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CampusNet – Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall, Part II is well-known for criticizing the post-war Britain educational system. The song criticizes educational methods that are rigidly programmed, repressive, and restrict opportunities for student creativity. Is the song nevertheless relevant after over 40 years since its release?
Behind the “Another Brick in the Wall, Part II”
Back in the middle of the 20th century in post-war Britain, studies in the era were discussed as being based on a highly disciplined system. In 1979, Another Brick in the Wall, Part II, was released in response to the system. It began as an idea to criticize how the educational system suppresses individuality and leaves no room for students’ creativity.
Roger Waters, a member of Pink Floyd, wrote the song based on his personal experiences. In a BBC Radio Interview with Tommy Vance in 1979, Waters stated that the song was inspired by his experience with authoritarian schooling in post-war Britain. The song represents how educational institutions and society shape people into obedient, uncritical individuals in a larger system. The music reflects the rigorous standards of education at the time, discouraging creativity and imposing conformity.
“Another Brick in the Wall, Part II”: A Protest?
The lyrics “We don’t need no education” and “We don’t need no thought control” ought to avoid being interpreted as a rejection of education, but rather as criticism of a specific educational system that prioritizes conformity over creativity. Instead of systematically instilling an ideology, schools should promote creative as well as independent thought.
According to Roger Waters, some teachers even humiliated students as a form of discipline, fostering fear instead of supporting intellectual development. The song then featured vocals with the phrase “No dark sarcasm in the classroom,” in response to the situation. Furthermore, the song features the strong phrase “Teachers, leave them kids alone” to directly demand student appreciation and independence while challenging the traditional teacher-student authority dynamic.
When Music Becomes a Movement
Another Brick in the Wall, Part II has been used in several demonstrations of the rigid system throughout many years. The song itself evolved into a symbol of defiance, containing words for independence. During apartheid in 1980, South African students used the song as a protest anthem against the government’s discriminatory education policies. The South African government reacted by banning the song, worried that it could cause further resistance.
“Another Brick in the Wall, Part II” Still Relevant Today?
The song may still be relevant decades later. The discussion about education, obedience, and institutional control continues. It continues to spread the message about how education systems ought to develop to encourage individual creativity and critical thinking rather than mere obedience. Certainly, the song serves as an argument that learning should never be suppressed, but rather empowered. What are your thoughts?
Also read: The Importance of Education for Shaping the Future