The different sounds of American protest: From freedom songs to punk rock

Abstract

Purpose – This study explores music as a philosophical reflection of protest. It focuses on two movements: one from each end of the philosophical protest continuum, the civil rights movement, based in community (modernist), and the Punk Movement, based in individualism (postmodernist). The music of each movement is interpreted to explain how its style illuminates the underlying philosophical values and beliefs from which it comes.

Design/methodology/approach – This chapter first analyzes the background music of the civil rights movement and subsequently investigates the same themes in the Punk Movement. Analytically, a comparison of the two musical styles and their philosophical foundations are offered.

Findings – The philosophical values of each movement were reflected in its music.

Originality/value of paper – Music is often overlooked in the field of criminal justice. This chapter is an introduction to a comparison of different types of protest music. It shows the value and importance music serves to those involved in fights for justice.

Citation

Leichtman, E.C. (2010), "The different sounds of American protest: From freedom songs to punk rock", Deflem, M. (Ed.) Popular Culture, Crime and Social Control (Sociology of Crime, Law and Deviance, Vol. 14), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 173-191. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1521-6136(2010)0000014011