Music is a universal language that crosses borders and cultures. It has the power to bring people together and inspire positive change. However, there is a darker side to music that promotes hatred and prejudice. This is known as white music, or white power music. It is a subgenre of music that is characterized by lyrics that promote white nationalism and demonize non-white individuals and communities. In this blog post, we will explore what is considered white music and its impact on society.
What is White Power Music?
White power music is a subgenre of music that promotes far-right ideologies, such as white nationalism, white separatism, and neo-Nazism. It originated in the 1970s in the United States and has since spread to other countries, including Europe and Australia. White power music encompasses various music styles, including rock, metal, punk, and folk.
The lyrics in white power music typically express hatred toward non-white communities, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Jewish people, and Muslims. They often advocate for white pride and white solidarity. The music may also include references to fascist and Nazi symbols, such as swastikas and eagle emblems.
White power music has been used as a tool for recruitment and radicalization within far-right extremist communities. It is a means of spreading extremist ideologies and promoting violence against marginalized communities. The music is often sold through a network of websites and music distributors that cater to far-right extremist audiences.
Examples of White Power Music
White power music can take many forms, including rock, metal, punk, and folk. Here are some examples of white power music:
– Skrewdriver: This British punk rock band is widely regarded as the pioneers of white power music. Their lyrics promote white nationalism and Aryan supremacy, and they often reference Nazi symbols.
– Prussian Blue: This American folk music duo consists of twin sisters who promote white nationalism and white separatism. They have released several albums that feature lyrics promoting racism and hatred.
– Brutal Attack: This British rock band is known for its racist and anti-Semitic lyrics. Their music promotes white supremacy and glorifies violence against non-white communities.
The Impact of White Power Music
The impact of white power music is far-reaching and can have serious consequences for society. The music promotes racist and extremist ideologies that can lead to violence and hate crimes against marginalized communities. It also reinforces negative stereotypes and contributes to the normalization of racism and prejudice.
White power music has been linked to several acts of violence and terrorism, including the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, which was carried out by Timothy McVeigh, a white supremacist who was known to have listened to white power music. The music has also been used as a recruitment tool for far-right extremist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the Aryan Brotherhood.
White power music has a profound impact on its listeners, many of whom are young people who are vulnerable to extremist ideologies. It can lead to feelings of isolation, anger, and hatred toward non-white communities, as well as a sense of camaraderie with other members of the far-right extremist movement.
Conclusion
White power music is a dangerous subgenre of music that promotes racism, prejudice, and extremism. It reinforces negative stereotypes and contributes to the normalization of hatred and violence against marginalized communities. As music is a powerful tool for communication and social change, it is important to recognize and oppose white power music and its harmful impact on society. We must work together to promote tolerance, inclusion, and understanding and reject all forms of racism and prejudice.
FAQ
What genre of music did black people make?
Black people have made significant contributions to the world of music, with the creation of many different genres and styles. These contributions are rooted in their rich cultural heritage, which has its origins in various regions of Africa. From spirituals and blues to jazz, hip hop, and reggae, black musicians have produced a wide variety of music genres that have influenced the development of popular music around the world.
Spirituals were the earliest form of music created by black people in the United States. These songs served as an outlet for slaves to express themselves and their suffering, and often contained religious themes. Gospel music, which is also rooted in spirituals, was later developed by black church congregations in the 1800s.
The earliest forms of black popular music, such as rumba, bomba and salsa, found their roots in Latin America and the Caribbean. These styles often blend African rhythms with Spanish or Portuguese instruments and lyrics.
Blues music, which emerged in the southern United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, was created and performed primarily by black musicians. The blues reflect the struggles of black Americans during that time, addressing themes such as oppression, poverty, and discrimination.
Jazz, which is often considered America’s only true authentic art form, is another genre that was pioneered by black musicians in the early 20th century. Jazz is characterized by improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and complex harmonies. Many of the greatest jazz musicians, such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Miles Davis, were black.
In the 1970s, hip hop emerged from the Bronx, New York, as a cultural and musical movement among African American and Latino youth. Hip hop music is characterized by its rhythmic beats, rapping, and sampling of other music. Since its inception, hip hop has grown into a global cultural phenomenon that has influenced popular music around the world.
Black people have created a wide variety of music genres that have helped shape the musical landscape of the world. These genres include spirituals, gospel, rumba, blues, bomba, rock and roll, jazz, salsa, R&B, samba, calypso, soca, soul, disco, kwaito, cumbia, funk, ska, reggae, dub reggae, house, Detroit techno, amapiano, hip hop, pop, gqom, afrobeat, and many others. The contributions of black musicians have not only enriched the world of music, but also provided a powerful means of expressing the human condition and the struggles of marginalized communities.
Is drum and bass white music?
Drum and Bass is a genre of electronic music that originated in the UK in the early 1990s. The development of this genre cannot be attributed to one race or ethnicity as it was a collaboration between people from various backgrounds. However, it is essential to acknowledge that drum and bass was largely created by Black British artists, and it drew its inspiration from genres such as jungle and dub reggae. Therefore, it would be inaccurate and inappropriate to classify Drum and Bass as a “white” genre of music.
The UK has a rich history of importing Black music genres such as Jazz, RnB, Soul, and Hip-hop, which have been creatively reinterpreted by UK artists. Still, drum and bass was a game-changer, as it was the UK’s first indigenously produced Black genre. It was a result of the efforts of Black British artists such as Goldie, Dillinja, Photek, and Roni Size, who experimented with breakbeats, basslines, and electronic sounds to create a new sub-genre of Jungle.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Drum and Bass was not limited to Black British artists only as it attracted a diverse group of producers and DJs who borrowed elements from different music genres. However, the roots of the genre cannot be ignored, and it is not appropriate to overlook the role of Black artists in the creation and development of this genre of music.
Labeling drum and bass as “White music” would be inaccurate, as this genre of music was influenced and developed primarily by Black British artists drawing inspirations from Black music genres. While it is true that drum and bass has garnered interest from a diverse group of producers and listeners worldwide, it is essential to acknowledge the origins and roots of the genre. We need to give credit where it is due and appreciate the contributions of Black British artists, whose creativity and innovation led to the development of a unique and influential genre that transcends race and culture.