User:Avoberk23/Music and politics

Chicano Performance
Lead singer of Rage Aganist the Machine, Zach De La Rocha is introduced by Los Tigres del Norte for their MTV Unplugged performance in 2011. Together, they perform a song of Los Tigres del Norte, "“Somos mas americanos." Zach De La Rocha is introduced as someone who “fights for the rights of us all.” Rage against the Machine is known for having socio-political commentary in their music as well as Los Tigres del Norte. Rage against the Machine's "political views and activism are central to the band's message." Zach De La Rocha has described being interested in "...spreading those ideas through art, because music has the power to cross borders, to break military sieges and to establish real dialogue." Los Tigres del Norte also have a history of displaying their political views through their music. From supporting LGBT+ rights, prison abolition, and immigrant rights.

Together, they perform ‘Somos Más Americanos.’ Los Tigres Del Norte being Regional Mexican music  that dates back to the 60s while Zach's musical background coming from a heavy metal and rap background which originated in the 90s.

The performance gives historical and social commentary on the xenophobia and racism that is targeted against Mexican and Chicanx folks in the US. Both the group and Zach perform the song whilst adding anedoctes about the US government.

One of the introductory lyrics in the song is “I have to remind them that I didn’t cross the border, the border crossed me.” These words directly reference US and Mexico history. Specifically to how a significant amount of what is now considered the Southwest US, was once Mexico. These words have also become a slogan for many Latinx movements and organizations in the US who aim to fight against xenophobic systems that target immigrants. The lyrics that end the song are “Somos mas americanos que todititos los Gringos." Meaning, "we are more American than all of the White people."

Latinx Rock/Punk
Music within the "Rock" genre have been linked to left-leaning political views, including views against racism and xenophobia. The Rock movement that became Latin punk, "rejected US-based racial, or ethnic identities, and favored not only national but regional identities." It also exhibited the issues that are prevalent specifically within the Latinx communities. Many musicians within the genre paid homage to their roots and adopted philosophies such as those that arose from the Zapatista Uprising.

Around the 1970s, the Latinx community in the US began to create their own musical communities where issues facing their community was highlighted. Punks is East LA created a movement called The East Side Renaissance. The movement shed light on the Chicano/Latino scene within their neighborhoods.

The issues displayed in the music and movement made by their white counterparts did not resonate with the message. The issues pertained to the violation of immigrant rights, including within the workforce. Latinos created a community where the rage they felt due to political issues such as prop 187. was performed in a safe space. This became a form of protest against the xenophobia that exists against the community in the US.