| Description | Tracks 1 - 25:
This production is more hard hitting than the first programme, with a particular emphasis on black American experiences of discrimination in the USA and the adverse affect of capitalism on all poor people. A number of songs are featured, but the performers have not currently been identified. Some of these songs may have been considered as seditious by American authorities in the context of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Tracks 1 - 2 record an introduction to the programme by Charles Parker. Track 2 also has a recording of a demonstration in Grosvenor Square, London on 15/11/1969. This features protestors reading the names of US service personnel killed in the Vietnam conflict (and a brief extract is also included in Track 17). Track 3 features a song commencing with 'Listen, can you hear the rumble?' which considers the war and the return of dead soldiers to America. This song also appears in Track 4, together with a brief description of war graves at Arlington Cemetery.
Tracks 5 - 8 consider the black American contribution to the war in Vietnam and also resistance within the black community to this participation. A song with the chorus 'Get back, Get back' refers to racial discrimination against black Americans and is also featured on tracks 7 & 9. Track 8 contains a report by the 'New York Village Voice' of 18 May 1967 of an attack on a black anti war protestor by white people.
Tracks 9 - 13 consider the black experience in American society. Racial discrimination is discussed in Track 9. Tracks 9 & 13 reflect some black attitudes to Christianity. The role of the education system in embedding discrimination is considered in Tracks 10 - 11 and Track 11 also contains comments on black history and black historians. The black American contribution to winning the War of Independence is noted in Track 12, as is the use made by George Washington of black servants. A critique of the notion of America as a 'melting pot' is given in Track 12 and the negative experiences of Jewish and black communities in the face of 'White Anglo-Saxon Protestant' (WASP) dominance are noted. Track 13 considers discrimination in employment and the choice faced by many black Americans between crime or the Army. The song beginning 'Brought up in New York City' reflects this reality for many black Americans and is featured in Tracks 13 & 14.
Tracks 14 - 24 identify a common interest of all oppressed people (black or White, in America or across the world) in challenging capitalism. There is a call to reject the war in Vietnam and turn against exploitative forces in America. Track 14 considers the position of the United States Air Force in England and also notes a need for unity between black and White Americans against 'the System'. White poverty in the USA is considered in Track 15, and Track 16 assessed the nature and extent of the concept of 'freedom' within America. The protest song beginning 'Hey kid, you struggle to be born' provides a commentary on the fate of poor people being to fight for capitalism. Featured on Tracks 16, 17 and 24 it also calls for an insurrection against capitalists. The Me Li Massacre of Vietnamese villagers by American soldiers is addressed in Tracks 17 - 19. Track 19 features the song commencing 'What you doing there in Vietnam, Brother?' This questions why black Americans are fighting in Vietnam, in the face of continuing discrimination at home and it promotes insurrection within the USA.
Tracks 20 - 21 consider American troops changing sides. A report from London's 'The Black Dwarf' dated 14/08/1968 is read out on Track 20. This records the discovery of a white American found dead whilst fighting for the Viet Cong. Track 21 features a song with the chorus 'I wonder what was his name?' which refers to such convertees to the North Vietnamese cause.
Track 22 features a statement of Ho Chi Minh's last will.
Tracks 22 - 24 continue the theme of poor Americans of all backgrounds turning against capitalism.
Track 25 is silent.
Total: 37:05 minutes
Dubber's reference number: PLA KF571E0015480 |