How Pop Culture Can Influence Change

        Rihanna has recently uploaded the video for her new song "American Oxygen" and has already received over 11 million views (https://youtu.be/Ao8cGLIMtvg). Partly because of Rihanna's dedicated following but also because of the actual content of the video which features an important message. The song initially emits vibes of patriotism however this is juxtaposed by some of the images in the video. National pride is strong when we see scenes reminiscent of Martin Luther King and American soldiers bravely fighting for their country...

        However it takes a more critical route when we see more recent footage of Ferguson protests and signs with "I CAN'T BREATHE" sprawled across them in regards to Eric Garner's final words and an ironic link to Rihanna's lyrics of "Breathe in. Breathe out... American Oxygen". This message of the harsh reality of the American Dream is an important one and has had more exposure due to Rihanna's significant role in modern pop culture.

       It also highlights how much of an impact celebrities can have in connection with social justice. These people are idolised and seen as role models by so many teenagers and so when a celebrity attracts attention towards an issue it can have vital effects. When Rihanna sings about racism on stage or when Emma Watson speaks about gender inequality at the UN or when Hozier voices his support of marriage equality, their fans take note and are ever more closer to adopting a more positive attitude towards activism. People have a tendency to twist the lives of celebrities and like to highlight their problematic behaviour but we should always commend the progression that will take place amongst young fans when they call out injustices.

Fozz.
P.S.- Due to revision and exams, I'm going to be on a hiatus so no posts for a while but hopefully will be back soon!