Macklemore 2012 Same Love
This song was written as a protest against gay rights and legalising same-sex marriage. It was quickly adopted as the unofficial anthem of same-sex marriage and rose to the charts, preaching it's message to everyone.
Sixto Rodriguez 1970 This is not a Song, it's an Outburst
This song was written in 1970 by Sixto Rodriguez to protest against all the injustice prevalent in his society at the time and draw attention to the problems. Although written in a different century, it holds many similar ideals.
Haki Madhubuti 1969 Rwanda: Where Tears Have No Power
A poem by the American Donald Luther Lee who later adopted the Swahili name Haki Madhubuti. Although initially, it was written to contrast the difference between developed and developing countries, it later became a piece on the morality of the Rwandan Genocide, which occurred in 1994.
Wole Soyinka 1963 Telephone Conversation
Almost with a satirical purpose, this poem takes the structure of a 'Telephone Conversation' and mocks those who fell victim to the taunts of racial segregation in England. It sheds light on the situation at the time and reveals the prejudice of the society.
Primo Levi 1947 Shema
Written in shadow of the Holocaust, perhaps one of the most famous genocides, this poem not only reflects on the event but also compares two groups of people, presenting a very relevant image.
Wilfred Owen 1921 Dulce Et Decorum Est
A poem detailing Wilfred Owen's experiences during World War One and survives to be one of the first and best anti-war poems in the English language. It recounts a haunting event in a brilliant first person manner.
John Ball 1381 Cast off the Yoke of Bondage
This is a famous short speech by John Ball, one of the the leaders of the English Peasants Revolt against King Richard II. He was a priest and travelled through the country, stirring up a revolt amongst the lower class with his words.
Sappho c. 620 BC Fragment 16
Perhaps one of the earliest recorded uses of protest poetry, Sappho presents to us a beautiful and moving poem on the contrast between war and love. The remnants of the piece that have been salvaged tell us about the world during her time and Sappho's views on it.