Presentation 10/06/14 Soc Pop Culture

In Rana Emerson's article "Where my Girls At?": Negotiating Black Womanhood in Music Videos she documents her findings of black women in hip-hop music and about their culture and expression. She "coded" videos that she had recorded in a large number of categories including the presentation of gender roles, the sexuality of the performers, attention to motherhood, the camera angle, etc. Emerson evaluated the videos later and decided that women acted powerful and strong in many videos, even though they were displayed in a erotic way. Because "sex sells", women continued to dress and dance scantily, but they also sang with power and authority. Men who were owners and producers included themselves in many of the videos in which women were the main performers, which eluded that women could not be here if it weren't for those men. However, some women stood out as directors and creative minds in many videos as well. They showed the emergence of black women from their African American male counterparts.

In John Markert's article Sing a Song of Drug-Abuse: Four Decades of Drug Lyrics in Popular Music--- From the Sixties through the Nineties, he evaluates lyrics about drugs through the four decades discussed in the title. Markert finds lyrics that mention drugs specifically by name through two internet resources and with the help of his students. Four drugs were assessed and specifically searched for. Heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, and marijuana. The author explains that heroin is never spoken well of and cocaine isn't frequently talked about in high regard. Heroin is talked about in a way in which people are afraid of it. It's deadly and that is discussed in numerous songs. Cocaine is spoken of negatively consistently, but  more negatively when crack cocaine becomes relevant in society. Halucinagens aren't frequently spoken of, but were expressed in the "acid generation" through beats and tunes. Marijuana is frequently spoken of in a positive manner, but is losing its fan base because it has been considered a "gateway drug".

Meganne Weissenfels

presentation

Ryan Santana

          For my second article I read "Sing a Song of Drug Use-Abuse" by John Market. The article explains how drug lyrics are presented in music. Market explains that drug lyrics reflect deviant social behavior. It was not until the sixties that drug lyrics became known. People argue that these song lyrics teach inappropriate social behavior. Songs are selected because the theme related to issues by people. Market presents a table in the article that reflects certain time periods of pros and cons of certain drugs in musical lyrics. The only drug that remained constant towards being Con was Heroin from 1960s to 1990s. It seems that in certain decades certain drugs were used as a good thing in musical lyrics while others were not.

Presentation

Tabiha Arambula

Pop Culture

MW 2pm

10/8/14

               

                The first article that I read, was Get Up Stand Up by Angelica Gallardo. In this article she basically wrote about Bob Marley's life and what a great influence he was to people all over the world. He was raised by his mother in poverty. He was a Rastafarian, which were outcasts because of their dreadlocks, marijuana use, and mystic aura that surrounded them. He wrote songs based on his experiences in life in the city, and it was his way of speaking out, singing about the injustices that he experienced. His music was so powerful that at one point government officials thought he was a threat and that the people all over the world would actually stand up for themselves and fight for what they believed was right. Some people tried to kill him, and it resulted in injuries to his wife Rita, his manager and himself, but they didn't die. After that, he still went to a concert to play his music and he showed his wounds. He then went to see the suspects that tried to assassinate him, and it turned out to be a man from the CIA that was given unlimited supplies of weapons and cocaine to eliminate the person who was a threat, meaning Bob Marley. He then was ordered to leave Jamaica and not return at all for his safety, and in 1981 he died in Miami.

 

                The other article was, Charting Race: The Success of Black Performers in the Mainstream Recording Market.  In this article, Dowd and Blyler, they wanted to determine what or how the music industry influences the success of black performers. He had two hypothesis and the first one is concentration has a negative effect on the percentage of successful black performer acts. He found that decentralized production provides black performers with greater mainstream opportunities than had centralized production. They also found that racial tension increased black artists' mainstream success while having recession's actually decreased success. The other hypothesis is the expansion of decentralized production offsets the negative impact of centralization and has a positive effect on the percentage of successful Black acts. They also found that black s had less mainstream success when the music industry is concentrated and that they also enjoyed more success with a diverse market.

