“Changes” by Tupac Shakur Essay Sample

The song "Changes," released under the album "Greatest Hits," remains an iconic mirror reflection of racial prejudice and its effects on contemporary American society. The song came to light in 1998, after the singer Tupac Shakur was shot at the early age of 25. The lyrics convey the eminent atrocities the black community faces in the United States of America. It was directed by Chris Hafner. By use of a classic choice of words, the singer sheds light on some of the grievous challenges. Tupac Shakur, by the use of captive and relevant styles, metaphor, dramatic irony, repetition, sarcasm, among others, rebukes police brutality while at the same time calling on to the young black community to initiate and appreciate changes through unity.

The artist begins by a declaration of seeing no changes within his society. The word “changes” carries a strong message throughout the entire song. There is no need for the poor and black to give up. This is the expectation of the society, which they must not heed up to. The song proclaims a decisive approach of stereotype the police service has accredited to the black community. While this is true, these people, he claims, need to work on changing such as a misguided perception. The artist outlines the necessity for an evolutionary mindset change from police and the black community. While it remains collective responsibility to realize a more equitable, less discriminative society, Tupac also maintains the individual responsibility to lead the much-needed change. Therefore, the central theme of racial discrimination and prejudice is clear throughout the entire song.

Using a storytelling approach, the pop singer brings into perspective the engrained causes of some of the ill behaviors observed among young African Americans. "I'm tired of being poor and even worse, being black, my stomach hurts, so I’m looking for a purse to snatch.” (Arizona State University, 2022, n.p). The majority in the black community do not have decent jobs to earn them reasonable income. For this reason, most cannot afford basic needs. He narrates proactive solutions these desperate young people develop to survive. A hungry stomach can do anything to combat the pain. Therefore, this line emphasizes that it is not a liking for the blacks to steal; they find themselves in such a means of survival.   

Also, there is a wide range of applications of other stylistic devices. Coming out is the use of Onomatopoeia “Rat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat! That’s the way it is," imitating the sound produced by a fired gun. This is how things play out within the black community. The song utilizes anaphora, found in the first stanza, “I see no changes...” and the third stanza similarly opens with the same line (Arizona State University, 2022, n.p). The artists use this style to emphasize the need for society to realize and appreciate change. The social evils of prejudice and discrimination in society require an immediate transformation lest more lives continue to be lost. In addition, satire has been used extensively in the sing. “Cops give a dam about a negro, pull the trigger kill a nigger he’s a hero.” (Arizona State University, 2022, n.p). This portrays the act as justified by the police force and the entire government fraternity. These stylistic devices, among others such as metaphor, "devil take a brother," helps in describing the ugly picture of racism.