The Vietnam War. It all seems so far away at this point, but we lived through a time when the Vietnam war was all that dominated the headlines. Every day we worried about the escalation of the war or if my brother or my cousin were going to be drafted to go to maybe die in Vietnam. How distant that all feels now.

I have had kids in the classes that I teach who tell me that about Vietnam: “Oh yeah, I think I had that in my history class.” IN MY HISTORY CLASS?? It is sometimes hard for us to believe that as baby boomers, so much time and events have passed us by.

But let’s take a look back. During the Vietnam War era, music played a significant role in expressing the feelings of us- the American people – towards the war. Artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez used their music to protest against the war and advocate for peace.

Bob Dylan’s iconic song “Blowin’ in the Wind” became an anthem for the anti-war movement with its powerful lyrics questioning the futility of war. Joan Baez, known for her hauntingly beautiful voice, also used her music to speak out against the war and promote peace.

These protest songs not only reflected the sentiments of the American people but also influenced politicians and policymakers. Music has always had a way of transcending boundaries and bringing people together, regardless of their political beliefs or cultural backgrounds.

During this turbulent time in American history, fashion also played a role in expressing dissent against the war. The hippie movement, characterized by its colorful clothing and free-spirited attitude, became synonymous with anti-war protests.

As we reflect on this period in history, it’s important to remember how music and culture can shape our views and beliefs. Just as these protest songs helped bring attention to important issues during the Vietnam War era, we can use music today to heal our thoughts and our new realities.

Let’s continue to express a positive outlook through our art and music, just as artists did during the Vietnam War era. By coming together through our shared love of music, we can create a better world for future generations.

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