“A Complete Unknown” (James Mangold, 2025) is now playing in British cinemas. Set in the early 1960s, the film follows a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) in New York, on the cusp of changing a generation and leaving an indelible mark on culture. However, off-screen, over the past 60 years, his critical and commercial appeal has fluctuated, literally unknown by many. This is where Timothée Chalamet steps in, reintroducing Dylan to a new generation, thirsting for socio-political awareness and hangry for advocacy. He is reigniting the spirit of 1960s protest songs and their enduring connection to Dylan's legacy.
Worthy of mention, protest songs have been a long-standing American tradition dating back to the early 18th century. They first emerged during the pre-Revolutionary War era and gained prominence throughout the war. Since then, they have become deeply ingrained in US culture, inspiring numerous social movements and covering a wide range of topics.
In its early days, protest songs often reused well-known melodies or tunes, with new lyrics added to convey their message. This was a clever way to get their point across. Music, beyond its role as entertainment, is a powerful vehicle for communication. It serves as a tool for historical documentation, a unifying force, and a catalyst for change, making it an essential aspect of cultural identity and social movements.
As in the turbulent 1960s, many considered it the golden age of protest songs. This era saw the rise of the second wave of feminism, the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, student activism, and the hippie movement, culminating in the Stonewall riots of 1969. It’s important to note that this was not a phenomenon exclusive to the United States; for example, Latin American youth were on the brink of witnessing the rise of far-right military regimes, marked by authoritarianism, human rights abuses, political persecution, exile, and censorship, all juxtaposed with a cultural boom. Art played a crucial role in resisting these forces, offering a powerful antidote to oppression.
In the 1960s, television and music were the primary means of communication, and both became the platforms through which their heroes emerged. The Age of Aquarius had a profound influence on post-war teenagers, much like today’s Generation Z. This cosmic event heightened political awareness, sparking turbulence and rebellion against established politics.
Bob Dylan’s stroke of the pen carried bold and unmistakable moral messages. He was a passionate artist who believed that art had a purpose in the world—a responsibility to raise awareness, challenge injustice, and guide humanity towards a better path. His lyrics served as allegories for inequality, racism, poverty, the ongoing Vietnam War, , drug wars, and other global conflicts. A few examples include "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times They Are a-Changin'," "Only a Pawn in Their Game," "Desolation Row," and "Masters of War." However, it’s worth mentioning that Dylan himself said, “I’ve never written a political song. Songs can’t save the world.”
Protest songs remain relevant to this day. They are often used to raise awareness of injustices and encourage people to take action for social change. However, today’s landscape is more complex—there are many hats to wear and platforms to share, but still near zero politicians who care. Protest songs and identity politics have become intertwined elements, aligned with celebrities' personas, used to avoid becoming targets of toxic cancel culture and to create a connection through resonance. However, in today's age, actions also play a role, speaking louder than mere lyrics.
Timothée Chalamet advocates for social justice, climate action, and environmental consciousness, participating in events like the 2020 “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert.” He is also known for championing social justice issues such as gender equality, often speaking about how the younger generation has the power to challenge the status quo. He has also spoken out about the impact of social media on young people. His commitment to raising awareness of these topics aligns with Dylan’s mission of using music to drive social change.
Today, songs of resistance often spread through social media platforms, streaming services, and viral trends, which provide an instant and global reach. Unlike the 1960s, when protest songs were broadcast on television or radio versus censorships, modern protest music often emerges from independent artists or even viral challenges on platforms like TikTok. This shift has democratized the creation and distribution of protest music, allowing voices from diverse backgrounds to be heard.
However, while this can empower marginalised communities, it also has its drawbacks. With the fragmented nature of digital media, messages can become diluted or lost amidst an overwhelming flood of content. Unlike the unifying power of traditional protest songs that helped galvanise movements, modern protest music may lack the same collective impact due to the sheer diversity of media outlets and the rise of echo chambers online. Rather than bringing people together in the same physical space, today’s protest anthems may often be consumed in isolated digital bubbles, making the shared experience less tangible but still potent in its reach. We are divided by algorithms dictated and filtered by social media, creating binary poles and tribes again. Not only that, but privileges, too, come into play, with a lack of access$ibility by some.
Beyond that, in today’s digital landscape, the space for protest songs on social media is a complex one. While platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter provide unprecedented access to global audiences, they are often more conducive to pop trends and viral challenges than to deep, political messaging. The algorithms favour content that’s catchy and easily digestible, leaving little room for songs that require more thoughtful engagement. However, this doesn't mean there’s no place for protest music. Niche communities still share and champion songs that resonate with specific causes, like the soundtrack from Brazil’s hit "Ainda Estou Aqui" gains traction, it demonstrates that protest anthems can break through the noise. Yet, the modern digital age often prioritises entertainment and escapism, making it harder for protest music to rise to the level of mainstream pop unless it taps into the right viral moment.
As Bob Dylan famously asked, "How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?" The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind—and it remains unanswered.
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