The Reality in Gloc-9's NOREM

Featuring Norem by Gloc 9 ft. J. Kris, Abaddon, and Shanti Dope

Is the author’s intended meaning immediately apparent in the movie, ad, or song?

Before we dig into the intended meaning of the song and analyze if the said meaning is immediately apparent or not, let us first briefly discuss what can be found in the song. We have all been aware of one of the most controversial issue within the current administration—the vicious “war on drugs” which became strident on the media for the past few years. Thus, Gloc-9, J.Kris, Abaddon and Shanti Dope presented a song which shows the different perspectives of the people experiencing injustice, cruelty, and poverty that evolves in the world of drugs. A song entitled “Norem”, which is a street-slang for “Meron”, came into place. It is usually used in small drug deals when a certain buyer asks a dealer if he or she is holding drugs or not.

If we analyze the song carefully, it can be observed that the song was sang in a way that involves a 3^rd person point-of-view and a 1^st person point-of-view. This means that we are hearing a perspective from a person that is well-aware of the happenings in drug dealings and the effects of being involve in it. On the other hand, we also hear the own perspective of the drug dealers as well as other persons involve in using drugs in the 2^nd and 3^rd verse.  

The situation that the song would like to present to its listeners is actually very apparent. We can quickly realize that it is about the brutal and cruel war on drugs. Since the song involves a demonstration that is similar to a story-telling way from both a spectator and a person who is directly involved, the content has been clear to us. However, when it comes to the meaning of the song, one should consider reading between the lines as well as observing the deeper context that the lyrics possess. Is the line, “mga isdang kasabaya’y naprito na’t nadaing” stated in its literal sense? What does the line, “kahit na ko’y dilat, hirap manalamin kung kaninong bungod yung kaharap ko sa salamin” means? The song was story-telling, yes, but did it directly mention the realizations, the overall impact and the conclusion that the different point-of-views have? As we look into the song carefully, we will realize that one of the most important element of the song is to leave all these details for the listener to think and reflect upon. 

Do you agree with the author’s message or intended meaning? Why or why not? 

Yes, I definitely agree with the author’s intended meaning. As one analyzes the words in the lyrics, the hidden meanings, as well as the emotions that the song has, it can be seen how the author, Gloc 9, had conveyed how negatively impactful and harshly brutal the whole war on drugs has become. The war has been exhausting and toxic to a lot of people. A lot of persons suffered so much because of this war, even the innocent ones. Where does this lead us? The administration’s war on drugs has not really been successful this entire time. A lot of injustices were just left in the dark and there has been no clear update on the progress of the movement. It just seemed that the damage that this war holds has been greater rather than the good impact that it should bring. Even though there have been outcomes where the drug users and drug dealers were caught, we still cannot ignore the fact that some of them were brutally killed and some failed to undergo a legal process when it comes to their cases. 

What other interpretations can be made of the movie, ad, or song? 

It is important to take into account every possible meaning and interpretation that the song has. “Norem” doesn’t just tackle the idea of what punishments await the drug dealers and drug users or the impact that the war on drugs has to the society. The song shows a lot more than just simply stating the fate and the expected endgame of these people. It also allows the listeners to put themselves into the positions of these persons. Each of them has their own reasons on why they do the things that they always knew would lead into danger.

The song allows us to identify the different factors that might have led the drug users and dealers to be involved in this kind of situation. It was mentioned in the song, “Pamilyang umaasang matulungan sila. Buo kong nilunok ang kaba kahit maputol ang paghinga.” From that line, we already realized that the welfare of the drug dealer’s family as well as the poverty that they’re facing has been a really great factor for the dealer to dive into that kind of business. However, we should also not neglect the idea that in the song, it can be interpreted that these people do not just ignore the possible consequences that they will be facing. They’ve been aware of it all this time. But because of strong reasons, they weren’t able to break away from the chains that has been holding them ever since. These can be seen from the lines, “Kailangang masigurado ko ang kinabukasan ng aking pamilya bago humandusay.., and ..kaso sa huli rehas at libingan lamang ang pwede kong pagpilian.” Since the song involves different point-of-views, a lot of sides and angles can be taken from the message. For that reason, several interpretations can be made and concluded as well. 

How important is it to give space to these other interpretations?

Looking at a picture in different perspectives and angles is necessary when it comes to fully understanding an ambiguous topic or concept. Giving space to other interpretations and not just a single one allows us to view things in a way without bias and immediate assumptions. Such act is also a manifestation of having an open mind when it comes to analyzing a representation. We look at the details closely and carefully, however, we take a little step back to view the whole situation in a wider perspective—a perspective that does not limit itself to barriers and certain beliefs. We approach the different signs and codes that are presented to us in a way that we become accepting of them even if they seem contradicting to our personal ideas.

Having an open mind when it comes to representations as well as interpretations does not just apply to analyzing certain topics, movies, or songs. Being able to give space to different perceptions and looking at things in a wider perspective has an impact to our daily lives and to the society as well. Having this kind of mindset allows us to be more accepting of other possibilities that has risen or may rise in life. A person who breaks down and cries, especially in unexpected times, can be seen as an overacting person by a few. He/she can possess a too dramatic type of representation to those persons. However, if we open our minds for other possibilities and interpretations, we can also say that the person may not be an overacting one, but is really struggling with his/her own battles in life. The person may not have done the break down in purpose, but rather it was a reaction to the pain that he/she has at that moment.

If people in the 21^st century continue to depict women in the same way from decades ago, they might still be locked in a certain representation that society had created for them at that time. There was a clear representation of women that consists of them hiding most of their skin, staying at home and not working to do some household chores, being subservient to men most of the time because of the society being patriarchal, and a whole lot more. Imagine if the people had not become more open to other interpretations that a situation has, what can happen at this very moment? What might be the effects if the society will always choose to stand in the same spot or stay in the same corner, even if in reality, there are still a lot of considerations to look after? We will not be able to progress and move towards the development that we aspire. Even at this moment, there are still members of the society that fail to recognize certain interpretations that should be taken into account. There are still certain people that are close-minded when it comes to government, human rights, discrimination, and etc. Thus, chaos occurs and divide takes place among us. But at the end of the day, hoping for the positive outcomes and making steps to make our world a better place is not impossible for us to reach. As we progress in a life full of signs, codes, and symbols, we aspire to continue a mindset of being more open and accepting to the messages that these ideas hold. 

References:

“NOREM (Official Music Video with Lyrics) - Gloc-9 ft. J.Kris, Abaddon, Shanti

Dope”. 2018. Youtube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=BwZY38gRHP0