“ Strange Fruit” by Abel Meeropol and performed by Billie Holliday can give different meanings with the same message because it shows the black community from the inside out. That is the reason why I have chosen this remarkable work along with “The Case Stated” by Ida B. Wells-Barnet. In every single line the metaphors about the south, the black community and their suffering is evident but they might have several meanings. For example when talking about the south, it may refer to all the states in the south under the white power or just a few in which the abuse and torture was really horrible and so on. Black people from the inside out means black peoples character from passive and obedient to fighters with strong minds and souls before injustice and abuse. The lyrics of this poem have a purpose that combined with the rhythm of the song give social conscience anew meaninig. But is there a hidden meaning when the author says: “Here is a strange and bitter crop.”?
“The Case Stated” sheds light on the poem I have chosen because writing like this shows that the arts and culture play an important role about freedom of speech, social change and justice among individuals of a society. These two powerful tools were really effective in the fight against racism and segregation because the major goal of these artists was the recognition of the black community as Americans, too.
1 comment:
Interesting - I think you're getting at something here in that while the song doesn't come right out and say 'this is how black people will fight against this injustice,' there's a sense, especially in the last line about something that's going to be done or changed .. .
Great ideas - I'd love to hear more from you in class as well!
Post a Comment