Killer Mike's "Reagan". Analysis of a Critical Rap Song

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2024 im Fachbereich Anglistik - Linguistik, Note: 1,3, Universität Bielefeld, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Killer Mike, an acclaimed rapper and activist offers a powerful critique of the War on Drugs in his song "Reagan". He sheds light on its failures and impact on marginalized communities. Examining the lyrics and underlying messages of this song, this paper aims to argue that the War on Drugs has ultimately proven to be a flawed strategy. The plan perpetuates systemic injustices rather than effectively addressing drug-related issues. Killer Mike's "Reagan" serves as a review that evaluates the War on Drugs and its consequences. The song provides a scathing indictment of the policies pursued during the Reagan administration, particularly highlighting their detrimental effects on African-American communities.
By analyzing the lyrics and underlying themes, we can gain insight into the flawed nature of the War on Drugs and the societal implications it has engendered. This paper will explore the central themes presented in "Reagan" and contextualize them within the broader framework of the War on Drugs. It will examine the disproportionate impact of drug laws on marginalized communities. Additionally, this document will show the perpetuation of systemic injustices and the failure to address the root causes of drug abuse effectively. Moreover, this analysis will discuss the missed opportunities for implementing alternative approaches such as harm reduction strategies and treatment programs.
Since its inception in the 1970s, the War on Drugs has been a controversial policy initiative aimed at combating drug abuse and its associated social ills. However, as the decades passed, doubts about this approach's effectiveness and unintended consequences began. The declaration of the War on Drugs led to a series of legislative actions and executive orders that sought to target the production and consumption of controlled substances aggressively. Spearheaded by President Richard Nixon and subsequently supported by his successors the strategy left marks in American society. The campaign has become synonymous with zero-tolerance laws and an unprecedented expansion of the criminal justice system. The phrase "War on Drugs" has since evolved into a metaphor for the ongoing struggle between government authorities and the various facets of the drug trade¿a battle that has raised numerous questions about effectiveness and social justice.