music suggestion by Jaspreet Kaur

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiPwCMlghhQ

Get up, Stand Up

Music Video: Unladylike Divas

Joana Pena

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNqIJ3e0OJw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk73kEfLwf0

presentation

I am Dantrell Williams. My two articles are "Charting Race" and "Unladylike Divas"

http://icati.catishack.com/uploads/DantrellWilliams/DantrellWilliams-19142943151-20141006-1412633037.590.mp3

PRESENTATION

The article, "Get Up Stand Up" details aspects of Bob Marley's life and the kind of message he created with his music. The title of the article is actually a song written by Marley and it is a good title to choose for this article because it is representative of Marley's music in a very important way. Marley saw music as more as entertainment. He recognized it as a way to raise awareness for particular issues and mobilize people into action. Governments, not only in America, but particularly so in third world countries feared the content of Marley's lyrics and censored many of his songs because uprisings in these areas could cause so much damage. Particularly in Jamaica and South Africa, where Marley had a great disdain for the oppression that took place there.

In the article, "Sing a Song of Drug Use..." the question addressed here is, "Does music influence society?" Most people may assume there is a correlation-causation effect here because young people most often listen to music, and young people are most prone to drug experimentation. The author goes through each type of drug, such as heroin, cocaine, and various hallucinogens, and gives basic information on how often each drug is used, and then goes on to talk about examples of drug use in songs and it gives specific lyrics to numerous different kinds of songs and the overall theme that the writers found was that most songs are negatively talking about drugs, even marijuana. The answer to the question is that society is not influenced by the music to do drugs, rather, its just a reflection of their experiences. Their study proved that songs do not influence society as what most would expect them to.

-Max Silva

Presentation by Elizabeth Soto

Presentation of the article Bob Bono and Tony B: The Popular Artist as Politicians by Elizabeth Soto.

The article Bob, Bono and Tony B: The Popular Artist as Politicians was written by John Street. What he explains in the beginning of the article is situations in which famous musicians and actors/actresses make an impact on society by standing up for what they believe is right.  He gives many examples in the article about situations where artistic make gestures, such as when Bono from the band U2 did, the band Weavers, and Joan Baez. The question he is leading up to in the article is why do artist do this? He points out that, "while there is a high level of involvement by artists in politics, it does not follow a uniform pattern; nor it is always costless." He also is pondered on the idea about why politicians take notice when artist ate involved. One of his findings is that "caused need representation". He discusses the opinions of Christian Lahusen, saying that he believes that social movements needs pop celebrities to confirm its cause and actions. As well as pointing out that celebrities basically lend political movements their credibility and popularity. In parts of the article he also points out that how artist show there political stance on something is the genre they choose to play as well as the lyrics they include.  Near the end of the article he points out that there is somewhat of a cross over between politicians and artist. That cross over would be that politicians try to promote those aspects of them that are popular and artist try and promote aspects of themselves that are political. When he list his concluding thoughts he states, "how they appear political is vital to understanding the authority and credibility that attach to them and therefore to the cause they are promoting or supporting".

Presentation

Article 1: Charting Race The Success of Black Performers In The Mainstream Recording Market 1940-1990

In this article TJ Dowd tries to determine what influences the success of black performers in the music industry over the period between 1940 to 1990. Dowd splits up the status of the music industry into periods of concentration, where a few large companies dominate the market, and diversity, where there is a greater amount of smaller and specialty recording companies. Dowd found that black performers had less mainstream success when the music industry is concentrated while they enjoyed more success with a diverse market. Dowd also found that historical events also influence on mainstream success. He found that racial tension increased black artists' mainstream success while recessions decreased success.

Article 2: Bob, Bono and Tony B: the popular artist as politician

In this article John Street tries to determine what makes popular artists become involved in politics. Street determined that certain genres of music such as hip hop and folk music are known for the political activism of the artists. Street gives examples of many artists who eventually became involved in politics such as john Lennon and Marvin Gaye. Street determined that artists become involved in politics because they are themselves interested in politics, or they could be trying to emulate the political views of there fan base.

