The
Project
DARE
to CHANGE THE WORLD
MUSIC & OTHER ART
Artists have a special and unique way of tapping into
the issues of day and connecting with people.
They are the truth-tellers.
They reveal society to itself.
They are the ones who bring us together.
French writer, Marcel Proust said that
“only through art can we get outside ourselves
and know another’s view of the universe.”
Music, art and activism have a long history together.
Songs and drawings tell stories, inspire hope, raise awareness and foster change.
Let’s use the power of the arts to talk about racism and discrimination so that we can achieve a better understanding about how important it is that it be eradicated.
Here are some powerful works promoting diversity, inclusion and self-acceptance.
IMAGINE
Image used with permission of inspiritual.biz
It's hard to find a better song of hope for a better world than this iconic John Lennon number released in 1971. Lennon wrote numerous musical masterpieces, but his genius came through with “Imagine.” It wasn’t just his best-selling single as a solo artist; the track ultimately became an anthem for unity and peace. Its message resonates to this day, making it a timeless protest song that continues to inspire generations.
The impact of his music on rock ‘n roll and music in general cannot be overstated. “Imagine” had no fluff, no drama, but it got to everyone who listened to it. There was nothing revolutionary, innovative or unique but the song required you to feel something – sadness, anguish, despair, hope.
In Imagine, John Lennon yearned for a world without bounders, divisions, or strife. From a realist’s point-of-view, it borders on the irrational. But with the melody and John’s mesmerizing voice, it’s hard not to feel some sort of longing for the same. To live at a time where social standing, religion or politics no longer divides people is impossible and yet, for the whole duration of the song, it makes you hopeful that maybe, just maybe, it can happen.
It all starts with our ability to imagine.
Artist's Statement
“We are living in a particularly fearful and divisive time. This work highlights a path forward through patterns, motifs and designs that honor diverse points of view, pointing a way towards dialogue that is open-minded and participatory.
The mural itself is representative of multicultural patterns that hint at Chicago’s particular demographic mix. The work shows a telephone receiver held up and out of the earpiece, a bright beam of color emerges, highlighting the fact that listening illuminates life, bringing out more nuanced color, texture and greater general awareness.”
Mural encouraging tolerance
(Chicago)
This brilliant mural by Toronto artist Hello Kirsten, titled Listen To Learn, was created as a reminder that listening is key to understanding and educating as well as seeking harmony.
WE SHALL BE FREE
“There’s only one race,
and that’s mankind.”
- Garth Brooks
An ordinary man imagines a world where all human beings are free from earthly oppressions. Topics covered in this social commentary include hunger, freedom of speech, homelessness, homophobia, racism, and freedom of religion.
And here are some excerpts:
-
Find the beauty within.
-
Everyone has a right to be happy.
-
There’s an illness called prejudice.
-
Love one another. Is it so hard?
Anti-racism campaign
"I Still Believe in Our City" was a public art campaign by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya and the NYC Commission on Human Rights to convey the strength and vibrance of Asian and Pacific Islander New Yorkers in the face of discrimination and harassment during the pandemic.
The works featured in “I Still Believe in Our City” couple striking visuals with statistics about discrimination API New Yorkers have faced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The panels include words and phrases that have been uttered in hate, juxtaposed with bright colors, symbolic imagery, and portraits of defiant and proud API New Yorkers standing their ground.
SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES
This beautiful Stephen Fearing song from his album The Unconquerable Past delves into the theme of empathy and the challenges of truly understanding and accepting one another's experiences. The song encourages listeners to step outside their own perspectives and consider the lives and struggles of others. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and the difficulty of fully grasping someone else's journey.
LOVE IS LOVE
I recently discovered a guy by the name of Jeff Plankenhorn, an American singer-songwriter of rock and folk & blues music, whose song Love is Love hits at the core of the power of a loving world, regardless of colour, race, religion or gender. When I heard this gem, I knew immediately that I had the share it. A few lines in particular hit home for me, words so simple and so obvious, I wondered why I hadn’t heard them before:
We are born knowing love
Have to be taught how to hate
Let go of all your preconceived notions
COMMENT
I think it is imperative that we work to get at the genesis of hate. I believe that this is the only way we’re ultimately going to solve this problem. I’ll leave it at that and let you take in this powerful song:
Namwayut.
In the Kwak’wala language, this word conveys the deep understanding that we are all one.
One common humanity. One connected whole.
Together, we can create individual hope, collective change, and global transformation.
Used by permission of Jeff Plankenhorn
The artwork 'Don’t be a Racist' by Jashleen was displayed in the Anti-Racism Art Exhibition 2023
hosted by the PICS (Progressive Intercultural Community Services) Society, BC
CROWDED TABLE
I have always been drawn to songs that have powerful messages and resonate with the listener on a deeper level. One such song is the "Crowded Table" by The Highwomen – the supergroup of Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires – who delivered a hopeful message when they included the song on their self-titled 2019 debut album.
