Journal #7

PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0

This is the music video for the song Same Love by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Same Love was a song written in 2012 around the time when same-sex marriage was a highly debated topic in the United States and many states were considering legalizing it. The song and music video served as proponents for same-sex marriage.

The intended audience for this song was all people across America with an emphasis on those who are against same-sex marriage or are prejudice against gays. The video and song could also reach individuals who are gay and do not feel proud or courageous enough to tell others.

The objectives of the song are to convince people that same-sex marriage should be legal and that there is no reason that gays should be treated differently as people. The song also emphasizes that homosexual individuals are not gay by choice, but are innately that way. The song not only encourages people to treat gays the same as everyone else, but also hopes to inspire gay individuals to be proud of who they are.

The song employs entertainment education, using a musical platform to send the message in support of gays and same-sex marriage. Macklemore, a very popular musician, used his position of authority to take a stance on the issue and spread the idea of acceptance. The video and song also employ media advocacy, creating a discussion around same-sex marriage and many of the lines in the song are aimed directly at policy makers calling for change. For example, one line states "The right wing conservatives think its a decision, and you can be cured with some treatment or religion." There are many parts of the song that call out political parties and demonstrate that the people should be calling for change.

One question I would ask Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is what inspired them to write the song and in what ways they felt the impact the song had?

This song was particularly moving and effective due to the timing of its release. While it may not have led to any real influence in policy change, it created a widespread discussion around the treatment of homosexuals and encouraged large amounts of people.