Synthesize What You Have Learned About Media And Society ✓ Solved

Synthesize What You Have Learned About Media And Society In This Cou

Synthesize what you have learned about media and society in this course through the writing of this final paper about music and its influences. Music is a medium that has shaped the ages. As noted throughout your texts, social movements have existed and evolved through many methods and vehicles. Music is one of those vehicles and music represents more than entertainment. It has spoken for generations, and exemplified belief systems.

For your final paper assignment, you are to write a 4-5 page research essay (excluding APA title page, appendix, and bibliography) that addresses the following questions and contexts. In this paper, explore the relationship of music to each decade from the 1960s through 2020s. Your paper should discuss high profile events or movements that happened in each decade and for each decade pick a song that personifies or represents the primary “mood” of the decade. In the essay:

  1. Cite examples of how activism and social justice are exemplified through music.
  2. Show how technology and social media influenced the listener’s reactions.

The summary portion of the essay (perhaps at least 3/4 page of the entire essay) should draw connections between the decades and synthesize your findings. Discuss commonalities of movements and people represented throughout the decades. Are these songs anthems for each decade or do they stand the test of time with other generations? Are there common threads connecting some decades with others?

Grading guidelines include:

  • Identify events in each decade.
  • Explain how events are connected to what the song represents.
  • Show how lyrics are used in the messaging (if full lyrics are used, they must be attached as an appendix and do not count in the total pages).
  • Justify your opinions with 3-5 credible sources with proper citations throughout the paper and in the bibliography.
  • Utilize terminology from course readings where applicable.
  • Show how technology and social media or other media outlets influenced listener reactions.
  • Maintain appropriate grammar and college-level writing.
  • Ensure the summary is of appropriate length, drawing connections between decades, and synthesizing findings regarding the commonalities of movements, people, and song relevance across generations.

    Support your responses with research from the Learning Resources. Use APA in-text citations where necessary, and cite outside sources in an APA bibliography.

    Sample Paper For Above instruction

    This sample research essay explores the intricate relationship between music and societal change across multiple decades, specifically from the 1960s through the 2020s. It emphasizes how music serves as a powerful vehicle for activism, social justice, and cultural expression, influenced heavily by technological advancements and social media platforms.

    Decade 1960s: The Voice of a Revolutionary Age

    The 1960s was characterized by intense social upheaval, civil rights movements, and anti-war protests. Music became an emblem of these struggles, giving voice to collective aspirations and dissent. An iconic song from this decade is Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1962), which encapsulates the mood of hope and questioning that defined the civil rights movement. Lyrics such as “How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?” symbolize the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

    Technological advances in radio broadcasting and vinyl LPs played a crucial role in disseminating revolutionary messages. Social media did not exist then, but television broadcasts allowed music performances to reach broad audiences, amplifying activism. The song’s message and the movement it represented illustrate how music served as a catalyst for social change (Gussett, 2016).

    1970s: Protest and Unity in a Turbulent Era

    The 1970s saw the culmination of civil rights victories, anti-war protests, and the rise of new social consciousness. Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” (1971), reflects the mood of despair and hope for societal reform. Its lyrics highlight issues such as environmental degradation and racial injustice. The song served as an anthem for peace and empathy, catalyzed by technological innovations like FM radio and early music videos, which expanded reach.

    The rise of social activism during this decade was complemented by increased media coverage, shaping listener perceptions and fostering solidarity. Music became a unifying force, with lyrics used as messaging tools to motivate collective action (Shuker, 2019).

    1980s: The Rise of Image, Media, and Political Voice

    The 1980s marked an era of MTV-driven fame, political activism, and social awareness. Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” (1985) addressed environmental issues, reflecting society’s growing concern for the planet amid media influence. The song’s emotive lyrics and the accompanying visual message utilized television and music videos to reach millions worldwide.

    Political figures and artists harnessed technological tools, such as music videos and cable TV, to influence public opinion and mobilize activism. The Internet had not yet become mainstream, but cable networks expanded the reach of musical messages drastically (Fonarow, 2010).

    1990s and 2000s: Digital Shift and Social Justice

    The advent of digital technology and the Internet revolutionized music’s role in activism. Songs like Beyoncé’s “Formation” (2016) personify these shifts, addressing issues of racial identity and social justice with viral videos and social media campaigns. Through platforms like YouTube, artists connected directly with audiences, fostering activism beyond traditional media.

    The use of hashtags and online movements brought social justice causes to the forefront. Music became a rallying cry across platforms like Twitter and Facebook, leading to real-world activism and policy responses (Taylor & Martens, 2020).

    2010s to 2020s: The Age of Social Media and Global Activism

    Contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé continue to utilize social media to advocate for social change, with songs like “The Man” and “Black Lives Matter” becoming rallying anthems. Influencers and musicians use TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter to promote messages of equality, inclusion, and environmental awareness. The integration of music with social platforms has made activism more immediate and participatory.

    This evolution underscores the importance of media in shaping perceptions, mobilizing support, and fostering cross-generational dialogue around social issues (Kumar & Pander, 2021).

    Synthesis and Connections

    Across all decades examined, certain themes recur: music as a vehicle for activism, empowerment, and societal reflection. Songs often emerge as anthems—timeless or decade-specific—that rally people around shared beliefs, illustrating the continuity of struggle and hope. For example, "Blowin’ in the Wind" in the 1960s and "Formation" in the 2010s both symbolize societal awakening, albeit in different contexts and technological landscapes.

    Common threads include the use of lyrics as messaging tools, the influence of media technology on dissemination, and the role of social media in mobilizing younger generations. Some songs transcend their original context to remain relevant, fostering intergenerational connections through shared themes of justice and change.

    Ultimately, music remains a vital medium for societal reflection and activism, adapting to technological innovations while maintaining its core role as a voice for change across decades.

    References

    • Fonarow, W. (2010). Melody in Songwriting: Tools and Techniques for Music Success. Berklee Press.
    • Gussett, M. (2016). The Role of Music in Social Movements. Journal of Social History, 49(2), 347-368.
    • Kumar, S., & Pander, K. (2021). Social Media and Music Activism: Digital Narratives for Change. Media and Society Journal, 33(1), 45-60.
    • Shuker, R. (2019). Understanding Popular Music. Routledge.
    • Taylor, S., & Martens, A. (2020). The Impact of Online Platforms on Music and Social Justice Movements. Communication & Society, 34(5), 123-138.

Related Assignments