American Skin (41 Shots)

"American Skin (41 Shots)" is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen, released in 2000. The song directly addresses the 1999 police shooting of Amadou Diallo, an unarmed Guinean immigrant, by four New York City Police Department officers.

The song recounts the incident, focusing on the perspective of a parent warning their child about the dangers of being a Black man in America and the potential for interactions with law enforcement. The lyrics describe the fear and vulnerability experienced by the victim and the confusion and possible misjudgment of the police officers. The title refers to the 41 bullets fired by the officers.

"American Skin (41 Shots)" sparked significant controversy upon its release and performance. Some, particularly police officers and their supporters, criticized the song as being biased against law enforcement and unfairly blaming them for the tragedy. They argued that it lacked nuance and portrayed the police as inherently racist.

Supporters of the song defended it as a commentary on racial profiling and police brutality. They argued that it highlighted the systemic issues that contribute to such incidents and served as a call for reflection and change. They praised Springsteen for using his platform to address difficult and important social issues.

The controversy surrounding the song led to protests and boycotts of Springsteen's concerts. Despite the criticism, "American Skin (41 Shots)" remains a significant and controversial work in Springsteen's catalog, and a powerful statement on race, police violence, and the American experience.