Museum of Resistance and Resilience

"The System That Cares About Only One Culture"

Lyrics: The present curriculum, I put my fist in 'em // Eurocentric, every last one of 'em [...] Holes in our spirit causing tears and fears // One-sided stories for years and years and years // I'm inferior? Who's inferior? // Yeah, we need to check the interior // Of the system that cares about only one culture // And that, is why we gotta take the power back-------------------------------------------------------------------------

While the theme of joining together to come face-to-face with oppression can span a variety of issues, the second verse of the song indicates that Zack de la Rocha is referring to racial issues in America. He believes that current institutions focus on and favor the history and needs of white people over people of color. De la Rocha is likely referring to the education system, but his belief can be applied broadly. It's important to note that these beliefs are statistically-supported: proper representation of race and personal identities in the classroom and in media is vital for positive self-views and success. And, of course, accurate portrayal of history and oppression keeps young people informed about the past and prevents history from repeating itself.

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