White Privilege"White Privilege" by Macklemore is an eight-minute song that expresses a different perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement. Usually, when you hear about the movement, it is from the voice of an African American. However, this work provides the perspective of a white advocate, specifically Macklemore. With dramatically varying timbres and dynamics, the listener is engaged and educated about the cause itself, the unjust reasons for supporting the cause, and cultural appropriation. Macklemore flawlessly expresses his vision of the movement as a whole in a unique and intelligently melodic way. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Black Lives Matter is a modern international activist movement that fights against violence against black people. This violence stems from corrupt white police officers who unjustly killed many African Americans. “White Privilege” begins with a chant, similar to the sound of Gregorian chant. This song contributes to the integration of society by uniting activists. Later in the chorus, this wordless song begins to take on a very powerful lyric; “Blood in the streets, no justice, no peace, no racist police, no rest until we are free.” These texts explain the basis of the cause and encompass another function of music that anthropologist Alan P. Merriam described in his work, "The Anthropology of Music"; Communication. Through the lyrics, the activists explain why they are marching and that they will not stop until the unjust actions end. Macklemore also does a great job of explaining his role as a white American in the movement. He is someone who is deeply invested in the cause, even if he feels that others are only showing their support for their own self-interest. For example, the song states: “You can join the march, protest, yell and scream. You go on Twitter, use hashtags and it looks like you're down. But they see everything, do people believe you now? You said publicly, “Rest in peace, Mike Brown.” You talk about equality, but do you really mean it? Are you marching for freedom or when it's convenient? You want people to like you, you want to be accepted. That's probably why you're here protesting." Before this verse there is a choir with no other instruments except the singers' voices. However, during this verse, the timbre passes predominantly to the piano. The timbral change provides a more solemn feeling and allows for emotional reflection. The piano is primarily in the minor key, which also contributes to the emotional expression of disappointment and sadness. I have known many people who committed many of the acts explained by Macklemore. People from my old high school have been posting about Black Lives Matter all over social media, although their actual knowledge on the topic is limited. Cultural appropriation usually involves a dominant group exploiting the culture of less privileged groups. Macklemore explains this idea so simply and realistically. For example, he states: “You exploited and stole the music, the moment, the magic, the passion, the fashion you play with. The culture was never yours to improve. You're Miley, you're Elvis, you're Iggy Azalea. Fake and so plastic, you stole the magic. You took the drums and the accent you rapped with...All the money you made. The whole watered down version of pop culture bullshit, man. Go buy a huge lawn, go with your huge house. Get a big fence and keep people out. Here Macklemore explains that the entertainment industry is full of white artists who draw inspiration from black music..