Individual Blog Post--GWSS 241, #1 - April 21st

Emma Hurring

I thought that the Wald reading was especially important when looking at feminism in music and hip-hop because of the idea it presented about the idea of forgetting. Speaking about forgetting as a "social practice" (Wald, 160), as a purposeful act, not just as something that happens accidentally was a really interesting concept. I thought about the people that history generally chooses to remember (white men) and who it frequently leaves out (people of color, women, other minorities). Thinking about how biography is such a powerful tool to prevent forgetting, further emphasizing the importance of the "Rock the Archive". 

Thinking about the idea of forgetting was also interesting when exploring Thrusday's readings. I thought the ability to personalize the altar depending on the loved ones that you have lost was really interesting - for example, the meals on the altar were were often "favorites of the deceased" (How Day of the Dead is celebrated). I learnt about this from the 'How Day of the Dead is celebrated' article and thought this was a fantastic way to engage with loved ones who had passed. On the Day of the Dead I was also really interested to learn the detail of the massive amount of symbolism that happened surrounding the Day of the Dead. I was further interested about the strong "Catholic beliefs" (How Day of the Dead is celebrated) or influence on the altar, which influenced the three tier structure of the altar. 

Music DJ selections:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=71&v=BgJucbhPNkM&feature=emb_title

This song is by Sparkle Moore. She was a famous rockabilly artist in the 1950s. I think it is really interesting that she was partly considered a "female Elvis" and pioneer in her musical field, yet she has been largely lost in the history books.  

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd60nI4sa9A

This is one of the songs that I chose as it was sung by Robert Johnson. His life was largely undocumented (and his death) which resulted in much of his work being un-recognized, highlighting the importance of documenting work.