On May 5, 2018, the release of “This Is America” by Childish Gambino was at the peak of a desire for gun control, because this was also during a time where innocent people of color were being shot and killed by police with no real motive. Riots, arguments on social medias, and hope for change stood nothing against the government. Even after the fatal killings of dozens of innocent lives, If the government isn’t going to listen to normal civilians, they are sure going to listen to celebrities of higher status. When a person of influence states their position on a topic, this gives people a platform. This song blew up in a matter of minutes. The lyrics were strong, but the music video behind the lyrics was even stronger, portraying the killings of dozens of black men and women.
This song is clearly political, saying repeatedly that the America that we live in will shoot and kill you if they catch “you slipping now”, with the main target being black people. According to a study, black people are more than 10 times more likely than white people to die by gun homicide. This video could be seen as a a call to action, to warn African-Americans to be cautious, and to tell politicians in a unique way that change needs to be made.
Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) makes it a point to include in his video criminals, as well as young school children, church choirs, and just regular people to show that gun violence and police brutality does not exclude anyone. His constant dancing is meant as a distraction from what is happening to these innocent people in the background. This song and the video accompanying it are in response to the killings of many individuals, a grave widespread problem affecting our African-American population. It is pretty common to see celebrity responses after a controversial event. For example, Colin Kaepernick responded to oppression by kneeling during the national anthem, saying, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” I agree with the actions Colin decided to take. Even against judgement, he does what he believes is correct. Colin Kaepernick and Donald Glover are similar in that they respond in a healthy and nonviolent way. Violence would only discredit their point and lead to more controversy than what controversies are happening now. Celebrities like these are able to grab the attention of crowds and politicians and force them to see what is happening, and fight for a change.
Most peoples reactions to “This is America” we’re positive. I am on social media A LOT and I really only saw support and awe for this artist. I believe this is the outcome he hoped and expected, with thousands supporting his artistic endeavors. This has influenced others to have a sort of protest of their own to fight against inequality and in what they believe is right, a protest rooted in respect and non-violence. It is safe to say that music reflects politics, down to the president (Donald Trump being in too many rap songs), economy (everyone is always singing something about money), and things along those lines. If more celebrity artists state their position on major political topics, it would spark a widespread realization, and possibly even leading to politicians implementing new laws to help protect the lives of innocent people from racism and gun violence.