Hope and Change. I still believe it. . We should never give up on that. Life is about moving forward regardless. Vote, campaign, donate, educate, make your voice heard. And do the loving thing because there’s someone in your life who needs it. Thank you for always fighting the good fight, Ari. You absolutely influence positive change.
Yes it resonates and it always will. His mother knew change could happen. Black Panthers improved black lives in countless ways and deeds. It’s great to listen to this song again. It doesn’t strike me as hopeless rather it inspires. The level of sociopathy in the GOP feels hopeless but anguish can be transformative. Grief has the emotional power to give rise to balance and clarity. I am holding my breath and listening to protest songs
From your commentary: Shakur, at the age of 24, he told BET: “I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.”
Tupac was during my kids era, and they spoke of his genius and his uniqueness often, trying to sell him to me. I was much more conservative in my views and didn’t think too highly of Rap, nor rappers. Since his death, I’ve paid attention to who lauds this kid: scholars, poets, musicians, and you, Ari, every so often. I listened to him rap “Changes,” with the lyric visuals and background music of “The Way It Is.” Significant and powerful! Always loved The Way It Is-the piano melodies especially, but never paid attention to the artist. Hornsby was simply acknowledging that life for some was just what it was, whereas, Tupac saw conditions as they were, but tried to look to a brighter future. Ari, I appreciate this distraction, even though it’s connected to the social/political ills of today. The young man still “sparks the brain” that will change the world, and Hornsby’s song remains relevant: “It’s just the way it is.” BUT, there’s HOPE!
The lyrics resonate with me as much as they can considering I’m a fortunate white man, with a reasonably functional brain, born into relative privilege. What far too many in this country fail to realize…and who may be clinging to their religion and their guns…is that change is a constant throughout the arc of time. To their chagrin, nothing stays the same. Ever.
In a peripherally related aside, consider the Constitution…that revered and sacrosanct document to which far too many refer in defense of their personal arsenals. Note that it removes access to booze then, amid a national uproar, restores it…all the while maintaining our right to own a firearm or twenty. Liquor over life.
In our current environment, amid relentless and seemingly preventable tragedies, how does that continue to make sense to anyone capable of rational thought??
May 27, 2022·edited May 27, 2022Liked by Ari Melber
Wow! Where do I start? First of all, I have to check out your series on protest songs. I love that you paired Tupac's song with Hornsby's song- both of which I grew up listening to. In fact, two of my sophomore students decided to use Tupac as their subject for our "Tragic Hero Hall of Shame". The objective was to argue how one individual (a real person not a character) represents the aspects of a tragic hero. They were fabulous! I often listen to Tupac's song in the car on my way to or from work. Second- I like your line: "Shakur’s lyrics suggest anyone conceding “that’s just the way it is” will be feeding an environment that makes change less likely."
This is a strong point that I try to share with my students by applying it to our campus and the world at large. We can't surrender to the hopelessness around us, no matter how difficult. Thanks for giving me more for reflection and I blame you for activating the lesson plan side of my brain just as my summer vacation has begun. Cheers!
Bruce Hornsby and Tupac Shakur are indeed two distant strangers. This song from both artists definitely have a message. These messages are to inspire us to do better actions for ourselves, the people around us, or for the planet that we live on. These words are to help us change something for the better.
Do Tupac’s lyrics resonate with you today?
Yes Tupac’s lyrics resonates with me. Tupac is one of the most visionary thinkers to express what is going on around him. I just thought about this: his song, Changes is a protest anthem…I forgot about this song when you asked us our favorite protest song in previous newsletter.
Ari, you must be exhausted from reporting the horrible event of this week. Thanks for your insights, special reporting and this newsletter. Keep shining light 💡on the truth🙂
Thank you for linking the song to your post. Your words moved me, but even mores Tupac's video and knowing he was tragically killed at such a young age. Somehow you have to hold on to hope, and FIGHT to make the change come true.
His lyrics are eerily relevant now as they were back then. When he talks about longing for a more innocent time “that’s just the way it is things will never be the same” he is capturing the hopelessness that so many of us are feeling right now. I was never familiar with his music until now, and I am struck by the sweetness and sadness of this song. And of all the emotion I have felt this week, I’m going to sit with this for now.
It feels almost callous to say have a wonderful weekend, folks, but please try. 💔❤️
Hi Ari, I find it so heartbreaking to listen to Tupac, and hear the lyrics that truly resonate today. Will things ever change? Probably not. All these politicians continue to stop legislation that could bring things forward. But they keep moving in the opposite direction.😢
Hi Ari - Sadly, I have no words at the moment. My head & heart are spinning from the events of the week. Haven't slept much. Trying to pick out the truth of how & why it all happened. Going to try to get out of my head this weekend by attending memorials and parades , & visiting the graves of family members who served our county on another Memorial day. Hope you gather with family & friends this weekend - Stay Safe. SCF
Happy Friday Ari, the lyrics resonate with us now. I find it interesting how songs & movies can have a long lifetime. Not sure that’s a good thing though. I think change is possible, it’s just a slow slow process. Wasn’t Obama’s campaign slogan about change🤔? We can do better. Anyways…. Good Shabbos!
