Cultural Document: "It's A New Day" by Will.i.am

Aside from having a catchy tune and awesome rhythm, I think Will.i.am’s “It’s A New Day” also effectively captures the spirit of our nation. With over one million views on YouTube, one might suspect that this video is nothing more than a simple fad with little to no meaning whatsoever. However, it is so much more than that. In this wonderful video, the very talented Will.i.am illustrates the state of our nation after our first African American president Barack Obama was elected. Using a unique compilation of various memorabilia, he is able to express the joy our nation experienced that Election Day. What is even more amazing, however, is the way that Will.i.am shows the journey that we have taken to get to this point. He shows the progress that we have made in overcoming marginalization in terms of racism and discrimination. He reflects on the dreams of such great leaders as Martin Luther King, Jr and Abraham Lincoln and believes that the events in the video serve as evidence of the accomplishment of their dreams. Not just that, but I think that Will.i.am also effectively illustrates a rebirth of our nation that has taken place. While some of us might have felt powerless before, it seems as though we have been replenished with a sense of determination and ability to overcome. We have welcomed change like never before. We appear to be invincible for what seemed to be impossible has actually happened. With this state of mind, the possibilities for changing the world positively are unlimited. Using such inspiration as this remarkable video, we must now try to each make our own little difference in the world.

Link to “It’s A New Day” by Will.i.am: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHWByjoQrR8