Introduction
As I delve into the world of cultural artifacts and their themes, I have chosen two powerful pieces that resonate deeply with me. These creations not only encompass diverse avenues of creative representation but also traverse distinct epochs, uniting in their dedication to the enduring battle against racial inequality and the tribulations faced by African Americans. In this inquiry, I will investigate the manner in which this theme finds its voice in these works and contemplate its significance in my own experiences.
Expressing the Theme in “Strange Fruit”
The first artifact is the song “Strange Fruit,” which was written by Abel Meeropol and performed by Billie Holiday in 1939. It is a musical masterpiece that hauntingly paints a vivid picture of racial persecution and violence. It describes the gruesome reality of a hanged Black person, leaving no detail spared (ViaFaith McCullough, 2020). The song was created in the 1930s, a period marred by racial hatred and brutality in American society. As I listen to the music, I am transported to that era. The lyrics are uncompromising, revealing the atrocities that Black individuals suffered (ViaFaith McCullough, 2020). It acts as an unwavering mirror that mirrors the brutality of racial inequality. “Strange Fruit” wasn’t just a musical composition; it represented a potent objection to the racial animosity that plagued society at that period.
The George Floyd Statue
Similarly, the statue of George Floyd, created in 2021, stands as a modern-day symbol of the ongoing fight against racial injustice and police brutality. George Floyd, an African American man, tragically lost his life due to police violence, sparking worldwide protests (Senehi et al., 2022). The statue was created by artist Stanley Watts and situated outside Newark, New Jersey’s City Hall, depicts George Floyd sitting relaxed on a bench. It was completed in 2021, marking a contemporary representation of the ongoing struggle against racial injustice and police brutality.
Common Theme
The central theme informing my investigation revolves around the enduring challenge against racial inequity and the pain experienced by African Americans. This theme reverberates through “Strange Fruit” and the George Floyd sculpture, employing captivating techniques. “Strange Fruit” graphically depicts racial oppression, particularly lynching, during the 1930s (Payne, 2022). It is a robust objection to the racial animosity that tarnished American society during that period. Conversely, the George Floyd sculpture serves as a contemporary emblem of the same motif, symbolizing the ongoing fight against racial injustice and police violence in modern times (Payne, 2022). These objects contribute to the collective plea for societal transformation and parity, even though they exist in different epochs and artistic expressions.
The Personal Relevance of the Theme
The theme of racial disparity and the struggle of African Americans holds substantial personal significance for me. As an individual in a varied community, I have observed the severe repercussions of racial partiality and prejudice. “Strange Fruit” and the George Floyd sculpture are not simply artifacts; they are living evidence of the continuous fight for fairness and parity (Senehi et al., 2022). “Strange Fruit” deeply resonates, highlighting art’s transformative power in challenging norms and fostering change, even in adversity. This theme motivates me to use my voice and talents to advocate for social justice. The George Floyd statue’s current relevance constantly reminds me of the unrelenting fight against racial injustice, emphasizing the need to address systemic racism and police brutality and driving me to engage in dialogue, educate myself and others, and actively support change movements.
Conclusion
Exploring these cultural pieces with a common thread of racial inequality and the hardships faced by African Americans, a sense of personal resonance comes to the forefront. “Strange Fruit” and the George Floyd statue, despite being distant in time, stand as poignant symbols of an ongoing quest for fairness and parity. They kindle introspection about history, encourage active participation in the present, and symbolize a rallying cry for a more just society.
References
ViaFaith McCullough. (2020). Strange Fruit: How Racial Inequities in Housing Contribute to Death in Black Communities. RESULTS. Web.
Payne, J. S. (2022). Out of the fire: Healing Black Trauma Caused by Systemic Racism Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. New Harbinger Publications.
Senehi, J., Scott, I. M., Byrne, S., & Matyók, T. G. (2022). Routledge Handbook of Peacebuilding and Ethnic Conflict. Taylor & Francis.