Changes Tupac Analysis

In light of the civil rights movement, Bruce Hornsby released his 1986 hit “The Way it is.” The lyrics represent the need for change amidst societal complacency. In 1992, Tupac Shakur borrowed the song, specifically the chorus, for his song “Changes.” “Changes” details the experience of a young Black man living in poverty. Tupac urges us as a society to “start makin’ changes.” In 1996, Tupac was killed in a drive-by becoming yet another victim of the violence he raps about. Two years after his death, “Changes” was finished and released. The song features images of Tupac as well as videos of police brutality, violence, and life in poverty. Tupac is seen as one of the most influential rappers of all time and remains an advocate for injustice

In the video, there are multiple images of Tupac as an adult holding a toddler. There are also images of Tupac as a child and teen. The focus on children in “Changes” reflects Tupac’s hope for a more accepting and united future, one that requires effort from all generations. Tupac, as a victim of violence, serves as a symbol of a life cut short and not fully fulfilled. The images of the children highlight that they are the future and must “...make a change” to our world. In Thomas Hine’s “Goths in Tomorrowland,” Hine points out the risk of the widening division between teenagers and adults, citing goth teenagers as an example. He also argues that amid the existing separation, there is also a lack of safe spaces for open conversation. The lack of adult guidance leaves teenagers subject to manipulation by companies who merely view them as a source of profit. Teenagers are the future. Hine suggests that in order to protect our future, teenagers and adults must work together. Both Hine and “Changes” suggests that children must be protected in order to secure our future. To create this better future, there must be public spaces for open conversations. Tupac’s “Changes” serves as a public space for this conversation to occur. Music in general allows us to talk and understand topics that are difficult such as systemic racism. While all of society's issues will not be solved in one day, it is important that we are aware of our individual biases. In a news clip in the video, Tupac says “The only way I've been practicing my whole life, to live my life is to be responsible for what I do.” As individuals, we should be responsible for our actions; This is not to say that we should not intervene when we see