The value of individualism and the ability to “pull oneself up by the bootstraps” has always been deeply entrenched in American culture. Country music is often seen as the genre that exemplifies these themes and has become the anthem of white America. Derogatory stereotypes about immigrants and other minorities being “lazy” allow individuals to justify their white privilege by believing that low socioeconomic status is the result of lacking work ethic, completely disregarding the structural injustices which create these disparities. Ludwig Hurtado explains that country music is actually built upon the themes and sounds of Latina immigrants. Country music’s roots run deep in that “the boots, the hats, rodeo, and, yes, the music- come from Mexico and Mexican culture” (Hurtado, 2019). Going even further, themes of hard work and dedication also came from Mexican culture. Most Mexican-American Country music fans found the music “to be relatable to their own cultural values, like loyalty to one’s family and a diligent work ethic” as well as “that ethos usually entail[ing] working hard, without necessarily ever getting rich” (Hurtado, 2019). This completely rewrites the story of country music as well as the origins of the values, like hard work, that our country values so deeply. Understanding this narrative completely delegitimatizes stereotypes that were discussed earlier.
Rozz Therrien and Leah Michaels touched on the importance of publicizing histories that have been lost throughout the years. When the work done by the Home Alive project was made publicly available via a website and documentary, the project gained national and international attention (Dawes, 2013). These stories reiterate the importance of reframing the narrative, whether it be a music genre or a campaign against sexual assault, the way we interpret history changes so much of our current understanding and hopefully our future actions.
Ludwig Hurtado, “Country Music is also Mexican Music,” (Links to an external site.) The Nation, Jan 3, 2019
Dawes, Laina, Finally, Filmmakers Tell the Forgotten History of Seattle DIY Self-Defense Group Home Alive (Links to an external site.), Bitch Magazine, Dec 3, 2013
I wanted to include music from the band Chicano Batman. They just recently released an album Invisible People which is “a statement of hope, a proclamation that we are all invisible people. And that despite race, class, or gender we can overcome our differences and stand together.” The artists all have roots from Central, South, and North America and speak directly to many of the themes discussed above. These two songs were my favorite from Invisible People.
Color my life:
Invisible People:
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