Media's Influence On The Civil Rights Movement

Media played a huge role in the Civil Rights Movement which helped spread the word much faster and more efficiently. Back in that time the main methods that were used in order to get the word out were through newspaper articles, books, music, and more. In the books 1959 by Thulani Davis and Dreamer by Charles Johnson they discuss how these different forms of media affected the Civil Rights Movement in both positive and negative ways. The reason why these forms take up so much space in the texts is because the lyrics greatly impacted the thoughts of many American’s and gave them a new outlook on why changes need to be made. It seemed like the only way to get people to listen at the time was through song. Once a song was released and gained a

The song is more than about literally dancing in the street. It is a political, protest infused song. The song mentions three very culturally diverse cities: Chicago, New Orleans, and New York City. These cities all have a history of racial tension and division. They are also known for their history in the music industry. Later on in the song Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore and D.C and “the Motor City” are all mentioned. These places are the home for some of the most memorable parts of the Civil Rights Movement when it comes to the arts and protests as well. Another song which sparked the Civil Rights movement was Marvin Gaye's “What’s Going On?” The reason why this song was so controversial was because it was created by the “sex symbol of the sixties and seventies.” Gaye struggled for months to get this song out into the ears of the public because his higher ups did not want him to lose his reputation as an artist. They believed that Gaye would face backlash thus hurting the Motown label as a whole. Some lyrics which do not beat around the bush such as “War is not the answer” and Picket lines and picket signs/ Don’t punish me with

Gaye was known for his love songs which received a lot of positive attention and since “What’s Going On?” was so different and controversial, Berry Gordy was not going to risk his brand so Gaye could make a statement. It was so important that these artists used their platforms to create pieces which reflected the harsh times of the Civil Rights movement. Sometimes there was no other way to reach people but through music. Music is one thing people could relate to and connect with, regardless of their race, religion, and any other belief. Gaye understood this completely and knew that in order to reach his whole audience and spread his message. Gordy stated “that he [Gaye] should “stick to what works”—meaning the sexually tinged pop crooning that had won Marvin legions of female fans and earned Motown strong sales with hits such as 1968’s “Heard It through the Grapevine” and 1967’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Clague). So in simpler terms Gordy wanted thought it was better safe than sorry and not release the song. Biographer David Ritz, reported in an interview with Gaye that “They [Motown] didn’t like it, didn’t understand it, and didn’t trust it. . . . . For months they wouldn’t release it. My attitude had to be firm. Basically I said, ‘Put it out or I’ll never record for you again.’ That was my ace in the hole, and I had to play it” (Clague). With that being