The way of this world is to take out what you are afraid of. We see it happening now. White folks are afraid of losing their privilege thinking people of color are taking over. Tupac was straight up telling his truth and people didn't want to be confronted with it because it made them see the ugly in themselves. That made him dangerous, that made them scared of his power to ignite the people. That made "them" take him out. Yet he lives on with his songs, his poetry, and his fighting words for justice in our society. Yes, his lyrics resonate and are very relevant today. We can't ever resign ourselves to saying or believing, "that's just the way it is!"
Loved this piece. Have a great holiday weekend. Be safe, get some rest, and thank you for being strong in reporting the horrific events of this week. My heart goes out to you.💝🥰
Yes, these lyrics resonate with me today. Change is a process that can feel painfully slow, halting, uneven--or even appear "backwards" at times. Yet, I KNOW "thing'll never be the same" 'cause I've personally heard speeches, listened to songs, and met individuals, sometimes for a brief moment, who have left such an imprint on me that I can never be the same. (I believe we likely have all experienced this at at one point or another in our lives.)
In a similar vein, once we experience any level of forward movement as a society, I tend to agree with Tupac that "...things’ll never be the same,” tho they may feel hopeless at any given point in time. E.g. women, having experienced governance of their own bodies for 50 years will never quietly accept anything else. Same for African Americans, LGBTQ individuals, religious minorities, disabled persons, etc. etc. That's just the way it is. Things will never be the same. And, they shouldn't be. ❤️
Change is only going to come when the Silent Majority raises their voices to all of the injustice and inequality in the country and vote in people who will fight for and create real change. The Silent Majority encompasses all races, nationalities and religions. Once they are vocal and working together, rather than staying home silent, real change can come. That is my belief!
Tupac’s music rings true today. I know about him because my son loved listening to him. My son loved rap. Unfortunately my son died of a stroke at 36. Going through his things I found his CDs and there was his Tupac CDs. The events of this week has made my heart hurt. I know the deep sense of loss these parents are going through. Yes there is a hole in your heart it never closes. Somehow you manage to do the simple things but it’s difficult.
The reference to Tupac and the recent events made me think of my son. At least I know he will not be a victim of gun violence. That alone speaks volumes.
Hope and Change. I still believe it. . We should never give up on that. Life is about moving forward regardless. Vote, campaign, donate, educate, make your voice heard. And do the loving thing because there’s someone in your life who needs it. Thank you for always fighting the good fight, Ari. You absolutely influence positive change.
Yes it resonates and it always will. His mother knew change could happen. Black Panthers improved black lives in countless ways and deeds. It’s great to listen to this song again. It doesn’t strike me as hopeless rather it inspires. The level of sociopathy in the GOP feels hopeless but anguish can be transformative. Grief has the emotional power to give rise to balance and clarity. I am holding my breath and listening to protest songs
From your commentary: Shakur, at the age of 24, he told BET: “I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.”
Tupac was during my kids era, and they spoke of his genius and his uniqueness often, trying to sell him to me. I was much more conservative in my views and didn’t think too highly of Rap, nor rappers. Since his death, I’ve paid attention to who lauds this kid: scholars, poets, musicians, and you, Ari, every so often. I listened to him rap “Changes,” with the lyric visuals and background music of “The Way It Is.” Significant and powerful! Always loved The Way It Is-the piano melodies especially, but never paid attention to the artist. Hornsby was simply acknowledging that life for some was just what it was, whereas, Tupac saw conditions as they were, but tried to look to a brighter future. Ari, I appreciate this distraction, even though it’s connected to the social/political ills of today. The young man still “sparks the brain” that will change the world, and Hornsby’s song remains relevant: “It’s just the way it is.” BUT, there’s HOPE!
The lyrics resonate with me as much as they can considering I’m a fortunate white man, with a reasonably functional brain, born into relative privilege. What far too many in this country fail to realize…and who may be clinging to their religion and their guns…is that change is a constant throughout the arc of time. To their chagrin, nothing stays the same. Ever.
In a peripherally related aside, consider the Constitution…that revered and sacrosanct document to which far too many refer in defense of their personal arsenals. Note that it removes access to booze then, amid a national uproar, restores it…all the while maintaining our right to own a firearm or twenty. Liquor over life.
In our current environment, amid relentless and seemingly preventable tragedies, how does that continue to make sense to anyone capable of rational thought??
Wow! Where do I start? First of all, I have to check out your series on protest songs. I love that you paired Tupac's song with Hornsby's song- both of which I grew up listening to. In fact, two of my sophomore students decided to use Tupac as their subject for our "Tragic Hero Hall of Shame". The objective was to argue how one individual (a real person not a character) represents the aspects of a tragic hero. They were fabulous! I often listen to Tupac's song in the car on my way to or from work. Second- I like your line: "Shakur’s lyrics suggest anyone conceding “that’s just the way it is” will be feeding an environment that makes change less likely."
