Jimi Hendrix Accomplishments

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Throughout history, Americans across the country have entertained different ideas of how far freedom should go and what patriotism means. In Jimi Hendrix’s performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock, he made his ideas and values very clear. His performance was a long, rock-and-roll rendition with lots of feedback, motion, and improvisation. While some may say this was disrespecting the country, this might have been the point of Hendrix’s performance. America was in the middle of the Anti-War movement, and many citizens were unhappy with the draft and America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. They believed in the freedom of speech and came together through exercising this freedom in the form of protests. These protests showed …show more content…
Everyone is granted the freedom of the press, the freedom to peaceably assemble, the freedom to petition the government, and the freedom of speech. Jimi Hendrix displayed the freedom of speech by performing a cherished song and symbol of our country in his own nontraditional way. In most versions of the National Anthem, the performer sings or plays clear and concise notes while standing up straight and looking forward without moving. The concise notes are probably played to honor tradition, and the good posture shows a sense of respect for the country. Jimi Hendrix strayed from these conventional tributes and played electric guitar riffs with loud blasts of feedback. He intended the blasting sounds to represent the sound of fighter jet engines used in the war. Instead of performing while standing at attention, Hendrix moves around while bending over his guitar or leaning backwards. By exercising his freedom of speech like this, Jimi Hendrix was representing just how much freedom of expression people have in the United States. Immigrants came to America from all over the world to escape the control of their governments, so hearing someone interpret the National Anthem however they want may make people feel patriotic in support of their country and the freedom it
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