0,7
Ska-P
The Call for Compassion: Understanding Ska-P's '0,7'
Ska-P's song '0,7' is a powerful critique of societal apathy towards global inequality and poverty. The title '0,7' refers to the 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) that developed countries are urged to allocate to foreign aid, a target set by the United Nations. The lyrics juxtapose the comfortable lives of people in affluent societies with the dire conditions faced by those in impoverished regions, particularly in Africa. The song opens with a stark contrast between the singer's cozy home and shiny car and the starvation and illness plaguing children in Africa, highlighting the disparity in living conditions.
The chorus, with its repetitive call to '¡Síguelo!, ¡consíguelo! El 0,7,' serves as a rallying cry for listeners to demand their governments meet the 0.7% aid target. This repetition emphasizes the urgency and importance of the issue, urging individuals to take action and not remain passive. The song criticizes the lack of compassion and the indifference of people who are more concerned with their own comfort and luxury than with the suffering of others. It challenges listeners to reflect on their own contributions to global inequality and to consider what they can do to make a difference.
In the final verse, the song underscores that charity alone is not enough to address the systemic issues causing global poverty. It calls out the failure of governments to meet the 0.7% target and the general apathy towards this failure. The lyrics 'Que no se puede permitir tanta desigualdad' ('Such inequality cannot be allowed') and 'mueren como ratas' ('they die like rats') are particularly poignant, driving home the message that the current state of global inequality is unacceptable and that more must be done to address it. Ska-P's punk rock style, known for its political and social commentary, is evident in this song, making '0,7' a compelling call to action for social justice and global solidarity.