Rage Against the Machine Pop Culture Paper

Rage Against the Machine

Freedom of speech can take many forms. In pop culture today, many artists are using their talents to express themselves. They express their art ideals, but sometimes they can also express their political ideals as well. Since its birth, Rock and Roll music has been considered by many to be a rebellious and dangerous type of music. Many people have spoken out against Rock and Roll. It has been called, “The Devil’s Music”, and some that want to suppress this freedom of speech state that some Rock and Roll songs contain violent and disturbing messages. Some fear that Rock and Roll music will give young people ideas that are different from those of their parents, or those that are popular in society. Many popular Rock and Roll bands have validated this belief by using their music and the art of their lyrics to express their controversial views that go against popular culture. One band that has used their talent to express their controversial political ideals and call others to social activism is, “Rage Against the Machine.”

The history of the band, “Rage Against the Machine”, begins in Los Angeles, California, in the early 1990’s. A very talented singer named Zack De La Rocha was pouring his hip-hop talent into becoming a punk rock rapper. He wrote a song that he titled, “Rage Against the Machine”. He met another musician, Tom Morello, who was a lead guitarist in a band called “Lock Up” who played at local venues around LA. Morello had been looking to join a new band. De La Rocha and Morello shared the belief that they wanted their music to stand for their ideals, and to point out problems in our government and society. De La Rocha convinced his childhood friend named Tim Commerford to join the band as the bassist and back –up vocalist. Morello contacted a great drummer named Brad Wilk who first met Morello at auditions for the band, “Lock Up”, (Morello’s former band). Together, these four men formed a new band and began...