For my podcast, I would like to do the song “F*ck Your Ethnicity” by Kendrick Lamar. This song intrigues me because I think it was the first song that Kendrick raps about race. Also, it was the first song on his first album, and this led to many more songs by Kendrick where he talks about racism in the United States. I think that the song will led me to understand what Kendrick’s mindset was at the time and I want to compare it to how he thinks about racism today. The intended rap song has a children’s choir harmonizing in the background of the beat and the lyrics are more aggressive, making it a protest song similar to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”. He also does comparisons in the song about people during the civil rights movement to the kids of today. What makes this song personal for me is the fact that I have been saying all my life the same thing Kendrick is saying in this song: it doesn’t matter what your race is, it depends on the content of your character. I feel like this is an important topic in today’s world (specifically at SJU) considering some of the racial tension that has been going on lately. The only concern I have about completing this project is how I’m going to talk about it for 10-14 mins. Also, I’m not certain if I’m able to use foul language in the podcast as the lyrics (as well as the title of the song) contains some profanity.
February 6, 2020 at 10:59 am
Tim,
I think this is a good song to choose (as would have been the other song in your First Listen) because, as you say, it gives some insight into what Kendrick was thinking about early in his career.
One of my concerns, however is that there is no video for the song that can help you build on your discussion. (The cursing isn’t a problem at all.) Does Kendrick have an early song that has a video along with it that covers similar topics? If so, would you consider doing one of those songs?
It’s also interesting that what he is discussing could be interpreted in ways similar to those who say that he shouldn’t “see color” in people. But, what we now know is that when we say that, we are actually erasing important parts of people’s identities. Rather, what we need to do is see people for who they are and celebrate any differences we have, and, in doing so, learn about cultures, and histories, and lives, and celebrate all of that.
Please reply below and I will be notified so I can take a look.
Thanks,
Bill
February 6, 2020 at 11:38 am
Thanks Bill, I will edit the video as I have found the official music video for the song.
February 6, 2020 at 1:50 pm
Hi Time,
Okay, thanks for updating. An interesting video. I’m curious what the okay symbol means.
Looking forward to your project!
Bill