Times They Are A-Changin And The Melting Pot

America proudly claims the title of being a melting pot of cultures. It insists it accepts everyone regardless of background, skin color, faith, etc. In spite of this bold statement, America vaguely attempts to hold it true. “The Times They are A-Changin” by Bob Dylan and “The Melting Pot” by Dudley Randall both showcase the irony of America’s title. Both authors demonstrate the racism in America, the act of rebelling against one’s oppressors, and call for people to open their minds and hearts to reveal many Americans’ outdated and hateful ways. Both authors wrote their poems during the African American Civil Rights Movement that occurred in the 1950s and 60s in America. Randall’s poem further understood the oppression of black people in America as Randall himself was black. Randall knew first hand accounts of the hatred towards the African Americans. In his poem he says, "Keep out. This is our private pot./

Dylan also exposes the racism within America’s borders with the lines, “The line it is drawn/ The curse it is cast” (Dylan,??) unveiling America’s strive for perfectionism by disregarding those who did not fit within America’s strict ideology of a perfect country. Although Bob Dylan is white, his legacy stays within “his early protest songs.” (Wood, 2015) and his civil rights passion. Dylan and Randall both imply a tone of passion for the people of oppression. They both see past America’s illusion of diversity and uncover it’s grim