Alternative Methods Allow for Critical Expression

Alternative+Methods+Allow+for+Critical+Expression

Claire Mueller, Staff Writer

Recent social and political crisis has amplified the importance of music as a form of free expression.

“I think it’s an outlet for people to express themselves because there’s certainly a lot of oppression in this year in particular,” said freshmen Paige Love, who is a percussionist in Campolindo’s Concert Band. “It’s important for people to express themselves through things like art, or music, but I also think that it’s a big market, especially in the U.S.”

Music is indeed a big market in the United States. According to billboard.com., the overall industry was worth $3.43 billion in September 2016.

Music has always been a way to freely express yourself and your beliefs. For instance, Tupac rapped about police violence against black youth his 1992 song Changes, which opened many peoples’ eyes to issues of racism and police brutality, both of which remain key political issues today.

Same Love by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis expresses the stories of those disowned by homophobic families and the desire to change the views of those who oppose same-sex marriage.

I believe many people of this generation have found that we can vocalize what we desire to express louder than ever before though music. 

“It’s primarily the same reason as art, it’s for expressing yourself and for other people’s enjoyment. It’s a form of entertainment, and it’s helpful for creating public events that bring communities together, especially in times of need.” Love said.

Nicolas Landry, who plays trombone in Campolindo’s Symphonic Band, agreed with Love. “Music helps express emotions, and a way for people to express themselves.”

Music isn’t the only art form that helps Campolindo students express themselves in such politically charged times like these. Writing and public speaking can get your ideas out into the world too. Junior Brigitte Jia uses a unique venue to project her views.

“Writing is a very personal thing, because it’s your own perspective,” said Jia. “I do a radio show every Wednesday, and since I’m one of the hosts, we write our own segments. I get to express my ideas and opinions on an internationally-broadcasted radio show. I’m able to get my ideas out there, especially about politics, like with Trump and the whole White House chaos.”

Jia uses her radio platform to push back against ignorance.

“I saw this Facebook comment a while ago about how Asian-Americans are not people of color, and I was so angry! I was like, ‘That’s not true! There’s all of these struggles we go through!’, and Asian-Americans have their own struggles as well, we’re definitely people of color. I got really mad about that, and I wrote a poem instead of writing back on Facebook.”

Visual art is also a critical avenue of expression in a contentious climate, because according to freshman Julia Zapanta, there’s nothing in art you can’t do.

“It’s a really good way to express yourself because there’s nothing wrong you can do in art,” said Zapanta. “Like in art class, you do get graded, but it’s based off your own art style, [and] it’s still a great way to express yourself.”

Zapanta also recommended using art as a way to release pent up emotions. “Depending on what I paint or do, I express my feelings through what colors I use. If I’m feeling sad, I use cooler colors and if I’m feeling happy I use brighter colors. It also depends on what I paint,” said Zapanta. “I paint cartoons if I feel like doodling or if I feel bored, it’s just something I do. If I have more time, I draw realistic things if I feel like doing that.”

These “alternative” methods of expression are essential for Campolindo students. Instead of angrily sending off political commentary on Twitter, or posting social-commentary articles on Facebook, a painting, poem, or musical piece can express your ideas to the rest of the world, and may help change it as well.