2.9 Response 5 - Same Love
Text Type: Lyrics
Title: Same Love
Artist: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
The song “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is about gay and lesbian equality, and tells the listener how society negatively affects these people and their outlook towards their lives. It also includes race and religion as other points of equality in the text. In the beginning the song stereotypes gay people through Macklemore saying “When I was in third grade I thought that I was gay ‘cause I could draw, my uncle was and I kept my room straight”. This really struck me because I realised as he was saying it I used to believe in the stereotype that if a boy was creative and neat, it was often believed that he was homosexual.
The first idea I noticed in the lyrics was the idea that we all are equal to each other, regardless of sexuality, race or religion. Most of the second verse is focussed on equality among all people. I think this is important for readers because it shows how us humans are degrading of the minority, and are too selfish to see past our comfort zone and embrace everyone around us without judging them. An example of this in the text is at the end of the second verse where Macklemore says “When everyone is more comfortable remaining voiceless, rather than fighting for humans that have had their rights stolen”. This shows us that the human race is cowardly in the fact that we won’t stand up for each other and fight for our rights, and would prefer to let the world continue on with discrimination and inequality rather than face the discomfort that comes with speaking out. I agree with what Macklemore is expressing through this idea because it is a very important topic of discussion in the world today. I can’t link this idea of inequality to myself because I know I am a privileged member of society, (and am very grateful for it), but I can take this knowledge of inequality Macklemore is speaking about and use it to support those people who aren’t so lucky, those people who aren’t living their best life simply because society won’t let them. Macklemore’s song is opening society up to see the damage we are causing by denying human beings of their rights to love and live, and is hopefully starting to spread the message of change through the world.
Another idea I noticed was how society impacts homosexual beings and affects their outlook toward their lives. I found this is an important idea because no one should feel unaccepted for the way they are. An example of this in the text is during the third verse “Kids are walking ‘round the hallway plagued by a pain in their heart, A world so hateful some would rather die than be who they are”. The last line really spoke to me because I have had people talk smack about me and upset me for years, but I never once considered suicide. The fact that society can push someone that far over is heartbreaking because how I felt for those three years was terrible, but this must be so much worse. This shows the reader that the way society is treating homosexuals, and all other people being deprived of their rights, is in a negative way. Society is telling children/teens they are wrong for feeling love towards others of the same gender, which makes them feel unaccepted and unwanted by society. The effect this has on LGBT+ children/teens is heartbreaking as some would rather die than be who they are. A study in August 2017 showed that LGBT+ suicide rates in NZ are five times higher than mainstream suicide rates. I think this is a massive problem due to society’s reluctance to change the way the world is thinking, reluctance to accept and give people of the world the basic human right of love. I support Macklemore’s decision to add this lyric into the song, because though triggering to some people, it is important and needs to be exposed to society so we can discuss it properly and make some changes about acceptance and rights sometime in the future.
I think the writers purpose of this song is to raise gay support and awareness to two groups of people. The first being people who are struggling with their sexuality. The writer expresses in “Same Love” that it is okay and it is/will be socially acceptable to love someone of the same sex. He is the voice of a generation and has enabled many people to come out to their friends and families, and embrace who they really are. Through Macklemore’s voice, along with other celebrities and influences, they have created a safe and supportive community for people who are struggling with themselves to come forth and have a voice for themselves. The second crowd the writer is aiming at is people who don’t agree or don’t understand other sexualities. The writer is raising awareness and teaching society through the lyrics of a song that we are all equal and everyone deserves love no matter who we are attracted to. Songs can raise awareness of certain topics such as homosexuality, racism and religious belief, which I think is a smart way of putting the ideas out there because it will get listeners thinking about the direction of the song, and hopefully society will begin to discuss the ideas expressed through the music.
I think “Same Love” is important to year 12’s today because we are being raised in the time where gay pride and equality is becoming socially accepted, so it is important to let year 12’s know that they can be whoever they want to be. Year 12 is the age where people are figuring out who they are, and discovering and experimenting with their sexuality. I have both bisexual and homosexual friends who gained courage through media influences such as Macklemore. These celebrities have given them a voice. My friends are no longer afraid to hide who they are. This is such an important topic because if Macklemore and people like him hadn’t stuck their foot in the door and said let these people have a voice, then who knows what could have happened to young people my age. I believe all people in year 12 today, and even in younger years too, should become exposed to this song and really grasp the meaning behind it. By informing year 12’s and other students that bullying is not the way of tomorrow, we can reduce the bullying of different sexualities and hopefully as my peers grow older we can create a more accepting society. Songs like Macklemore’s “Same Love” are so important to the future of society; by making homosexuality understood by mainstream audiences I personally have observed a decreased bullying of gays, more encouragement for people to express themselves, and a better knowledge of equality. Year 12 people should not be ashamed of who we are and united, we can create a more empowering society of the future.
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