'THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING': THE MUSIC OF PROTEST

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 382, S. 131-144

Abstract

Once a medium of vapid love lyrics, popular music in the 1960's has taken on a new seriousness. In the words of popular songs, young musicians have begun to express their alienation from & disdain for Amer instit's & mores. Part of this has taken the form of traditional attacks on war & intolerance. More signif, however, have been criticisms of the quality of life in an affluent society. In their music, youth have worried about such things as the impact of technology on man, the confused state of Amer sexual practices, & the repressive nature of supposedly democratic instit's. Affirming a strong faith in the freedom of the individual, song writers have turned their backs on pragmatic reality & have sought freedom in a transcendental exploration of man's internal reality. Part of this has been done with 'mind-expanding drugs,' & many songs have urged listeners on to the use of hallucinogens. For youth, music has come to serve the function of helping to define & codify the standards of their own subculture. It has also put them in touch with more serious critiques of Amer life made by the intellectual community. HA.