialectic of Enlightenment. Trans. Edmund Jephcott. Stanford Stanford University Press. * Agger, B. (1991). Annual Review of Sociology. JStor. Vol. 17. Pp. 105-131. * Frank, K. L. (1944). What is Social Order?. American Journal of Sociology. Vol 49 (5). Pp. 470-477. * Held, D (1980). Introduction to Critical Theory Horkheimer to Habermas.Berkeley, LA University of Cali fornia Press. * Musixmatch (2000) Untold Stories Lyrics. Elyrics. net. Retrieved March 14, 2013, from http//www. elyrics. net/read/b/buju-banton-lyrics/untold-stories-lyrics. html. * Myrie, Browne, Germaine. (1995). Untold Stories (Loose Cannon/Island Records). On Til Shiloh (CD). New York, NY Island. (1995). * Raymond G. (1981). The Idea of a Critical Theory. Habermas and the Frankfurt School. (Cambridge University Press,1981) * Ritzer, G (2010). George Ritzer Sociological Theory. New York, NY McGraw-Hill. APPENDIXAttached is a copy of the lyrics of Buju Bantons song Untold Stories, which was used in this paper UNTOLD STORIES Buju Banton time Im living give thanks Ill be giving To the most high, you know I am living while Im living to the father I will pray merely he knows how we get through all day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play on the whole I see is people ripping and robbing and grabbing brigand never love to see a thief with a long bag No love for the people who are suffering real bad Another toll to the poll may God help we soulWhat is to stop the youths from getting out of control Filled up with education yet dont own a payroll The clothes on my back has countless eye holes Could go on and on and full has never been told I am living while Im living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play I say who can afford to run will run But what about those who cant, they will have to stay Opportunity is a scarce commodity In these times I say, when mama spend her last to send you to grade Never you ever playIts a competitive world for low budget people Spending a dime while earning a nickel With no regards for who it may shudder My cup is full to the brim I could go on and on and full has never been told Through this life keep getting me down Dont give up now Got to stick out some way some how I could go on and on and full has never been told I am living while Im living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play All I see is people ripping and robbing and grabbingThief never love to see a thief with a long bag No love for the people who are suffering real bad Another toll to the poll may God help we soul What is to stop the youths from getting out of control Filled up with education yet dont own a payroll The clothes on my back has countless eye holes Could go on and on and full has never been told I am living while Im living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play I say who can afford to run will runBut what about those who cant, they will have to stay Opportunity is a scarce commodity In these times I say, when mama spend her last to send you to class Never you ever play Its a competitive world for low budget people Spending a dime while earning a nickel With no regards for who it may tickle My cup is full to the brim I could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told