HUMN 341 Assignment 1-3 Journal Article Analysis Posting (Hip-Hop and Pop Culture)

The article about the young black writer S. Craig Watkins written by Jo Ann Morgan-Coastal Carolina University was insightful and very moving. The article broke down key events and points from S. Craig Watkins’s Hip Hop Matters book. According to Morgan (2006), S. Craig Watkins wrote “despite the huge success that rap music had in the first six month of 1998, plenty more will be said during that second half of 1998.” This was a clear indication that rap music was headed upward at a fast pace. According to Morgan (2006), “Watkins’s book exposes the new look of the American pop culture, as well as the economic and political factors that help boost a diverse amount of graffiti, break dancing, and fashion (i.e., Sean John clothing, Roca Wear clothing, Ecko, and etc..). Morgan (2006) goes on to mention that Watkins’s seemed to be infatuated with the Disc Jockeys (Dj’s), Master of Ceremonies (MC’s AKA Rapper), and the producers of rap music. Morgan (2006) also elaborates on how Watkins provocatively analyzes controversial rappers Chuck D. of the Public Enemy and Ice Cube from the well known “cop hatters” group called Niggaz With Attitudes (N.W.A.). Now hip-hop during this era was essential for young African Americans who looked for refuge in music.

More and more Rap artists began to opt for the mainstream style of rap because of the political ramifications associated with the music industry. Hip-Hop music as a whole has now started to head in the direction of becoming more mainstream. Rebellious tones and tactics being used in hip-hop seemed to be on the brink of extinction. Not so fast. Although major changes in rap music was on the rise, the negative messages towards the US government and Police Departments all over America for “treating minorities dirty” were steadily being produced by major record companies all over the United States. The treasonous language expressed in many of the rap records in the late 80’s and early 90’s still continued to have an impact on society long after this type of music seemed to not to be desired. According to Morgan (2006), Watkins’s explains, “hip-hop’s influence on America expanded tremendously during this generation due to the exploitation of “gangsta rap.” Music companies realized that “gangsta rap” was a big seller, so they did everything in their power to keep it on the forefront all throughout the 90’s. Now this was great for the local vendors as focusing on becoming more mainstream was now the new thing, especially when hip-hop’s music artists and record companies noticed a steady incline in sales. Again, this was an example of a new era in American culture.

This article also focused on the popularity of hip-hop, and how deeply rooted it can get. According to Morgan (2006), the battle for the heart of hip hop is surely an amazing message between the young, black, poor, old, rich, and white Americans. It’s evident that hip-hop music has placed its stamp on America. Years and years of “minority rappers” have expressed their differences with the American politics. The American dream is still something farfetched for many monitories, yet they maintain positivity through hip-hop lyrics.


References:

Morgan J. (2006). The Journal of American Culture. Hip Hop Matters: Politics, Pop Culture, and the Struggle for the Soul of a Movement. Volume 29, Number 3. Pp 378-379. Retrieved on June 15, 2009, from http://journals.ohiolink.edu/ejc/pdf.cgi/Morgan_Jo-Ann.pdf?issn=15427331&issue=v29i0003&article=378_hhmppcambscw

HUMN 341 (Weekly Analysis 5)

Pop culture and the excitement of college sports rivalries

College sports have taken a new wave in the 21st century. According to Jones (2005), a lot of rivalries are derived from familiarity. This familiarity leads to “Border Wars” due to the fact that most rivalry schools are in the same state or they at least border one another. Additionally, these kind of rivalries are really big because of the recruiting ramifications. Rivalry schools like to showcase their best talent when playing one another, and the “crazy fans” get bragging rights over the millions of people in the stands and watching via TV. This kind of competition helps boost recruiting efforts along with giving hungry fans a huge thrust of adrenalin. These rivalries also help boost beer, jersey and school merchandise sales.

