Observing the U.S.Election through Pop-Music:Dog-Whistle Politics in a Polarized Age
As an integral part of popular art,pop-music provides a unique analytical perspective for observing broader social and political transformations at a micro-level.With a widening wealth gap in American society,political polarization has frequently appeared in popular art.Serving as a"bridge"between political elites and the people,pop-music has become a vital tool for both the Democratic and Republican parties to engage in"dog-whistle politics"and consolidate their respective voter bases.Such a phenomenon shows that the boundary between"politics"and"entertainment"in the U.S.has become increasingly blurred.In the 2024 U.S.presidential election,political polarization,pop-music,and"dog-whistle politics"are closely intertwined.Presidential candidates utilize"dog whistles"in campaign songs to publicize their designed personas and appeal emotionally and ideologically to core voters,while undermining the opposing camp.Musicians insert"dog whistles"in music,infusing melodies and lyrics with political undertones.By either supporting or opposing a specific presidential candidate,they also sought to expand their cultural and political influence.Through"dog whistles"in pop-music,voters gain a sense of belonging in a culture of political correctness while simultaneously stigmatizing their opposers.Examining the dialectical relationship between political polarization,pop-music,and"dog-whistle politics"not only enriches the study of music in politics but also deepens our understanding of U.S.elections.
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