\u201cThis is America\u201d is a song released in 2018 by Childish Gambino featuring Young Thug, Blocboy JB, 21 Savage, Slim Jxmmi, and Quavo. It is a hip-hop song that conveys a commentary on American culture and how black lives are treated. This song strikes me as wild because of its underlying message of how the country often operates in a carefree nature oblivious to the struggles of its black population. The song starts off with a smooth, seemingly carefree chorus which abruptly ends with the sound of a gunshot. The proceeding beat is more aggressive and bass-heavy for some time before returning to a smooth chorus. The shifts in tune portray the manner in which the nation seems to quickly return to a less serious, unconcerned nature following scenes of violence in which black lives are harmed. The lyrics \u201cGuns in my area\u2026 I got the strap\u2026 I gotta carry \u2018em\u201d describe the dangers that black people face living in their communities, often necessitating the ownership of a gun to survive. It struck me as wild to hear Childish Gambino\u2019s depiction of what life can be like for many African Americans as it is a stark contrast to the relative safety I and many Americans experience in our communities. Gambino also includes the lines \u201cPolice be trippin\u2019 now\u2026 Yeah, this is America.\u201d He is referencing police brutality and how it has become emblematic of the state of the country. I found this line to be wild as Gambino is making a bold statement about how flawed the identity of the country is. Overall, I believe this song to be \u201cwild\u201d as it boldly drives home a strong message about the flawed nature of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
-Avinash K<\/p>\n\n\n\n