This is a strong point that I try to share with my students by applying it to our campus and the world at large. We can't surrender to the hopelessness around us, no matter how difficult. Thanks for giving me more for reflection and I blame you for activating the lesson plan side of my brain just as my summer vacation has begun. Cheers!
Happy Fri-YAY, Ari!
What a week it has been, eh?
Bruce Hornsby and Tupac Shakur are indeed two distant strangers. This song from both artists definitely have a message. These messages are to inspire us to do better actions for ourselves, the people around us, or for the planet that we live on. These words are to help us change something for the better.
Do Tupac’s lyrics resonate with you today?
Yes Tupac’s lyrics resonates with me. Tupac is one of the most visionary thinkers to express what is going on around him. I just thought about this: his song, Changes is a protest anthem…I forgot about this song when you asked us our favorite protest song in previous newsletter.
Ari, you must be exhausted from reporting the horrible event of this week. Thanks for your insights, special reporting and this newsletter. Keep shining light 💡on the truth🙂
Have a nice weekend, Ari and Cheers 🍾🥂
Thank you for linking the song to your post. Your words moved me, but even mores Tupac's video and knowing he was tragically killed at such a young age. Somehow you have to hold on to hope, and FIGHT to make the change come true.
His lyrics are eerily relevant now as they were back then. When he talks about longing for a more innocent time “that’s just the way it is things will never be the same” he is capturing the hopelessness that so many of us are feeling right now. I was never familiar with his music until now, and I am struck by the sweetness and sadness of this song. And of all the emotion I have felt this week, I’m going to sit with this for now.
It feels almost callous to say have a wonderful weekend, folks, but please try. 💔❤️
Hi Ari, I find it so heartbreaking to listen to Tupac, and hear the lyrics that truly resonate today. Will things ever change? Probably not. All these politicians continue to stop legislation that could bring things forward. But they keep moving in the opposite direction.😢
Thanks Ari, be safe this weekend!!!🙏🎹🎼🎤
Hi Ari - Sadly, I have no words at the moment. My head & heart are spinning from the events of the week. Haven't slept much. Trying to pick out the truth of how & why it all happened. Going to try to get out of my head this weekend by attending memorials and parades , & visiting the graves of family members who served our county on another Memorial day. Hope you gather with family & friends this weekend - Stay Safe. SCF
Happy Friday Ari, the lyrics resonate with us now. I find it interesting how songs & movies can have a long lifetime. Not sure that’s a good thing though. I think change is possible, it’s just a slow slow process. Wasn’t Obama’s campaign slogan about change🤔? We can do better. Anyways…. Good Shabbos!
Hi Ari good afternoon, today it is hard to find the words l live in hope that change will come, stay safe everyone, enjoy your weekend 🙏
The way of this world is to take out what you are afraid of. We see it happening now. White folks are afraid of losing their privilege thinking people of color are taking over. Tupac was straight up telling his truth and people didn't want to be confronted with it because it made them see the ugly in themselves. That made him dangerous, that made them scared of his power to ignite the people. That made "them" take him out. Yet he lives on with his songs, his poetry, and his fighting words for justice in our society. Yes, his lyrics resonate and are very relevant today. We can't ever resign ourselves to saying or believing, "that's just the way it is!"
Loved this piece. Have a great holiday weekend. Be safe, get some rest, and thank you for being strong in reporting the horrific events of this week. My heart goes out to you.💝🥰
Hello Ari,
Yes, these lyrics resonate with me today. Change is a process that can feel painfully slow, halting, uneven--or even appear "backwards" at times. Yet, I KNOW "thing'll never be the same" 'cause I've personally heard speeches, listened to songs, and met individuals, sometimes for a brief moment, who have left such an imprint on me that I can never be the same. (I believe we likely have all experienced this at at one point or another in our lives.)
In a similar vein, once we experience any level of forward movement as a society, I tend to agree with Tupac that "...things’ll never be the same,” tho they may feel hopeless at any given point in time. E.g. women, having experienced governance of their own bodies for 50 years will never quietly accept anything else. Same for African Americans, LGBTQ individuals, religious minorities, disabled persons, etc. etc. That's just the way it is. Things will never be the same. And, they shouldn't be. ❤️
Change is only going to come when the Silent Majority raises their voices to all of the injustice and inequality in the country and vote in people who will fight for and create real change. The Silent Majority encompasses all races, nationalities and religions. Once they are vocal and working together, rather than staying home silent, real change can come. That is my belief!
Tupac’s music rings true today. I know about him because my son loved listening to him. My son loved rap. Unfortunately my son died of a stroke at 36. Going through his things I found his CDs and there was his Tupac CDs. The events of this week has made my heart hurt. I know the deep sense of loss these parents are going through. Yes there is a hole in your heart it never closes. Somehow you manage to do the simple things but it’s difficult.
The reference to Tupac and the recent events made me think of my son. At least I know he will not be a victim of gun violence. That alone speaks volumes.