Protest Music as a Tool for Social Change

by Jennifer John

Protest music is a genre of songs tied to movements for social or political change. The music serves as a voice for dissent, often becoming anthems that rally people around causes such as civil rights, human rights, or anti-war efforts. It uses powerful lyrics and melodies to challenge the status quo, expose oppression, and inspire action.

“The Resistance” is the name of a YouTube channel that is a hub where musicians can anonymously post the protest music they have created. The channel began nine months ago and, as of yesterday, has over 2,600,000 views. Some of the songs on the channel use humor and satire to point out the absurdities of current events, but I’m going to show you four short clips of some of their most inspirational protest music. Think of how many people are being inspired and encouraged by just this one channel’s music! In the description of “The Resistance” YouTube channel, they say, “Feel free to share any of these songs anywhere you wish, on your social media or with your own audience.” They want their music to “spread far and wide...”

Please consider sharing any you find inspirational.

• Modern Protest Music Clips  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIdracEe-Hk
• “How Do You Know?”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9q8Sb73JHU
  
• “We Dissent”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpKIT5NQBY8
  
• “Call Me Antifa”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLo5BgzXWtc
  
• “The Tide is Turning”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO4vsId9kfc
  
• The music in the intro is from “The False Narrative” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoYh2X5VHOM