Stephen Abbott

Summary's

The first article I read was called "Sing a Song of Drug Abuse" this article expanded over four decades of pop music. This article explains how after the 1960's lyrics involving drug usage became popular. The article talks about how drugs such as heroin and cocaine were talked about as being antagonist, this became more popular in the 1980's when crack cocaine was introduced. Marijuana during this time period (the periods the article discusses) was thought to be cool, innocent, pretty relaxed. Up until the 1990's marijuana had a more positive vibe connected to it. The article continues to explain that more recent music, puts a more negative look at these drugs, including marijuana. The article concludes it's self by saying, the look at drugs in the music world has gone highly over looked. 

"Sing a Song of Drug Abuse: Four Decades of Drug Lyrics in Popular Music"

By, John Market 

The second article I read was on the success of African American performers in mainstream music. This article discusses Black performers in the 1940's through 1990's. The article looks into two hypotheses as to how Black performers became on the rise. The first on is "concentration and diversity" and the second one is "history of media". Both had evidence in support. The first states that although there was/is negative factors surrounding the topic, recording industries off set those by being decentralized in music production. The historical aspect as had thoughts/facts backing it up. The historical point stated that African American performers dampened when large networks were in charge. However, their performances heightened when there was racial conflict.

"Charting race: the success of Black performers in the mainstream recording market, 1940-1990"

By, Timothy J Dowd

Thank you for reading and responding, 

 Claire Miles. Soc. Pop. Culture Mon 7 to 9:50

Presentation

Francisco Madera

                In the article "Get up, Stand up" by Angelica Gallardo gives a bit of insight into the life of Robert Nesta Marley. The article talks about how through the power of music Bob Marley was able to bring the masses together and this raised the brows of people who like the way things are and fear that a third world uprising would hurt them whether financially, or structural. Bob Marley received threats and suffered various attempts of assassination. Even through all that Bob Marley chose to continue on his peaceful path, he serves as a great example for freedom fighters because even after being shot he still went through with his concert not letting anything block his path. Even though the odds are against you if you keep your causes flame alive it will survive.  It's crazy how no one acknowledges the involvement of the CIA and other organizations in crushing civil and political uprisings. I believe if Bob Marley wouldn't have died of his cancerous wound he surely would have suffered the same fate as Martin Luther King JR under the hands of the FBI/CIA.

                 The article "Sing a song drug abuse: four decades of drug lyrics in popular music" by Markert John talks about the presence of drug lyrics in music from the sixties up until the nineties. The article explains how popular music serves almost as diary for society that is listeners tend to prefer music that closely relates to what is currently happening in their lives. LSD was introduced in the sixties and made popular by "hippies" but it was not of a big concern to society other than to the media. The article talks about how feelings toward LSD have changed as "new school" artists generally see LSD and hallucinogens as a drug for old people. Since the younger generation tends to always be against their parents or other adults it seems like it would be natural for the younger artists to speak negatively of the older generation. Marijuana has become more popular and widely used but that topic wasn't as open in music until after the 1970's with Country music.  Marijuana was seen as a gateway drug that would supposedly lead to Heroin or other hard drugs. The music depicting Marijuana is half positive and half negative: the positive side is led by older middle age artists and the negative by younger musicians. Perhaps because since the younger artists cater to a younger age group who is more at risk they decide to instill the idea that Marijuana is bad so they won't fall prey to the harder drugs and the older generation who believes they are no longer in that at risk age group can openly and freely talk about how Marijuana has positively affected their life. One thing that struck me in the article was that there is no evidence on the connection between music and drugs. The notion that music enforces and encourages drug use among the young is just assumed just like in the previous articles about music and racial rhetoric or country music and suicide. 

