“Changes” by Tupac Shakur Argumentative

In the song titled “Changes” By Tupac Shakur social stresses of the black race in America is discussed and brought to the attention of the masses. Tupac explains how the situation of blacks in America has become bleak and why it is so difficult to change the situation

African Americans today living in the inner city, live in re-occurring violence and have endured this type of lifestyle for decades. This societal problem affected Tupac through out his life in a negative way. Because of this, he feels the need to express his frustrations and make others aware of the struggle that many blacks endure.

There are many uses of imagery throughout the song, mostly pertaining to life growing up in the ghetto; “We gotta start makin’ changes, learn to see me as a brother instead of 2 distant strangers.” It is also apparent that Tupac feels animosity towards the police; “Cops give a damn about a negro, pull the trigger kill a nigga he’s a hero. Give the crack to the kids, who the hell cares, one less hungry mouth on the welfare.” This is more than likely the due to negative experiences with law enforcement.

Tupac gives the impression that changes need to be made, but he is only one man and can not carry the entire black community to change. These changes need to be made as a whole. This song was written in the late 90’s while Tupac Shakur was at the peak of his music career. Soon after he was assasinated in a gang shoot out in California. This song has grown in popularity since Tupacs death, as much of his other works have.