“I think that the table and the fire being a metaphor for bringing people together that don’t all think the same thing,” Carlile explained to CMA about the song’s meaning. “We don’t all believe the same things even in The Highwomen. But the fact that we can come to the table, that we can break bread and then we can go out into the world as activists and as women…but we come home to each other at the end of the day, that’s what families do. I think that’s a really beautiful sentiment everybody needs to hear right now.”
"Crowded House" serves as an anthem of unity, acceptance, and support. It emphasizes the importance of coming together, acknowledging each other's differences and hardships, and extending a helping hand. The Highwomen beautifully capture the essence of community and the significance of building relationships based on love and understanding.
A little background
In 2007, Cyndi Lauper launched the "True Colors Tour" in an effort to support gay rights and fight hate crimes.
In 2008, Lauper launched the True Colors Fund (later rebranded True Colors United), which advocates for LGBTQ youth, working with communities to make sure their shelters and youth centers are inclusive. The organization also provides a voice in Washington, advocating for legislation that supports and protects the LGBTQ community.
TRUE COLORS
Cyndi Lauper's touching song speaks to the importance of seeing and appreciating people for who they are. It's beautifully (and aptly) performed here by the very diverse children's choir, the PS22 Chorus.
The PS22 Chorus, directed by Gregg Breinberg, is a Webby Award-winning public elementary school chorus from PS22 in Graniteville, Staten Island, New York City. It is composed of 60-70 fifth-graders. PS22 is the largest elementary school in Staten Island.
Image used with permission of Diaspora Arts & Education
An initiative of DIASPORA ARTS & EDUCATION CHARITY to help spread the message of Unity and Arts against Racism.
WHO I AM
The song “Who I Am” by Wyn Starks is a deeply personal and emotional track. It reflects Wyn’s journey of self-acceptance and embracing his true identity after years of hiding who he really is. The song is a tribute to his late twin brother and speaks to the importance of being true to oneself and not hiding one’s true self.
Wyn Starks shared that the song represents his story of finally blossoming into who he is meant to be, despite the challenges and obstacles he has faced. It’s a powerful anthem about self-discovery, resilience, and authenticity.
“I gotta be me / Gotta be I /
Gotta be who I know I am inside /
Can finally breathe, taking it in, look at me flying!”
Mural of George Floyd by Aziz Asmar and Anis Hamdoun to protest against racism Picture from Facebook/AmenahMasri
MAN IN THE MIRROR
Any number of resources that seek to address one's racist or discriminatory tendencies start with the same thing - self-reflection.
While this critically-acclaimed Michael Jackson song was written to address homelessness, it ultimately offered a larger message.
The song is about making a change and realizing that it has to start with you. It's about individual change being the first step in making a better world.
The message of the song, essentially, is to get the message.
Wake up. No message could have been any clearer.
According to Songfacts, co-writer Siedah Garrett said in a 2017 interview with Songwriter Universe:
"The song was deeper than just the visual of a man looking at himself in the mirror. It was that, juxtaposed with the idea of a man going deeper inside himself to change from within. To make a difference on the outside, you have to first start from within. So I think that Michael just got it… he got the meaning of the song right away."
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could've been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and
then make that
Change
It all starts with a decision and a thought, followed by execution:
I'm going to change, make a difference, make it right!
THE SIMPLE GOOD
Mission
Empowering communities to participate in positive activism through arts & discussion.
Through mindfulness and social emotional learning (SEL) based art programming and public art projects, the organization's mission is to transcend the message that no matter where you go in the world, good means the same to all of us and that is what connects us as human beings.
CONNECTING ‘GOOD’
As a non-profit organization The Simple Good runs programs that seek to bring positivity into communities through art and discussion while empowering youth to become change-makers and mindful leaders in the future. With every interaction, they aim to empower a more connected, empathetic and resilient world by identifying, creating, sharing and celebrating “the simple good.”
Their message resonated with me and made me think about the Indigenous notion of 'A Good Way', an expression used by many Aboriginal communities to denote participation that honors tradition and spirit. Among the Anishinaabe people, for instance, this is embodied through the Seven Grandfathers Teachings of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth.
KIND
For singer-songwriter Maia Sharp, it doesn’t matter what sports team you root for or how you like your ice cream as long as you’re kind. She says so in her new single “Kind.” The song is fun and infectious, but most of all it’s heartfelt, a tune that is greatly welcome when things today seem not-so-kind. It celebrates and craves non-judgmental compassion in the current era. The song's "My kind of people are kind people," hook is both an earworm and a reassuring breath of faith in humanity.
Sharp co-wrote “Kind” with Mindy Smith and Dean Fields after a conversation simply catching up led to the delicately country-tinged ditty. “ It was 2019 and I know we all came in with song starter ideas but our conversation quickly became about how basic human kindness seemed to be going out of fashion,” she explains. “We were all feeling that frustration strongly enough to know we needed to turn it into a song. We started off coming from the negative like this isn’t cool and that isn’t working but then we decided to flip the perspective to celebrate the people who do still believe kindness is important. And every time I play this one live I get confirmation that there are a lot of us out there.”
