Music has become a powerful outlet for justice and social change for young people, which impacts their emotions and behaviors surrounding different global issues. Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, has come of age during a time when issues like climate change and systemic inequality dominate public discourse. For them, music goes beyond entertainment, as it is a catalyst for action and a unifying force that allows for movements. As we analyze how Gen Z uses music in their advocacy, we will explore their motivations, identities, and behaviors they use to redefine activism through sound.
Music uniquely combines culture and communication, which connects people's shared experiences. For Gen Z, music causes community engagement that energizes collective movements. Empowering anthems made by artists encourage change and inspire action. For instance, Chappell Roan's anthem "Pink Pony Club" demonstrates queer acceptance. The song was inspired by Roan's experience at a gay bar called the Abbey in West Hollywood. The lyricism expresses wanting to leave the midwest where Roan grew up to go to a more accepting place where she can fully express her sexuality.
Chappell Roan won the Best New Artist Award at the Video Music Awards, and shared a very impactful message to her young fans when it comes to queer acceptance. She says: "For all the queer kids living in the midwest watching right now, I see you. I understand you because I'm one of you, and don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't be exactly who you want to be." Many fans from the midwest themselves reacted with appreciation and gratitude on social media for an artist who is willing to fight for their rights.
Chappell Roan giving her acceptance speech at the Video Music Awards.
Additionally, Chappell Roan performed at Governors Ball Music Festival dressed as the Statue of Liberty in response to an invitation to perform at the White House for Pride Month. Her reason for declination of this major opportunity was: "We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all. When you do that, that's when I'll come." Although numerous fans were surprised that she turned down this incredible opportunity, they had more respect for the fact that she was fearlessly standing up for her and others' rights.
Different musical genres highlight various aspects of social justice, with hip-hop standing out as a key influence for Gen Z. The genre has deep roots in political commentary and social critique. Protest songs made by hip-hop artists along with other genres capture the spirit of a cause and empower young people to take action. In response to the Black Lives Matter protests, Artists such as Kendrick Lamar and H.E.R. leveraged their platforms to highlight messages of racial justice. Kendrick's song "Alright," often chanted at protests, embodies hope and resilience for black people despite the racial injustices they have faced. His song "XXX" also reflects on systemic oppression in America, specifically focusing on racial injustice and gun control.
H.E.R.'s song "I Can't Breathe" echoes the sentiments of protestors against police brutality, with all proceeds being donated to the Black Lives Matter Movement. As a whole, these artists elevate emotional power and amplify movements, mobilizing thousands for causes they support.
Gen Z artists like Billie Eilish often partner with social and political organizations to amplify critical issues. Collaborations for campaigns on climate action or mental health initiatives create impactful messages in their songs. Songs promoting climate action have inspired clean-up campaigns, charity concerts, and public awareness initiatives. For instance, on Billie Eilish's Hit Me Hard and Soft tour, she announced that merchandise sales would go to environmental causes, showcasing how her influence can rally fans around significant issues. She also presented an election-related video before her performance, urging fans to vote for a candidate who would prioritize climate security, healthcare, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. After the loss of Kamala Harris in the Presidential Election, Eilish performed a show on the same day and shared her feelings and vulnerabilities with her fans. She said that while she at first could not imagine performing a show the day after elections, she then attempted to view the situation as a way for her and fans to come together to enforce change and stand up for their rights.
In her song "TV," Billie Eilish mourns the overturn of Roe v. Wade, which she played during her tour. After the loss of Kamala Harris, this was an emotional, disheartening time for fans, and Eilish created a safe space for them to express their feelings.
With Taylor Swift's advocacy for feminism over the years, she also urged her supporters to vote for Kamala Harris. She expressed a political statement after the overturn of Roe v. Wade on Twitter, and encouraged fans to fight for change.
Social media's role in musical activism cannot be overstated for Gen Z since they excel at using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter to spread messages. Viral trends often begin with songs that advocate for social change, with users creating content that emphasize these messages. One of these many trends was TikTok's "#JusticeFor" movement, which pushed certain songs to fame by users linking them to urgent discussions about police brutality and systemic oppression.
For Gen Z individuals, music signifies more than just an enjoyable art, as it is a powerful force for justice and social change. Through inspiring lyrics, engaging performances, and knowledgeable social media strategies, artists and fans have redefined activism for their generation. By harnessing music as a platform for discussing social issues and change, the influence of music on social activism underscores its lasting power as a tool for justice, firmly placing Gen Z as a major forefront of these vital movements. As we look to the years ahead of us, we will witness these passionate artists as they continue to shape social change and empower future generations.
Citations
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Lamar, Kendrick. Alright. Pharrell Williams, 15 Mar. 2015, open.spotify.com/track/3iVcZ5G6tvkXZkZKlMpIUs?si=99ddb43a6842483a.
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Roan, Chappell. Pink Pony Club. Dan Nigro, 22 Sept. 2023, open.spotify.com/track/1k2pQc5i348DCHwbn5KTdc?si=47b269b5e24c4230.
Rodriguez, Mathew. “Chappell Roan Declined to Perform at the White House until There’s “Freedom for All.”” Them, Them., 10 June 2024, www.them.us/story/chappell-roan-governors-ball-white-house-freedom. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.
“The Governors Ball Music Festival | September 24-26, 2021 | New York City.” The Governors Ball Music Festival, www.governorsballmusicfestival.com/.
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