In this essay, we will explore the concept of love as discussed in literature and music. We will analyze the article “Love as a Political Act” by bell hooks, the graphic novel New Kid by Jerry Craft, and a song that reflects on love with a deeper purpose than romance. By intertwining quotes from these texts, we aim to highlight how the message conveyed through songs can support themes in Hooks’ article and New Kid.
The power of love is often celebrated due to its profound impact on individuals and societies. In her thought-provoking piece, hooks argue for transforming personal relationships into political acts capable of challenging oppressive systems. She emphasizes that love should extend beyond romantic notions or familial bonds; instead, it must encompass all people’s liberation from various forms of oppression (hooks). This notion aligns with Craft’s New Kid, which explores issues such as racism within American society through the eyes of its protagonist Jordan Banks.
One song that exemplifies an alternative perspective on love is “What About Us” by P!nk. While not explicitly mentioning any social or political issues directly related to Hooks’ argument or events depicted in New Kid, it offers broader commentary about unity amidst divisive times. As P!nk sings about broken promises made by institutions failing their citizens (“We are problems that want to be solved”), she calls for collective action rooted in empathy and solidarity (“What about us? What about trust?”) (PinkVEVO). Through this anthem-like quality emphasized both lyrically and musically throughout the track – powerful vocals accompanying emotionally charged lyrics –P!nk successfully conveys an urgent plea for societal transformation fueled by compassion rather than individual selfishness.
Hooks states that genuine connections founded upon empathetic understanding have become essential when dismantling harmful ideologies (hooks). Similarly addressing these sentiments is Jordan Banks’ experience at his new school, marked predominantly by racial segregation prevalent within the education system. Jordan persistently endeavors to bridge divisions and create meaningful relationships, despite being confronted with microaggressions and overt discrimination throughout his journey in New Kid.
In one poignant scene from New Kid, Craft illustrates how love acts as a catalyst for change when Jordan’s friendship challenges pre-existing prejudices: “Be nice to him! I’m so tired of everyone treating you badly!” exclaims Liam, expressing his frustration at witnessing others’ mistreatment of Jordan (Craft 35). This exchange showcases the power of compassion and love between friends as they navigate oppressive environments together. The song “What About Us” powerfully reinforces this theme by asserting that transformative change requires collective action driven by empathy. The call-to-action embedded within P!nk’s lyrics mirrors hooks’ assertion that personal relationships can serve as political acts aimed at dismantling systems perpetuating inequality (hooks).
Conclusion
Both literature and music provide potent platforms to communicate messages about love’s strength beyond conventional notions of romance or familial bonds. Through analyzing bell hooks’ article “Love as a Political Act,” Jerry Craft’s graphic novel New Kid, along with P!nk’s song “What About Us,” it becomes evident that these diverse forms allow us to explore themes such as unity, social justice, and equality. By embracing love in our interpersonal relations and broader societal levels, we can challenge oppressive structures while fostering understanding among individuals from all walks of life.
Works Cited
Craft , Jerry. “New Kid: Craft, Jerry, Craft, Jerry: 9780062691194: Amazon.com: Books.” Amazon.com, 2020, www.amazon.com/New-Kid-Jerry-Craft/dp/0062691198.
Hooks, Bell. “Love as the Practice of Freedom” Bell Hooks. 1994, uucsj.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/bell-hooks-Love-as-the-Practice-of-Freedom.pdf.
PinkVEVO. “P!Nk – What about Us (Official Music Video).” YouTube, 16 Aug. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClU3fctbGls.
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