posted on Jul, 23 2012 @ 06:24 PM
What are everyone's thoughts on poetry and music, specifically, that is very politically provocative? Music/poetry that talks about political
figures, for instance, sometimes in negative, demeaning, and/or violent ways?
I listen to a lot of political music and have for many, many years. I like artists like Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Public Enemy, Rage Against the Machine,
Flobots, Immortal Technique, dead prez, etc. All of whom have made very strong political statements in their art.
I also think back to growing up and hearing songs like "Cop Killer" by Ice-T and "Bush Killer" by Paris.
I myself also write music and poetry, most of which is either political (although not exactly provocative, but rather thought-provoking) and
spiritual.
Basically my question is do you think that political music that may even mention violence against public figures is wrong and beyond coverage by the
First Amendment? Or do you think that even then it is just an artist expressing themselves creatively and venting frustrations, and not intended to be
an actual threat against said figures?
The reason I ask is because I'm working on a poem that is basically me describing a fictional dream that I had (which I actually did not have. I am
taking creative license) and the dream is somewhat violent in nature against certain people. I really want to share this poem with people, but I also
don't want it to be misconstrued as violence or threats against people because it's 100% not. I'm merely venting my frustrations.
The funny thing is also if I made a poem/song describing violence against someone like Kim Kardashian or Justin Bieber, or those Jersey Shore
douchebags no one would really care. But if it was against a politician or something I imagine people, especially supporters of said politician, would
be up in arms.
Thoughts?