Music has always been more than just entertainment in many communities. Social issues and politics are not new and have established their roots within the industry. Songs of protest have been around since the 1960’s and aim at spreading social education, change and revolution (Music Gateway, 2019). “This is America” by Childish Gambino, is considered one of the greatest representations of protest music, in light of increased gun violence and racism in The United States of America. 

The song is a commentary on the injustice, violence and oppression faced by black communities in The United States of America. It also brings to light the history of America and its gun laws and shows ownership of self-defense firearms prove to disproportionally effect black people. The video begins with Childish Gambino dancing to melodious music. His moves seem unconventional and awkward, which is seen as “abnormal” behavior, usually associated with black people, who are often accused of being “lazy” or “dangerous” but is also a beautiful nod to black cultural dances that are seen as “odd” by white communities. There is a sudden shift in the next scene where the singer is seen killing a black man. The music changes and there is a sense of anxiousness. This refers to the sudden shift in scenarios that cause people from black communities to be shot and killed. Lyrics such as “This is America. Don’t catch you slipping up” refers to how black people have to always be more careful and can’t afford to make mistakes in the current sociopolitical climate of America. 

The song also holds a lot of power and symbolism. The choir that is heard at the beginning is powerful and perceived as black, due to their voice, intonations and the environment. The choir being shot during the video, is a symbolic reference to the shooting that took place at the basement of a church in Charleston that took the lives of 9 people. Further, the children dancing in the background is a symbol of innocence that black children often lose at a young age because of the abundant violence they experience, but it is also ironic that black children are always seen as more mature than white, due to these experiences. In the end, Childish Gambino is seen running away from what appears to be white people. Another symbol of how black people are followed and harassed by white communities for just living their lives.

The idea of this song as a sign of protest, is to enable conversations around gun violence and police brutality especially with relation to black people and their lives experiences. 

By Vanessa Varghese

Childish Gambino’s “This is America” broke away from traditional story telling in music, to protest and condemn gun violence against the Black community.