Joseph Playlist Assignment by Joseph Kasongo

17th–18th Century

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

The Enlightenment, "Break Free" by Ariana Grande (https://youtu.be/cjw9RABFoXA?si=rn1WO0uUMPlupGfg)

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

The Enlightenment emphasis on freedom, liberty and challenging traditional authority laid the foundations for Latin American citizens to break free of their shackles, creating a more just society. These ideas are capture well in "Break free" which inspires people to challenge traditional societal norms. Lyrics like "I can't resist it no more" symbolism rejecting oppressive system which make sense since Ariana Grande a women of color within a corrupt industry, music. Inspirational philosophers like Locke and Rousseau could never catalysis these great revolutions by following the status quo. We need men, no giants who could lit the sparks for a new world that rippled across the world because they couldn't "resist it any more." Events on this scale require men who have self autonomy, capable of breaking free of their self constrain which are thoroughly expressed in Break Free.

Life -1797–1856; 1822 - Joined Bolivar

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

Manuela Sáenz "Run the World (Girls)" by Beyoncé" (https://youtu.be/iUkzewC7Y_A?si=sEaEX_ICBexOHDc5)

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

Manuela Sáenz, a revolutionary hero who defied gender norms, exemplified the resilience and courage of women in the fight for South American independence, making her a powerful symbol of empowerment and perseverance. She challenge gender norm like by contributing to the South American Independence Movement. These themes of female empowerment are demonstrated in "Run The World (Girls)" by unapologetic empowering women resilience and strength. The song Famous lyrics, "Who Runs The World? Girls!" a reflection of Beyonce and Saenz defiance of patriarchal expectations despite pressure from friends, family or society. Saenz weaponize her beliefs by aiding Bolívar and rallying troops exemplify the resilience celebrated in the song. Saenz serve as a pillar stone

1846–1848

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

Mexican-American War, "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival (https://youtu.be/I1cF9YwGjJ8?si=t2dsdtXRLMK2d_C4)

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

The Mexican-American War laid bare the power imbalance between Mexico and the United States, with Mexico suffering significant territorial losses. These ideas are echoed in "Fortunate Son," a song that critiques the exploitation and disparity between the leaders who benefit from war and the people who bear its burden. The lyrics, steeped in frustration, resonate with Mexico’s struggle against American imperialism and the human cost of the conflict. This imperialism wasn't just about land—it was a direct attack on sovereignty, a reality Mexico could not escape. Like the powerless soldiers of the song, Mexico was caught in a system rigged against them. Creedence Clearwater Revival's anti-war anthem speaks to the disenfranchised, a sentiment that still lingers in Mexico’s national memory of this unjust war.

1810–1825

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

South American Wars of Independence, "We Will Rock You" by Queen (https://youtu.be/-tJYN-eG1zk?si=W1mNhbZfnOXxXmj-)

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

The South American independence movements, led by heroes like Bolívar, united entire regions in a shared fight against colonial oppression. "We Will Rock You" captures the energy of these revolutions with its anthemic, pounding rhythm that echoes the determination of the people to claim their freedom. Lyrics like “We will, we will rock you!” symbolize the defiance of revolutionaries rallying together to shake the Spanish Empire to its core. These men and women were unyielding forces of nature, like a storm that built in strength until it couldn’t be ignored. The song’s confrontational tone mirrors the willpower needed to overthrow the colonial regimes that oppressed them for centuries. It isn’t just a rallying cry; it’s the essence of what it means to fight for liberation.

1817 - Crossing the Andes

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

José de San Martín "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias (https://youtu.be/koJlIGDImiU?si=1kvrhtfFVFCYhdeN)

jkasongo4 — 2024-12-02 17:32:17 UTC

The legacy of José de San Martín’s as a liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru clearly cements him as one of one of the greatest hero in Latin American History. His sacrifices for independence are beautifully captured in "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias, a song that reflects the selflessness and emotional depth of a true leader. Lyrics like “Would you run and never look back?” resonate with San Martín’s unwavering commitment to his mission, even when it meant walking away from personal comfort and glory. He wasn’t just a warrior; he was a beacon of hope for nations desperate for freedom. This duality of strength and compassion, both human and divine, makes his story timeless. In San Martín’s actions, we see the embodiment of the song’s plea for courage, the kind that inspires others to dream of a brighter, freer world.