Presentation

Ryan Santana

http://icati.catishack.com/uploads/RyanSantana/RyanSantana-14086093758-20141007-1412713803.617.mp3

Presentation

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 Presentation 10-7-14

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Get Up, Stand Up

In the article "Get Up, Stand Up," by Angelica Gallardo, Gallardo openly speaks about the life of the musician Bob Marley. Known to many for his rhythmic music, but his life and legacy was far more than that. Bob Marley could be known as a silent protester. He adored life, he knew life was meaningful. He used his love of life to inspire others into knowing their lives meant a lot as well. Marley came from a family of poverty in Jamaica. He moved with his mother to American which was when he was introduced to the movement of Martin Luther King, that is when he saw with his own eyes how racism was alive and beating. He turned to music, to his lyrics to make a statement that could not only be heard but felt by everyone. He went back to Jamaica and converted to Rastafarian, thus began his fight towards oppression. A fight that he knew well, a fight with music; he wrote lyrics that touched everyone. Through the popular song "Get Up, Stand Up," he spoke words that touched and frightened others. That is when it was thought to be that this was the reason he became a prime target for the CIA as well as an assassination plot. Overall, the life and legacy of Bob Marley goes above and beyond the lyrics to his music. His life was a fight to freedom and that's what he showcased to everyone around him. The representation of the strength of lyrics is throughout this article, it can be found in various parts. He did more than bring people together, he gave people a chance to feel united and free.

"Unladylike Divas": Language, Gender, and Female Gangsta Rappers

In the article ""Unladylike Divas": Language, Gender, and Female Gangsta Rappers" by Jason D Haugen, he focused on gangsta rap narratives performed by women; he speaks about femininity coming into play with performances. The female rappers on the spotlight were Mia X, my personal favorite, Lil' Kim, and the Lady of Rage. The article goes on about how they have took and added a feminine touch to a male dominated genre. With staying feminine, comes rebellious behavior known as "unladylike behavior" meaning they stray away from how ladies are to act. Their music has been created by their own femininities that is considered counter hegemonic. The term "unladylike" came from rapper Mia X as she created her own female identity as an "Unladylike Diva." Mia X and Lil' Kim are alike in the sense that they use sexuality to control men. Lady of Rage is different from these two in which she views herself as a lady, not in the traditional sense but evermore a lady. Mia X and Lil' Kim have given a negative view on certain words and have turned the tables on what used to be used to degrade women, for example "hoe" and "bitch." These three have take rap and turned it to an equally respected game for men and women, taking their own views of themselves and creating a genre suited for women even when it was only considered male dominated.

presentation

Amy Ngo

In the article "'Where My Girls At?' Negotiating Black Womanhood in Music Videos", writer Rana A. Emerson explains how black women have emerged from the hip-hop scene that was dominated by the black male artists. Now these women play many roles from dancers, models, or even the performers. Although the body type variety is limited to the thin figure, Missy Elliot, who has a fuller figure is successful in her career and proves that she is independent and strong among a few other fuller female singers. The skin tone of black women in music videos is usually dark showing that African American culture is praised. Like male artists show off women in their videos, women artists do the same thing with men. Songs of black women are for both genders because it is sung by a women, but the lyrics are addressed toward males. The black female artists are not afraid to show off their sexuality and their feminism. 

presentation

Presentation:

My name is Elizabeth Martinez

            The article I choose was get up, stand up It said how Bob Marley was out to say the truth through his music about all black people because it was better to be heard by music, music he wrote.  He believe in peace and freedom. His music was powerful enough to show awareness and mobilize people into action.  His music was all about life struggle his struggles peoples struggles he was vied as a threat but his music had a message.

Bob Marleys words were I have a duty to tell the truth as I have been told it. I will keep on doing it until I am satisfied the people have the message that Rastafari is the almighty and all we black people have redemption just like anyone else. Not for money will I do anything man, but because I have something to do. Meaning that the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. Rastafari means black consciousness movement, replacing armed physical struggle with a spiritual one." He got all his ideas from martin Luther king jr when he was living in the united states and the civil rights movement was going on and racism was a big deal martin Luther king introduced him to a new struggle and that new struggle was called "nonviolent", so he went to Jamaica and converted himself to Rastafari and bring out the message of no violence but peace.

