5th Reading log

“Same Love”, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

(Song)

“I can’t change even if i try, even if I wanted to” 

Same love written and performed by Maclemore and Ryan lewis is a power anthem describing the effects that young gay people face in today’s society. The song begins with an acoustic piano track which creates an immediate emotional response from the listener. The song was apart of their 2012 album and reached number 1 on the record charts in Australia and New Zealand and was nominated for song of the year at the Grammys.The song was recorded during the referndum campaign which upon approval came to legalise same sex marriage in the United States of America. 

The song raises important issues like homosexuality, black culture and acceptance within its community. The lyrics in the song tackle important issues faced by the LGBTQ+ individuals. The lyrics state that being homosexual is a “choice” and it quote “Can be cured with some treament and religion, man made rewiring of a predisposition”.

The Song portrays the theme of justice throughout its lyrics as gay people have been constantly fighting for their rights to be excepted into society. It describes the feelings of dispear homosexual individuals including the youth have to endure as the consequences as coming out which they face with public humiliation, bullying and judgement they suffer due to their own sexual orientation.  “When kids are walking ‘round the hallway plagued by pain in their heart/A world so hateful some would rather die than be who they are.” In the world that we live in people are constantly searching for the approval of others, meaning never finding it. This is the biggest problem they face today, not being accepted for who they are can lead people down the darkest of roads and their mental health becomes damaged severely. 

Although this song has caused some controversy around the world. A Michigan highschool teacher was suspended after playing “Same love” to his students as the lyrics are about homosexuality. This incident just reinforced the idea that the LGBTQ+ community still has a long way to go to be accepted and may never be. The continual fight for equality and justice to the people comes in many forms, one of them being this song. The promotion of gay rights through music is very sucessful as everyone loves listening to music. Music is also a very accessible resource to most people who can gather this off websites like youtube which is free to use. 

I personally support the LGBTQ+ community greatly and believe this song has gotten a lot of recognition for the right reasons. I can see how much homosexual people will stuggle with coming out to their own friends and family in fear or regection because of culture or beliefs. I understand that this can lead individuals to do the worst to themselves or others, this is why educating particular the senior years about acceptance and the rights of their freedom is so important in this time. Young gay people are dealing the ultimate fight for justice.