The War on Drugs is Systemic Oppression
NYTimes: The War on Drugs
- This Op-Ed visually expresses the sheer scale of population in prisons and the flow of money by showing the sudden exponential growth from the 1980's to now. The paintings bursting with hundreds of prisoners or money bags communicate the actual gravity of the ongoing situation.
- Aurally, Jay Z has the perfect voice for this piece. He’s rough, well spoken, and serious as he explains his personal connection to a huge systemic problem that faces an entire race of people in this country disproportionately. The usage of sound effects like the slamming of a cell door are aurally striking to the audience, they place emphasis on each point Jay Z makes.
- This video seems to convey the message in a way that’s more engaging. Visually it draws the audience in with dynamic art, while aurally Jay Z takes us from his childhood to the current status quo. These elements combine to create a more lasting impact, I feel more angry and motivated because this video connects with me. The message becomes more of a call to action than simply informing the audience.
