Kamala Harris Uses Beyoncé's "Freedom" in New Video

July 25th, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Beyoncé's song "Freedom" as the anthem for her 2024 presidential campaign, echoing themes of liberation and empowerment in her messaging. The track, taken from Beyoncé’s acclaimed 2016 album "Lemonade," underscores the issues of gun violence, health care, and abortion rights highlighted in Harris’s campaign. Academic Omise’eke Tinsley highlights the political significance of the song, noting its connection to the Black Lives Matter movement and its use by activists during the 2016 and 2020 elections. Beyoncé has granted permission for the song to be used by Harris, whose creative team quickly integrated it into a campaign video based on a speech she had given at her campaign headquarters. This video was produced with a script crafted by the Biden-Harris team and recorded as Harris traveled. The inclusion of “Freedom” in her campaign is not just about the music itself but also about the larger narrative it represents. Academics like Kinita D. Brooks argue that "Lemonade," and “Freedom” in particular, explores themes of self-love, struggle, and hope beyond the surface story of infidelity. Beyoncé’s sampling of field recordings from the Jim Crow era adds further weight to the song, linking the historical struggle for freedom to the modern context. Furthermore, Kendrick Lamar, a prominent voice in contemporary music featured on "Freedom," amplifies the song’s message of resilience and victory, adding another layer of cultural influence to Harris’s campaign. The historical use of campaign songs about freedom is long-documented. Eric T. Kasper points out that since the 1800s, candidates like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln have used songs about freedom to align themselves with the ideals of personal autonomy and security. Beyoncé’s history of political engagement, including her performance at Obama’s inauguration and her and Jay-Z’s support for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, underscores her influence within the political sphere. Harris aims to tap into the diverse fanbase of Beyoncé, reaching young, queer, and people of color—key demographic targets for her campaign. The pop world has rallied around Harris since President Joe Biden endorsed her, with celebrities like Janelle Monáe and Katy Perry expressing their support. The surge in popularity of "Freedom" after Harris’s events indicates that the fusion of pop culture and political campaigns can have a tangible impact on public engagement. Harris herself has been seen embracing the cultural moment, attending Beyoncé's concerts and integrating the energy of Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar into the essence of her campaign—symbolizing a unity of political ambition and pop culture resonance.

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💭 Discussion Questions

. How does the integration of Beyoncé’s song 'Freedom' into Kamala Harris's campaign relate to the underlying themes of her presidential run?

. What cultural and historical significance does the song 'Freedom' carry that reinforces its use in political campaigns?

. In what ways do celebrity endorsements and the incorporation of popular music shape public engagement and support for political campaigns?

📖 Vocabulary

🌐 Cultural context

The article is from the United States, where intertwining pop culture with political campaigns is common. Harris, a high-ranking politician, aligns with cultural icons like Beyoncé for strategic visibility and appeal across demographics. The song "Freedom" has strong connections to social justice movements.

🧠 Further reading

Music and politics

Throughout history, the interplay of music and politics has been evident in various cultures. This relationship is recognized by those engaged in politics, musicians with political leanings, and the listening public. They believe that music has the capacity to convey political messages and ideologies. For example, it can symbolize anti-establishment sentiments or vocalize opposition to government actions or wars through protest songs. Conversely, it can also rouse nationalistic feelings through anthems and patriotic tunes. These attributed meanings make music an essential aspect of political events: from rallies and protests to state ceremonies. Music—particularly songs with timely lyrics crafted for specific contexts—has been a tool to mobilize political activists and to amplify the symbolic power of political events. However, the true influence of politically charged music on the broader audience remains somewhat ambiguous. Songs with political lyrics are not only a form of expression but also a historical artifact, capturing the essence of the political climate in which they were created. For historians and audience members alike, understanding the political message in these songs often requires a reconstruction of the historical and political backdrop against which they were written and performed. Essentially, when people refer to "political music," they are usually talking about songs that combine music and lyrics, with the latter often sung to convey a political stance.

Celebrity influence in politics

In modern society, the influence of celebrities extends beyond entertainment and into the realm of politics. Renowned figures in sports, acting, music, and other areas dominate the attention of the public, making their opinions far-reaching. Their notable ability to shine a light on matters of political and social importance, coupled with the persuasive power they hold over their followers, endows them with substantial influence. Social psychologist Anthony Elliott emphasizes that celebrities shape how individuals perceive themselves and society. With the evolution of media, particularly through social media platforms, these personalities have found a powerful vehicle for expressing their political views and rallying public support for various causes. Initially, television revolutionized how people engaged with politics by offering a more personal glimpse into the lives of individuals, including politicians. As commentator John Street notes, this intimacy and focus on the human element afforded celebrities an unprecedented audience. Concurrently, as new avenues for mass communication have emerged, the impact of these public figures has only grown more potent. However, such political engagement by celebrities is not without controversy. There is concerned that the public may see their political involvement as an extension of their crafted public persona, a performance rather than a genuine stance. Moreover, the predominantly liberal stance of many American celebrities further fuels the debate, stirring interest among social psychologists seeking to understand the underlying reasons for this trend. Despite mixed opinions about their role in the political discourse, the ability of celebrities to sway public opinion and bring attention to significant issues remains an integral part of the interplay between fame and politics.

Rave The Planet

In the heart of Berlin, a new annual event has emerged that echoes the vibrant essence of the legendary Love Parade, which used to grace the city's streets with electronic beats. Known as Rave The Planet, this event was initiated in 2022 and is spearheaded by none other than Dr. Motte—the visionary behind the original Love Parade. Teamed up with fellow techno aficionados and industry experts, Dr. Motte seeks to nurture and protect the cultural fabric of electronic music. This summertime celebration melds the atmosphere of a music festival with the assertiveness of a political rally, exuding a message of community, environmental consciousness, and artistic freedom. At its core, participants embrace values that hark back to the Love Parade's mantra of peace and shared joy, while adding contemporary concerns such as sustainability and cultural conservation. Rave The Planet's format is that of a moving festival, with a procession of music-laden floats cruising through the city, led by disc jockeys from diverse music backgrounds. Each float not only represents a thread in the electronic music tapestry but also serves as a symbolic call to action, as the entire parade doubles as a platform for activism. Beyond mere entertainment, Rave The Planet carries a significant cultural and political heft. It stands as an influential force pushing for the official acknowledgment of electronic music as an integral part of cultural heritage. Through dance, art, and community spirit, the event exemplifies the role of music in shaping our social and political landscapes.