‘Whitey on the Moon’ by Gil Scott talks about the poverty of the Blacks in a society that only looks out for the White people. He explains how his taxes are deducted from his paycheck leaving him penniless and they are used for expensive trips to the moon by the white people. Therefore, the poet speaks of wealth disparity and lack of opportunity. The song is based on the disparity as a result of social stratification in a society that favors the White people over the Black people. The society is blamed for the inequality against the Blacks by the White People. The author uses the song to blame the entire government and economic system for the inequality experienced by the Black People. The song is about the Weberian-type of inequality in class and status where the White People are considered more important than the Black People. The song mentions the contemporary definition of stratification regarding the income that is taxed greatly. The song does not offer a solution as the poet believes that ten years later he would still be experiencing the same predicament.
‘The Message’ by Grand Master Flash talks about the wealth disparity and lack of opportunity to live a worthy life. Wealth disparity is portrayed in how the author states the lifestyle of the poor people living in urban government housing. The government and the society are to be blamed for the disparity. The residents appear relaxed in attempting to change the living conditions as they depend on the government. The poem’s inequality against the poor results from social stratification and it mainly blames the individuals. The singer talks about the Marxian-type of capitalist where the class has an effect on individual lifestyle. The government offers to provide the accommodation space but leaves the citizens to survive the best way they know how. The contemporary definition of stratification is also described as the aspect of education is emphasized. The lack of education, leads to low income or being jobless because he has no occupation. The singer gives the scenario of abandoning school, getting into immoral behaviors that lead to an arrest and eventually death in jail. The solution according to the singer is the change in behavior for the individual to live a purposeful life.
‘New York, New York’ by Grand Master Flash also focuses on the wealth disparity or inequality as seen in the beginning. The rich have built tall buildings from which thy look down on the poor people in the streets through the windows. The society, especially the economic system is to blame for the disparity and the false notion that New York is the big city of dreams. The Weberian-type of inequality appears to have influenced the singer where class, status, and power determine the success of an individual in New York City. The wealthy work in the skyscrapers with high-level occupations that offer hefty salaries and income. The contemporary definition of stratification is also expressed in the song as the income and occupation appear to play a major part in an individual’s life. The singer has considered the solution of waking up each day stronger in the willingness to conquer the poverty. New York maybe a Big City of Dreams, but for one to make it in New York successfully they have to undergo harsh conditions.
References
Brinkerhoff, D. B., White, L. K., & Ortega, S. T. (1992). Essentials of sociology. St. Paul, MN: West Pub.
Hagedorn, R. (1983). Essentials of sociology. Toronto: Holt, Rinehart and Winston of Canada.
