Can listening to politically charged music lead to real change?
I first began listening to System of a Down when their second album, Toxicity, was released in 2001. Produced in part by Rick Rubin, the album solidified the band’s unique sound—an intense fusion of metal, punk, and traditional Armenian influences. Though an American band, all members of System of a Down are of Armenian descent, either born to Armenian immigrants or immigrants themselves. This cultural background, combined with their sharp political awareness, gave them a distinct critical perspective on the world. Their songs frequently tackle political and controversial themes, and their sound itself is a powerful reflection of their mixed heritage.
At that time, I was drawn to the energy of their music and the fact that they had a clear point of view—one that they expressed without hesitation. Yet, in hindsight, I realize that I was only passively listening. I wasn’t aware enough to take responsibility for my own actions. Like many fans of politically charged bands, including Rage Against the Machine, I fell into a common trap: believing that simply listening to music with profound messages was equivalent to taking action. It’s a form of illusion—one that extends beyond music. It’s the same phenomenon seen in sports fandom, where people passionately support a team as if they themselves were on the field. Or even during the Olympics, when national pride briefly unites people, only for them to revert to division as soon as the event ends.
How can we break free from passive engagement?
We are often so trapped in our daily routines that breaking free feels nearly impossible. But if you find yourself discontent with the world, feeling helpless or hopeless about its state, this is precisely where change must begin. There is hope. And that hope starts with individual action. Changing your own habits, making the right choices, and embodying awareness in your daily life may seem small, but these actions create ripples. Over time, those around you will take notice, and the domino effect will spread—raising consciousness beyond just yourself.
Do we really have no power, or is it an illusion?
This is not a society where we are truly powerless. It is a society where the elites create the illusion of powerlessness—where they work to keep the majority unaware of their potential influence. Why? Because when enough people wake up, the entire system crumbles. The privileges that have existed for centuries, still upheld today, would be threatened. This is why those in power strategically maintain control, using distraction, misinformation, and division to prevent mass consciousness from growing. Not all of them, of course—some individuals genuinely attempt to make a difference. But it only takes a few powerful figures to maintain the status quo.
And if that is true for them, then it is also true for us. A few conscious individuals can create a major disturbance. The question is: will you be one of them?
What do you think?
Have you ever felt like simply listening to powerful music or engaging in political discourse was enough? What steps do you take to ensure that your awareness leads to real action? Let’s discuss in the comments.
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