[W Forum] The Power of Music

When quietly listening to Judy Collins' Amazing Grace, I inevitably get asked, "Do you go to church?" I have no religion.

This song, reminiscent of bagpipes and heard as a hymn in American funerals and churches, is a tune passed down from Scotland or Ireland with lyrics expressing remorse for the wrongdoing of a certain slave captain.

As many indigenous people perished due to epidemics brought by Europeans who conquered America, the triangular trade flourished to replace colonial labor by hunting natives living in Africa and supplying them to America.

Europeans operating trading ships amassed wealth. Especially British merchant ships earned a lot of money, and many upper-class people and members of Parliament were involved in the business. Although there were many voices exposing the horrors of slavery, no one paid attention.

John Newton, a slave ship captain who sailed many voyages, repented only when he faced death during a storm. That realization changed him.

Based on his actual experience, he widely publicized the detailed horrors of slavery and made Amazing Grace, with lyrics confessing his sins, popular among British citizens. Thanks to the efforts of politicians William Wilberforce and William Pitt, the British House of Commons passed the Slavery Abolition Act on July 29, 1833.

In 1861, the United States experienced a civil war caused by various reasons related to slavery. They killed each other for four years. Lincoln's abolition of slavery was only possible after enduring that turmoil.

The Chinese character for "people" (民), used in words like "nation" and "citizen," has a terrible origin. It depicts a slave being stabbed in the eye with a knife to prevent rebellion or escape. The history of humanity is increasingly difficult to learn about. It is a history of brutal wars. However, it is also a process of acknowledging mistakes and healing together. Music must have made this possible.

Our daily lives are also much harder than we think. Music is the best remedy that comforts our weary selves. It soothes our scratched and wounded selves and gives us the leisure to think together. It is a powerful force that connects people with different thoughts into one.

150 years after the end of the American Civil War, nine Black people lost their lives in a shooting by a white youth holding a Confederate flag at a church in Charleston. What kind of speech did President Barack Obama give at the memorial service? It was a delicate occasion where a major racial divide could have occurred.

The president quietly began to sing that song. "Ame~~zing~~Grace~~" Then everyone stood up and started singing along. "~~ How sweet the sound~~~"

The power of music is truly amazing. I listen to music whenever I am struggling. I recommend music to friends who are having a hard time. If that song feels uncomfortable because it sounds like a hymn, I suggest the wonderful instrumental pieces by Fourplay. And during the difficult times of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), I hope you listen to any music and stay strong...

Seo Jae-yeon, Executive Director, Mirae Asset Daewoo Galleria WM