Week 9

In 2003, the hip- hop group Black Eyed Peas wrote their hit song, Where is the Love, in response to the attacks of September 11. The song is an anti-war anthem that speaks out against the war that was irresponsibly launched to fight terrorism. This song also tackles other global issues that are ignored and falsely depicted to the public. Where is the Love is significant in American history because it provided an outlet for the American citizens and a reality check for all those in denial about the tension in the world.

The purpose of the song is evident in its lyrics. As stated in Where is the Love, “What's wrong with the world mama/ People livin' like they ain't got no mamas/I think the whole world addicted to the drama/Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma”. The lyrics of the song convey the idea that people have become active participants in the chaos in the world, and as a result caused the lost of love. The USA has turned all of its attention to a war veiled with secrets, while gangs, discrimination, killing, CIA, and superficial ministers rot the nation of the USA.

The significance of this song would be best explained to a group of people who did not partake in its historical making by understanding the realm of political hypocrisy occurring at the time. President George W. Bush had recently been elected into office after a controversial and somewhat heated election. Supposedly, he unfairly won the presidential election and his agenda for politics were more personal than business. The rumor at the time was that President George Bush had a personal vendetta for Saddam Hussein from the previous reign of his father George Bush. Due to the president’s ego, the USA and its citizens became the victims of terrorists’ attacks.

Where is the Love, served as tool for reflection and as a “wake up call” for people to love again. Black Eyed Peas enlightened society about the time in which they are living with this hit song. People had become so conditioned and accepting of the turmoil of everyday life that they failed to see that there was a lack of love in the world. By recognizing the hatred that destroys our moral values and unity in the world, the vision of Where is the Love can someday be accomplished.