Post #5
✰ Four Women ✰ By: Nina Simone ✰
-The reason I chose this song is because the lyrics are very powerful. Even though her words are simple, you can still put together the horrible story she is telling. I see her telling about a a black women who was rape by a white man and her child was sold. But even through such a tragic event, she managed to remain the strong, tough women she is. I think the name represents how delicate she still is despite the attitude she HAS to keep.
-For social change Nina shows that the possibility is very great! Her form of art, which is song, is a technique hundreds used to get there story across to the public. These songs contained hidden and sometimes blunt messages that involved situations slaves could not got to the authority's about, mainly because they run the risk of getting killed. In my eyes this song tells a story of rape. Now, if any slave accused a white of rapping them, they surely wouldn't believe them. I'm sure the man who rapped her already threatened her life if she told anyone. This form of art and many others is listened to and seen by all. Once a message like this is heard, the right ears will carry it to the next, which will spark an anger who will not tolerate this form of abuse. From there, you will get many who wants to end this barbaric act (and many others).
-This song definitely connects to both the Civil Rights and Black Arts Movement. In terms of Civil Rights, it's pretty obvious. The act of rape is just unethical and immoral! It is a crime all by itself...and if any cop or judge can't see that, they obviously go on to contradict their own job and duties. As for the Black Arts Movement, as horrible of a picture this song is, I still think people need to be remind of the horrors blacks went though. Although, I would vote for this kind of situation to be seen only through song. It's something you don't want to picture but can't help but try to understand, and at that point you can't help but imagine what's going on...it's at that moment it strikes you and gives you a feeling of guilt and resentment.
I'm glad you wrote about this song - I'm sorry we didn't have time to talk about it in class. One thing I'm wondering about: as the title suggests, there are four stanzas here each telling the story of a different woman from a different period in history. Is there one in particular that you're discussing and that you think particularly deals with the issue of rape? What's the specific connection between rape and the history of racism you're describing?
ReplyDeleteThe idea that music rather than other forms is particularly suited to tell this story is interesting - I'd love to hear more about this as well.