The Relation Between Music and Politics: "Dear Mr. President"

The connection between music and politics has been always a tool to grab world’s attention to various social issues. Music helps to portray a specific political message in a song, for instance protest themes, criticism of particular government. The relation between music and politics is described in the essay through Pink's song “Dear Mr. President”.

'Dear Mr. President' by Pink is a bright example of a song with direct criticism of The former Federal Government just like then-President George W. Bush. Released in 2006 it became fast a hit in Europe and won different awards as the best international single of the year. Listening to this song makes overwhelmed, afterwards it’s necessary to take time for thought. It is conspicuous that this critical and provoking song wasn’t published in the USA. The reason is that Pink didn't want it to be interpreted as a publicity stunt. I find this contradictory, because everyone is aware of freedom of speech that is strongly protected from government restrictions in the USA. It means that criticism as well is allowed to be expressed.

In the song Pink covers many controversial important social topics such as war, homosexuality, the homeless, abortion, and drug abuse. The USA faced a major crisis in homelessness following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, after which 300000 homes were destroyed. Particularly in New Orleans two years after the storm, there were more than 11,600 homeless people in the city. Pink criticizes slow government’s reaction to the threat and blames for failing to act quickly enough to help those affected by the storm.

The foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration is also criticized: “How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?” This line refers to America's invasion of Iraq that caused the death of many American soldiers. As a result this war damaged America's image. Bush sent a total of 1.5 million US soldiers to Iraq to serve. Many soldiers and also innocent children and their parents, especially mothers, who have lost their children without having a chance to say goodbye.

Pink blames Bush for the controversial education law “No child left behind act” which goal was to provide equal educational opportunities for all students. In reality it was criticized for growing federal government’s role in schools and for relying too heavily on standardized tests and replaced already in 2015.

The former President has a strong pro-life stance, consistently opposing abortion and defending pro-life measures. “What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away?” Pink blames Bush for denying women’s right for abortion.

Consequently, Pink gives her opinion about crucial social problems that faced the USA with the former President. I believe that this song made a huge impact on a large amount of people due to its strong meaningful message for all Americans, especially young listeners that are in charge of our future. This song strongly reflects American politics and people’