New Books in Critical Theory Triauna Carey, "The Revolution Will Be Spotified: Music As a Rhetorical Mode of Resistance" (Lexington Books, 2024)
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Jul 18, 2025 Triauna Carey, a scholar in rhetoric and ethnomusicology, dives into the powerful intersection of music and resistance in her new book. She discusses how songs like Childish Gambino's "This is America" and Lizzo's body positivity anthem serve as rhetorical tools for social change. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of rhetoric in the digital age and the impact of technology on artistic expression. Carey also examines the complexities of country music's rise amid cancel culture and the nuances of misogyny in rap, emphasizing music's role in cultural discourse.
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Country’s Political and Cultural Crisis
- Mainstream country music is experiencing identity crises tied to bro culture and political censorship.
- Controversies and scandals repeatedly challenge the genre's ability to openly resist politically.
Rap’s Visual Rhetoric Power
- Rap and hip hop lyrics can be vague but paired with visuals create powerful resistance messages.
- Childish Gambino’s This Is America video shocked audiences far beyond the song's explicit lyrics.
Lizzo’s Body Positivity Commitment
- Lizzo consistently promotes body positivity despite controversies and societal backlash.
- She embodies confidence by refusing to conform to expectations about size or modesty.
