Music as a form of defiance
and Women's History Month
At the recent Governers Ball hosted by President Trump, the Army choir performed “Do you hear the people sing?” from the musical Les Miserable. An interesting choice, not sure who was behind it, and it sparked conversation among “the people”.
Shortly after there was this headline from the Washington Post, “Following executive orders, 'The President's Own' Marine Band scraps concert.”
Music is a barometer of culture as much as it expresses it. During COVID, we saw the toll that was taken on the arts and the way that many musicians created beautiful work together despite the confines of being at home. Throughout history, music has been used to bolster the masses, inspire congregations, martial the militant, and entertain the crowds. Music is so much more than the sum of its parts.
The notes, the instruments, the compositions, the voices. These can be used to lift up ideals, dreams, and so much more.
For the Ears
Creating playlists might be one of the best coping measures I can suggest for seasons of anxiety and stress. Here is a recent one I created!
For the Eyes
Nike’s new ad about women in sports, since women can’t win, they should just win.
How about this ad for acknowledging the important contributions of women to the automobile industry?
For the Taste Buds
With the lovely transition that is Daylight Saving Time (which is a holdover from the Industrial Revolution and a systemic form of oppression to keep people tied to productivity-fixated culture and does not add any daylight whatsoever), caffeine will be in high demand this week. There are, however, other ways to boost your energy from a sleep-deprived state. Water is the best, so find a way to gulp it down. Sparkling, flavored, fancy water bottle, just find a way.
May this week bring love to your senses and your soul.