HILD 12: DISCUSSION #9

The trailer to “Coming to you, Minu” reminds us of the important role that music plays in fights for migrant justice. Why do you think this is the case? How can we connect this question to the first reading you did in this course by Goffe, who also talked about the relationship between Chinese shopkeepers in Jamaica and music?

Music plays such an important role in justice for migrants, especially in this case, because of the meaning and significance this music and its lyrics had. Minu’s band was called “STOP CRACKDOWN”, migrant workers singing and pleading to the public, more specifically government officials, to stop the crackdowns and deportation of hard working immigrants. Their songs were filled with the relatable struggles and successes of migrant workers, reaching the hearts of so many in Korea and eventually, Nepal. Music, in this case and many other cases, touches the hearts and souls of so many, in a way that general communication cannot. This connects back to Goffe and his analysis of Chinese shopkeepers and Jamaicans for music was what connected the two very different people and cultures. Music brought them together, inspired one another despite the language barrier. Music surpasses basic conversation for it connects people through their hearts and emotions rather than logic and thought.