Well, it’s hard to know what to say, isn’t it? As an American ex-pat, it’s hard to watch from afar as so many friends, family, and acquaintances face the realities of the American Presidential elections. It’s hard to realise that some people in my life have different values and see the world so differently than I do. But still, I have seen that people are ready to fight against oppression and discrimination, not just on behalf of themselves, but on behalf of others. Speaking from my own experience, my life has become so much more fulfilling since I started actively campaigning for human rights. I recently realised that it isn’t the gains we’ve made that make it worthwhile; it’s taking part in the struggle. The struggle already exists. It’s happening. But the question is, are you going to be part of it? Because when I’m reaching the end of my life, I am going to think of the time I spent trying to make the world a better place and I’m going to feel much better about my life. Although thinking about inequality and violence against marginalised people or the harm being done to the Earth isn’t fun, taking a stand against it, weirdly, can be. I recommend it. And you meet some amazing people. You don’t have to ditch the people in your life who are bigots, but if you take action against the bigotry they espouse, you can offset it a little bit.
So this week I’m playing some songs about doing just that.
Track list:
Monument by Mirah
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
We Shall Overcome by Mahalia Jackson
Free Until They Cut me Down by Iron and Wine
Find the Cost of Freedom by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
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Don’t Be Shy by Cat Stevens
Before the Deluge by Jackson Browne
A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
Day After Tomorrow by Tom Waits
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Which Side Are You On? by Pete Seeger and also B.Dolan
Q.U.E.E.N. by Janelle Monåe (feat. Erykah Badu)
The Spark by The Roots
Fight the Power by Public Enemy
Oh Bondage, Up Yours! by X-Ray Spex
Navajo Healing Song by The Navajo and The Sioux