Express Yourself

Be who you are and say how you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
--Dr. Seuss

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Welcome to America by Lecrae

I have been listening to Lecrae's new album.  It has some really thought provoking tracks in it. Welcome to America is nicely written. I like how he takes on many different speakers in this poem/song.  It shows many different people's plights in America from different cultural backgrounds and social strata. One of the speakers family is from China. Another is selling drugs and wishes for a better life. He also talks about human trafficking. I especially like the POV of speaker who is a soldier and has given his life for America, but feels betrayed by people's indifference.  All the speakers struct a chord.  His music usually brings to light many different issues.  I liked the tone, word and the craft of the lyrics.  The theme is pretty deep. Makes you think. What is his message? Some people think that America is this perfect place and by living here, it is easy. It is not and many people are just surviving the best they can.  Greed, making it on the streets, being a patriot that feels betrayed by people who don't seem to care, people wishing for a better life, are some of threads that weave into Welcome to America.

He brings out the face that right under our noses, in this great land, people are suffering.  Human trafficking is a problem. Just because we may not witness it, doesn't mean it isn't happening.  He calls attention to the plight of the silent, the ones who really don't have or can share their voice.  Pretty deep! So what is his message? To me, not everyone is experiencing the American Dream. It is more of an American nightmare. To me, maybe he trying to paint a realistic picture that, for some, America is not all that is cracked up to be.  Welcome to America? The marginalized aren't really welcome. The welcoming to America is relative. It all depends on your circumstances. It is nice to walk a little in other people's shoes. It helps you see their plight and point of view. What is the tone? Anger, frustration, and hopelessness, and for some stark reality. Alana Morris, we could definitely use the Analysis Pyramid on this one!

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