As globalization and travel become more prevalent in today’s world, diversity and culture clash have
been direct results of these increasingly popular notions.
Although there may be a plethora of different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, there are few elements of human nature that unite us as one. Music has the power to transcend arbitrary boundaries humans create to separate themselves from others. In a world where conflict, war, and dispute have become so prevalent, music has the ability to unify us all as one. As famous activist and popular musician Bob Marley once said when asked what he sought to accomplish through his music,
“Me only have one ambition, y’know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like
to see mankind live together – black, white, Chinese, everyone – that’s all.”
As Marley might agree if he were here today, music, although it may vary widely for each culture, is one of the few universal languages
we have. Through music, artists can cause audiences to incite activism, evoke peace and love, and so much more.
Dubbed as one of the greatest activist musicians in history, Marley was born as a child blended of European and Jamaican descent. Due to his heritage, he possessed a unique perspective on life. He was able to understand the frustrations of rejection and judgment, thus promoting value on the love and acceptance of all people. Marley was able to hault political bloodshed in his homeland of Jamaica by playing a peace concert. He promoted non-violent action by advising people to “Get
Up, Stand Up…..Stand up for your rights,” noted in one of his most famous songs.
Aside from promoting peace in his nation, Marley performed concerts around the world as well, in order to
spread his beliefs. One of his most famous quotes,
“I don’t stand for the black man’s side, I don’ t stand
for the white man’s side. I stand for God’s side,”
he said in effort to display his belief in equality. Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and also received a number of other prestigious awards including the Peace medal of the Third World, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
There’s no doubt that Bob Marley was able to change how we view music as humans. As our world continues to
become increasingly global and diverse, it is important that we recognize the power of music, and how it
can unify us all as one.
Enjoy this YouTube video from moga1985 — Bob marley “no woman no cry” 1979
Great article! I always love reading about Bob Marley!
Great man, and great music.
Bob Marley was a very influential individual. Just watched a special on him, amazing!
Bob Marley is a true legend, and you really did a good job capturing his journey and story in this piece! Most people just write the basics, but you really went into detail. Thanks for sharing with us!
Great story! I really enjoyed the layout and the fact that you included a video. It’s also really cool when you can get an inside glimpse at such a big celebrity.
Syd- all of your articles are so interesting and so well formatted! Bob Marley is truly a legend.
At first, I only used to think of Marley in reference to marijuana. After doing some research and learning more about his life, it seems as if he promotes a culture of love and acceptance through his music.
Yay, so happy to see such a good article about the legend up on here! I think that cali roots reggae has become really popular, but sometimes people forget where it all came from. Great job honoring his legacy.
Bob is THE legend! It’s scientifically impossible to be sad and listen to “Trenchtown Rock”
Bob Marley a legend that will never die! great article