If you got a good heart
That’s a good start
If you want to be a friend of mine
Many people view kindness as a weakness, but it's quite the opposite. In fact, it is a sign of strength. It is moving from "me" to "we," seeing the bigger picture, and loaning someone your strength and support. Supporting someone by doing whatever you can, wherever you are, with whatever you have is a sign that you are kind.
Kindness is a universal language that can bring people together regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, status, and identity.
The good news is that it’s completely free!
I believe in the power of kindness.
I believe how we treat people matters.
WORTHY
Krystle Dos Santos’ song “Worthy” is about self-worth and self-love. The song is about how we should love ourselves and believe that we are worthy of love, respect, and happiness. It is a song that encourages people to recognize their own value and to stand up for themselves. The song can be applied to racism and discrimination by encouraging people to recognize their own worth and to stand up against discrimination. It is important to remember that everyone is worthy of love, respect, and happiness, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Know that you're worthy.
A little background
“Same Love” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert is a powerful song about marriage equality for same-sex couples. The lyrics address acceptance, human rights, and the fight for equality.
The chorus, sung by Mary Lambert, emphasizes love and warmth:
And I can’t change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
My love, my love, my love
She keeps me warm
SAME LOVE
Same Love tackles important issues surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and equality, and encourages listeners to embrace diversity and acceptance. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics can spark important conversations about inclusion and social justice.
COLORS OF THE WIND
This song from the Disney movie Pocahontas is a beautiful reminder to appreciate diversity and see the world through others’ perspectives.
You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You'll learn things you never knew you never knew
A little background
“This Is Me” is a song performed by Keala Settle for the film The Greatest Showman. It is a fight song for people who are not accepted by society, and an anthem of acceptance for P.T. Barnum’s cast of circus performers. The song was released on October 26, 2017, and became a worldwide hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
The song features a powerful chorus that includes the line “I am who I’m meant to be, this is me” and a bridge that repeats the phrase "This is brave, this is proof,
THIS IS ME
This catchy and uplifting song gives empowering message of self-acceptance and celebrating individuality. The song’s anthemic and uplifting melody can inspire employees to be confident in who they are and embrace their unique qualities, contributing to a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
You're beautiful just the way you are
SCARS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL
This song by Alessia Cara encourages self-acceptance and challenges societal beauty standards. Playing this song can foster a positive and inclusive work environment by promoting self-worth, embracing diversity, and boosting morale. It can initiate conversations about body positivity and inclusivity, encouraging empathy and understanding among colleagues.
Remember
Beauty goes deeper than the surface.
Dare to be different.
INVISIBLE
'Invisible,' released by Hunter Hayes in 2014, is an inspiring country track that delivers a powerful message of persistence and hope. The song narrates the story of a person who has faced bullying due to being perceived as different but has triumphantly overcome those challenges. It's a call to action for everyone to rise above adversity, to celebrate their individuality, and to keep pushing forward for an extraordinary life beyond the ordinary.
A CHANGE IS GONNA COME
Sam Cooke’s soulful ballad, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” released in 1964, captured the struggles of the civil rights movement and the hope for a better future. Its emotional depth and powerful vocals made it an anthem for those fighting for equality. Few works have been as eloquent in their depiction of triumph over adversity:
“there’s been times that I thought I couldn’t last for long/
But now I think I’m able to carry on”
When Bettye LaVette performed “A Change Is Gonna Come,” in duet with Jon Bon Jovi, at the first inaugural concert for President Obama, a new generation of listeners was introduced to a classic composition by one of the most influential writers and vocalists in pop history.
“Where Is The Love?” seeks to raise awareness and inspire change in a world that is plagued by violence, hatred, and injustice. The song urges people to look within themselves and find the love that can heal the wounds of humanity. It also challenges the status quo and the systems that perpetuate the problems, such as the media, the government, and the corporations.
The song is a cry for help and a hope for peace.
ONE WORLD.
WHERE IS THE LOVE?
The Black Eyed Peas released this song as an anthem questioning society’s direction. It addresses issues like terrorism, racial discrimination, and the influence of media and money on younger generations. The song’s lyrics express a plea for understanding and a call to action. It’s a timeless reminder to seek love and compassion in a troubled world.
It's Not Easy Being Green
A song about being ourselves.
This famous Sesame Street song, performed by Kermit the Frog, is about knowing who you are, realizing your own worth and dignity, and becoming more content and comfortable within yourself.
It's a touching piece that starts with Kermit feeling down about his green color, which he feels makes him blend in with so many ordinary things. However, as the song progresses, Kermit begins to see the positive aspects of being green. He realizes that green is the color of many beautiful and important things in the world, like mountains, rivers, and trees.
By the end of the song, Kermit embraces his greenness, recognizing its beauty and significance. The message behind the song is one of self-acceptance and the realization of one’s own worth. It’s a powerful statement about individuality and the importance of embracing who you are. The song has also been interpreted as a metaphor for race, encouraging listeners to replace “green” with their own skin color and to find pride and dignity in their unique identity. It’s a reminder that being different is not only okay but can be something to celebrate.