Now according to passionatesportsfans.com, “college sports fans are one of a kind when it comes to their favorite team.” Most college sports fans are extremely loyal, far exceeding the average professional team fan’s passion for sports. With that said, rivalries are generally when college sports fans take it to another level. College basketball games between the Duke University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and college football games between Ohio State and Michigan is something to watch, especially if you’re a fan of either team. During these rivalry games numerous fans are covered from their heads to their waists with paint representing his or her team. Major sports vendors and national TV organizations fight for a chance just to air such games. According to passionatesportsfans.com, you should be startled to see 90,000 LSU fans in Death Valley each game during football season. In addition to the 90,000 people in the stands, around 20,000 fans will be outside the stadium tailgating. As you can see, in today’s society the passion for college sports is incredible.

References:
College Sports Fans (2009). Retrieved on June 16, 2009 from http://www.passionatesportsfans.com/2009/03/31/college-sports-fans.html
Jones, Bomani (2005, September 1). ESPN. Why are rivalries so intense? Retrieved on June 16, 2009 from http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=jones/050902

WEEKLY WRITTEN ANALYSIS 3

So you think you can dance

So You Think You Can Dance is a reality type series that was launched back in July of 2005. The show is quite similar to the reality series America’s Best Dance Crew and American Idol. So You Think You Can Dance has been a major hit since it first hit the scene in mid July 2005. Dance auditions are performed all over the United States. Individuals and groups from all walks of life are chosen to show their stuff for audiences all around the world. This British influenced show has became so popular around the world, countries such as Turkey, Germany, that Greece, Poland, Israel, and Malaysia are all looking to create their own spinoff of this wonderful showcase of talented dancers. According to Zulkey, C. (2009), there were plenty of bright spots in the L.A. and Seattle episodes. Stage performances were remarkable and talent showed throughout both the L.A. and Seattle auditions.

Again, this show has become such a big hit; it’s now giving American Idol a run for its money. With the talent, ages ranging from 18-49, the show is bound to get a large diverse audience who are seeking to see amazing acts from performers. As you can see, the show believes in age diversity which is why I believe it’ll continue to big a huge success. In my opinion, this is a great show because it gives the world a look at all of the great talent that America possesses.

References:Zulkey, C. (2009). Los Angeles Times. Entertainment. Show Tracker: So You Think You Can Dance. Retrieved on June 1, 2009 from http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/05/so-you-think-you-can-dance-la-and-seattle-auditions-that-go-on-and-on.html

HUMN 341 WEEK 4 Analysis

Adam Lambert of American Idol confirms all Gay Allegations

America seems to be so infatuated with stories that may eventually ruin a person’s career. According to Everett (2009), Adam Lambert of ‘American Idol’ 2009 season star admitted to the entire world that he’s gay. Adam said, “I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay.” Adam goes on to say, “I’m proud of my sexuality, I embrace it, it’s just another part of me.” These comments were published in the most recent issue of the Rolling Stone Magazine, which hit the newsstands this past Friday with Adam Lambert gracing its new flashy cover.

Lambert was the runner up winner of the 2009 season of ‘American Idol’. Many folks around the world thought that he was a clear shot to win it all. Adam Lambert, age 27 took America, as well as the whole word by surprise when he first opened up his mouth and released such a magnificent tone/melody of words. Recognized by many as a fine gentleman, Adam seems to have a long career that awaits him, despite his recent public announcement of his sexuality. By making comments like “I’m trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader”, Lambert also seems to know that his sexuality may present some challenges in the future. According to Everett (2009), although he recently publicly announced his sexual preference, the ‘American Idol’ star will like to keep other parts of his life quite private.

With that said, Americans are probably the most tolerant group when it comes to the gay community, yet we as people thrive off of the negative attention derived from the media as it relates to that very same gay community. For Lambert’s sake, he must stay true to his words by focusing on his music and only his music. He must not get too involved in “he says, she says” Hollywood media turmoil. He’s a great singer, and he must not let his sexual preference destroy his future as a great artist.

References:

Everett, C., 2009 (June 9). DAILY NEWS. ‘American Idol’ singer Adam Lambert in Rolling Stone: I’m gay. Retrieved on June 13, 2009 from http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/americanidol/2009/06/09/2009-06-09_american_idol_singer_adam_lambert_in_rolling_stone_is_anyone_surprised_im_gay.html