Institutionalized Racism and Classism in Memphis Minney's Sylvester and his Mule: A Lyrical Analysis
Overview
This paper analyzes Memphis Minney's song Sylvester and his Mule to examine themes of racism and classism in American society. The essay argues that the song depicts institutionalized racism and classism through the narrative of an African American sharecropper whose pleas for help from the President are ignored, illustrating systemic discrimination and government indifference toward marginalized populations.
What this essay covers
- Introduction and song narrative summary - describes Sylvester's unsuccessful attempts to reach the President
- Analysis of racism - examines how the song illustrates institutionalized racism and government failure to serve African Americans
- Analysis of classism - explores how low class status results in denial of access to power and equal treatment
Preview
Analyzing Music Lyrics
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Analyzing Music Lyrics
The song, Sylvester and his Mule, by Memphis Minnie, reflects on some of the themes in the chapter. The specific themes reflected in the song’s lyrics are classism and racism. In this song, the lyrics are about an African American sharecropper (Sylvester) who is on the verge of losing his land. Sylvester calls the White House to speak to the President, where he believes he could get help. Several of his calls go unanswered. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, his call gets received. Surprisingly, the President gave Sylvester's call to someone else. The President says he does not want to speak to Sylvester. Sylvester continues to make the calls, and every time a person picks, he thinks he is talking to the president, but this was contrary to reality. His attempts to speak to the President repeatedly fail, but through persistence and insisting, Sylvester finally manages to speak to the President. Shockingly, his effort proves fruitless. Upon submitting the request to be helped not to lose his land, the President ignores Sylvester's plea on claiming that he was not a priority in his service and the situation was not of importance.
Racism is evident in the song because the President fails to serve Sylvester by perceiving not to be of priority. Though the song only refers to the case of one person, Sylvester, it is a depiction of a bigger picture about the prevalence of institutionalized racism.