Reading about the movie "Channels of Rage" was interesting. But the way the article wove the details of differences and conflict was really amazing, I think; not just was it a basic explanation of the movie, but an analysis of some of the conflict's effects through the musicians. We've spoken in class about how identity is reflected in music and language. This article offers specific lyrics of each of the two musicians, Palestinian Tamer and Jewish Kobi and, indeed, their emotions pour out through their words. For example, one doesn't need to know which 'side' Tamer is 'on' when you read his words: "...You say the Arabs are primitive, you say the Arabs are aggressive. Say we are criminals and barbarians, we aren't," or Kobi's "...but we're here to stay. Zionism's in our blood." It's a wonderful thing to be able to articulate feelings, sentiment, and emotions into music (I love music) but I think it also becomes a platform (intentional or not) for the artist, with media able to carry them (intentionally) into the heart and heat of political, even national conflicts. And there I think that the words, the language within music like Tamer's and Kobi's, have the ability to become identities for people to 'belong.' In fact, the article says that rappers, such as these two, actually become "role models who can set trends amongst their fan followings almost without being aware they are doing so"..... Is it possible then that words from musicians such as Tamer and Kobi can actually have not only tremendous impacts on the hearts of those in the midst of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, but sway popular opinion? I really liked Kobi's response to chants from concert fans of "Death to the Arabs!" He replied, "Cut it out, not death to the Arabs, but life to the Jews!--and they stop[ped]" That's powerful!
Channels of Rage: Dissecting the Inner Conflict article also spoke of the two musicians, but it seemed to share more of the effect of violence on the concert attendance and on the musicians as well. In fact, this article also mentioned the "Death to the Arabs" chants Kobi received while on stage. But it made no mention of his heartfelt and peaceful approach (NOT death to Arabs, but LIFE to Jews), leaving only the brash and negative division to be chewed over and spat out. As the name 'Channels of Rage' may imply, this article seemed to focus on the violence and repercussion of rage. Working to tie the musicians and their music to division and violence, the article ironically mentioned that "the media also created fireworks;" apparently they are aware they have the ability to create puppet strings of division, if they choose.
The Global Posts article 'Hip-Hop and the Palestinians' further offers Tamer's music (and his group DAM) as a continued freedom fight: "DAM is still the Palestinian soundtrack to resistance, only better known." The article continues: "...despite their fame, Tamer, Suhell and Mahmoud all still live in Lod and they say their commitment to the Palestinian reality remains as strong as ever. While they write and rap about Palestinians living in the territories, much of their work also focuses on Palestinians, like them, who remained in Israel after the state’s establishment in 1948... DAM, however, has refused to shut up. Tamer said: “Real rap criticizes anyone who denies freedom.” It is obvious that music, and more specifically rap music, offers an outlet for the artists to not only vent their frustrations and opinions, but to reflect the sentiment of their people as well. But it is also obvious that the intensity with which the artists present their message, as well as the message itself, can frenzy the audience and become a platform in itself, is so desired. And, as Global Post offers us a prime example, the media can serve to fan the smoke into a legitimate flame of passionate 'sides,' able to defend or attack as desired. So, while music can indeed serve to bring together for common purposes, such as with the WEDO Orchestra, I think it can be as volatile as the conflict itself, able to sway hearts either way in this age-old conflict....
This is a great blog post! I think people really underestimate the power that musicians--particularly musicians for young people--have on the population in a culture, or even the politics. Honestly I think pop culture can be a more effective means of changing a conversation than political activism can. I mean, to change things you have to get to that younger generation, and music is a prime example of a way to do that.
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