This is a fantastic commentary on America.
Originally posted here.
I love Donald Glover. He is a jack of all trades– acting, music, comedy— you name it. I almost peed my pants when I heard he had a new song out as Childish Gambino. “This is America” was released on May 6th and honestly, it did not disappoint me. I often do not listen to Childish Gambino, but I have only ever heard good things about his music.
“This is America” discusses gun violence, police brutality, and race issues– just to name a few of our blaring problems. This much needed commentary has a dark and moving beat. If you don’t listen to the lyrics at all, you would probably just think it is a boppin’ tune. I mean, it is a bumpin’ jam, don’t get me wrong. Childish Gambino just attacks America for all of its problems. It is honestly a fantastically intelligent criticism of what is going on in our country.
The music video is so full of allusion that if you watch it, you will just be reminded of the social struggle that currently exists. It is insane. When I watched it, my jaw dropped. It is so easy to see how we just dance around the issues that are so prevalent. You cannot ignore what Childish Gambino is trying to address. It is so apparent. We all send our “thoughts and prayers” but we are really just avoiding a resolution.
This is not the first time an artist has attacked culture or politics (obviously), but I think with all of the pain and suffering that is going on in the current moment politically with guns and violence, we will most certainly be seeing more of this kind of music. We can only hope that this makes people finally face the music.