 

Marley witnessed all the slavery that was going on and the depression that the people were having, he knew that people should not suffer or hear music about it but that's how he brought the word by his music so people around could hear what the people in Jamaica were feeling and that it was not a pretty feeling because if the song sounds depressed imagine how the people having to deal with this feeling feel to actually have to live it because people want to violent against black people he just wanted peace for all.

 

In his song "Get up Stand Up" speaks of the importance to fight against the Cause of suffering. He wanted all people in poverty to fight for what was right. They should fight against the oppressive system that keeps them down. This song cause anger to the government because if gave people a sense that they should do something about it and they didn't like that, government thought it was rebellious. 

Presentation

Get Up Stand Up:

This article talked all about the power of Bob Marley's Music. It talked a lot about Bob Marley's background and how he lived in poverty, then he moved to American during the time of Martin Luther King, and realized how bad racism was. He then moved back to Jamaica where he converted from Christianity to Rastifarian. This is when he chose to fight against oppression, through music. It was then we all fund out just how powerful music could be. His song, Get Up Stand Up was so popular and listened to so much that it was believed to be he was a target of the CIA, and even was almost assisinated. Before and even now, after his death he is known for bringing people together because he voiced his concerns about power in his music and is now known as a freedom fighter. This article highlighted exactly how powerful the written word through a song could be.

Sing Song of Drug Abuse:

This article goes into the notion that lyrics teach bad behavior. There were claims made that music makes men sexist, people do drugs, and so on and so forth. It claims that songs act as a socializing agent and that music reflects a change in attitude. It also showed and gave many examples of different lyrics where drug use is praised and where drug use is attacked. It found that altogether music has been negative towards drugs an that today people have a more negative thought process towards weed and LSD than older people do (because of the Beatles revolution). 

Presentation by Jaspreet Kaur (article 2)

In the article, "Sing a song drug abuse: four decades of drug lyrics in popular music" by Markert John the author talks about songs dealing with illegal drugs have long dotted popular music. The drug lyrics became a recurring musical motif. In the article, the author talked about heroin and cocaine has been treated antagonistically. The author's songs encouraged people to search for a job and it reflected unemployment. He stated that music is kind of socializing agent and it reflects peoples beliefs and values. On the other hand, some people thought his music may teach people inappropriate behavior. Music affected change in attitude towards the drug and harmlessness of the drugs. The author stated marijuana is frequent used illegal drug and it causes harm to lungs. Cocaine was introduced in the 1980's and it became more pronounced.  Marijuana was perceived as innocuous and recently positive assessment of marijuana was undergone change because younger musicians decry the harm that drugs do. In the article author stated that the proposal aspect of contemporary music has been largely ignored.

"Presentation" by Jaspreet Kaur

In the article "Get up, Stand up", the author Angelica Gallardo talks about the life of Bob Marley. Marley was more than just a musician, and He fought for what he believed in it for his whole life. Marley was a glimmer of hope in the midst of political strife and social inequality in Jamaica. His music was powerful to mobilize people into action. Marley knew that music is more than just entertainment. Marley fought for freedom and peace in his music, but some people thought his music was nothing more than a rebel and a threat. He was exposed to two influences when he was living in trench town and one was violent uprising in streets. He stated in the article that he will rather fight for the freedom and instead of living his life like this. His music encouraged empower of suffering of the Jamaica. He voiced poor people's concern in his music that poor have right to have freedom and equality. Marley was a celebrity in his public eye, but he changed himself from an entertainer to a freedom fighter. 

popular culture

Erica Jacobsma has sent you a link to a blog:

Erica Jacobsma Presentation http://icati.catishack.com/uploads/EricaJacobsma/EricaJacobsma-19044361514-20141007-1412695995.614.mp3

Blog: popular culture
Link: http://culture-soc142.blogspot.com/

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Joana Pena

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