American Vision
WINNER: First Place for Best Entry
FIRST PLACE FOR BEST ENTRY: “American Vision” by Destiny Galindo
In American Vision, a recent high school graduate lays down some rhymes and a pithy critique of government as it is in an engaging music video and challenges her generation and fellow Americans to create a government as it should be.
“’American Vision’ is a powerful and poetic call to action for the next generation -- it is a breathtaking manifesto tinged with optimism, anger, frustration and hope.” - Looking@Democracy judge Wendy Levy.
"Who would imagine that a 17 year old Latina from Arizona could rap about democracy and make you want to dance and feel inspired about voting and civic engagement? That is the nature of our democracy-it is renewed when people are given a voice. Destiny Galindo is a true artist and a voice for our democracy that has risen from the New American Mainstream. Que inspiracion!" - Looking@Democracy judge Maria Hinojosa
“’American Vision’ demonstrates that young people are engaged and alert to the challenges facing our nation. Destiny Galindo is a democracy advocate with a contemporary voice and sound. Plus, she can actually flow!” - Looking@Democracy judge Kevin Coval
“American Vision” Lyrics:
black on black * white on white * gray on gray
Generation of my time relevant in every way * We growin' up and we learnin' * Government's what I'm concerned in * Like how much as a country we is earning * Put together a plot, catch up on some things * By choice or not, we all on the same team * So hey why not, what you say * Y'all willing to fix what's not okay * Y'all willing to stand up for your ways * First things first is y'all that brave * Second thing second let me concentrate * 'cause I've got a lot that I've gotta evaluate (Uhhhhhh)
With the government up-top you gotta pay attention * You had the chance to vote, there's no reason y'all should be second guessing * Lot of questions in democracy * Will working together end poverty * 'Cause it seems like the rich just tryna' get richer * Seems like the poor people just dyin' quicker * Fed up with all of it Way of like we don't acknowledge it * Higher powers like what's wrong with it * One united nation but we constantly debating on * Whether or not we should work together * Come to think what it would be like * Future perspectives should be better * So my generation is you ready to ride * Ready for life 'cause y'all need to think * Governments all uptop * Everybody's coming together I keep hearing 'bout this nonstop * And I'm so excited 'cause it's for the better * Creation of a system that appears more clever * Hope that y'all get this message * 'cause I know that y'all is young and reckless * I pledge allegiance to the flag * That I will play my own part * Vote when the time comes around * Keeping my perspectives out the dark * Ms. Government * Mr. President
- Ms. Congress * Mr. Equivalent Separation of powers * Got different branches in different towers * Different mindsets of every hour * Trying to come to an agreement * No wonder it seems our government's sour * No other human here has higher power * Unspoken years we've spent of ours
Government Government * Can you hear me now, and I loud enough * Is you standing proud, knowing we holding you up * Taking us for granted, just one vote can have you vanished * Just one vote can change our planet * Surprised that it hasn't happened * This world is they reaction * We a part of the reason they slackin' * We've got a voice, We've got a choice * And I've committed to making this point * Life is what you make it Not the government's job to save it * The thing upon democracy is it's only what we've created * And I hope, that America can pull it together and fly up * Find some type of balance We don't need war, we got children poor * But still you insist y'all need more * So y'all taxing us, and I'm all about it * Give a little here, give a little there * But government let me see your salary Let me see what you're making * How much do you give from your paycheck? * I make minimum wage, and I'm up for days * Just trying to make a living * Taking more than y'all giving * This isn't no government's prison * And I'm fed up and I'm done with it * This is my American Vision (hey)
7 comments
April Galindo • about 9 years ago
Very powerful great job!!!!
Lance McNeill • almost 9 years ago
$25,000 for a rap song to help improve our democracy?!? We don't need a rap song... we need funding for some of the dozen or more great ideas that I saw posted for this contest!
Nothing against this girl at ALL, but compared to the other submissions, I cannot believe this is the first place winner. It's too bad so many people wasted their time and effort. With that said, congrats to Destiny... I hope you use the money to do something great!
Luke Messick • almost 9 years ago
Wow. This video being the 1st place winner just invalidated this entire contest. Feel sorry for all the people that wasted their time with this.
April Galindo • almost 9 years ago
I am very p
Diana Campos • almost 9 years ago
Congratulations Destiny Marley! You did a great job. Some people just don't get it cause maybe their not affected by it. That's why you won it cause you got it. Keep up the good work. Couldn't be prouder :)
April Galindo • almost 9 years ago
I am very proud of my daughter she did it!!! No bad comments needed give props to great writing composing and rapping. This is what a lot of young people are thinking these days. Nothing wrong with it. Everyone did a great job congrats to all that put their hard work into it. Destiny u rock and this money shows just how much u do. Keep up the good work she has done wonderful things even rapping for people with special needs she is awesome!!!!!
Johnnie Bell • almost 9 years ago
Congradulations young lady...I'm so proud of you...it's nice to see such talent in our young people. You sent a real message that people in this country need to hear. You speak from your heart and it shows. Keep up the good work and stay positive honey, God will continue to bless you.