Instructions:

1. Choose a specific song/lyric that represents a social issue you want to advocate or to
raise awareness, and this song has obviously affected/disturbed you.
2. Using the Lasallian Reflection Framework (LRF), your reflection should include the
following: Answer each in paragraph format.
○ the social issue as the central theme
○ the economic, political, socio-cultural structures that contribute to
this social issue
○ the possible root causes of this social issue
○ your personal beliefs, values, biases, and experiences about this
issue
Include the link for the lyrics or you tube link of the song.
3. For some song recommendations, you may look at this link
https://spinditty.com/playlists/Songs-About-Changing-the-World
 The song that I chose is “Where is the love?” by Black Eyed Peas. I chose this because
this song from the first time I’ve heard still continues to amaze me up until now. The song was
released back in May of 2003 initially intended as a vessel to the post 9/11 tragedy anxiety. The
central themes and social issues tackled in this include terrorism, government hypocrisy,
racism, gang crime, pollution, war, and intolerance which all translates to social inequality and
the lack of empathy and compassion in our society.
Using the LRF, or the Lasallian Reflection Framework, I will reflect on the song in three
parts. First is "See-Experience" or “Masid-Danas”. To have conscious experiencing. The
composition of the song was clearly stated that it is during the state of the post 9/11 world and in
which all also calls for the US withdrawal from Iraq. Clearly, it is a song that is about the war but
I think that it is much greater than that. This song is a cry to let people be aware of all of the
injustices happening in this world. It is a fight against racism which is prominent in the USA. It
talks about how kids are also getting involved in fights and crime and on how important
decisions of people are as it may involve thousands of innocents suffering. It talks about the
lack of love and questions why there is a lack thereof. The lyrics “People killin', people dyin',
Children hurt, hear them cryin', Can you practice what you preach, or would you turn the other
cheek?” are the main chorus of the song and it implies the golden rule. That we should treat
others the way we want to be treated because how can we live in a world wherein we don't
respect others and just ignore them? We have to pay attention because it is not only us living.
We are a collective and therefore we must also be aware of others.
Second is, Analysis-Reflection or “Suri-Nilay”. Economically, this song showed income
inequality and systemic disparities. The lyrics “Most of us only care about money makin',
Selfishness got us followin' the wrong direction” shows that people only care about themselves
and that it doesn't matter how pain they cause others so long as they benefit from it. The
selfishness, greed, and lack of compassion is what causes people to do unimaginable things. In
the political side, it shows that usually general policies only favors certain groups marginalizing
others. The part “Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends, Not respectin' each
other, deny thy brother, A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover” says that decisions from
people of authority clearly undermine the effects of their choices. They choose to go to war
without considering the countless individuals that might be affected. This is also a result of the
greed of people for power which just consequently divides us from each other. Another is the
socio-cultural structures which, as i have mentioned, include racism, stereotypes, prejudices,
and discrimination which are all deeply ingrained in the society causing divisions among people.
Finally is Commitment-Action or “Taya-Kilos”. This song was made even before I was
born however, these social issues are still relevant and visible in today’s generation. To address
this, I believe that we have to be aware, and as much as possible, do anything in our power to
deal with the social issues that are causing these injustices. All individuals should have equal
opportunities and be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. As I have
heard somewhere before, “Before all of societal constructs, before all the norms, and standards
created, before all the ideologies and beliefs, we all are created the same. We are all human
beings. Deserving of love and respect.” Therefore with this, and as my response to the song. I
shall strive to be aware of my own actions and continuously educate myself on issues to be part
of the solution rather than contributing to the problem. To use my skills and capabilities for
improvement and to foster and promote a more inclusive and just society.
Link for the Lyrics: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/blackeyedpeas/whereisthelove.html
Link for the Song: https://youtu.be/WpYeekQkAdc?feature=shared