Whether due to the lack of technology or a natural effect over time, there are certain aspects of history that are forgotten, aspects that are so important that things we take for granted today would not be the same without them. I believe that through “Country Music Is Also Mexican Music” by Ludwig Hurtado and “Finally, Filmmakers Tell the Forgotten History of Seattle DIY Self-Defense Group Home Alive” by Laina Dawes connect with one another in an unseen way.
Both of these Authors are drawing the reader’s attention to a particular issue that is usually covered up by mainstream society. Ludwig Hurtado really focuses on these facts, explaining the confusion of how Country Music can be so “white” but originated from Latino music origins. She expresses this by stating “in the 1920’s, early forms of country music were born out of honky ton, which was adapted mostly from ragtime but also heavily influence by Mexican ranchera music” (Hurtado 3). The irony here is that not only is Country music not recognized for Hispanic origins, but the genre as a whole has almost turned the complete opposite way and allowed an open avenue for racism and anti-immigration mindsets. Seen now at country music festivals like Watershed held at the Gorge in Washington, some fans exemplify a white mentality through their apparel and the use of countless confederate flags. It has gotten so “white”, that the government decided to send Border Patrol recruiters to country music festivals that “Set up a booth and handed out job applications” (Hurtado 2) in order to hire new potential recruits. In general, country music is known to be as “American” as music can get, but ironically enough without Latino music, the genre of country would seize to exist.
Similarly, I believe an important archive in music that has been lost was told by Laina Dawes and her interview with UW students Rozz Therrien and Leah Michaels. As these two ambitious women were inspired by the Home Alive campaign and the story of Mia Zapata, they were determined to bring back this program into the mainstream and inform people of the importance that this could have on our society today. They both wanted to learn more about the movement, in addition to discover things about Zapata that were not even public knowledge, Therrien stated that “There was no sense on how the community responded outside of her friends and how it felt during that time” (Dawes). A tragedy from such an influential music artist in the Seattle Area had her story covered up by time and technology, the Home Alive campaign was not only important for Zapata’s close friends, but for women (and men) all around the country. Therrien and Michaels decided to create an Indie Film in order to spread awareness and inform the public, fundraised “about $10,000… We have completed this film on a shoestring budget… our main thing is we want as many people to see this film as possible” (Dawes).
Toby Keith – Courtesy of The Red, White and Blue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruNrdmjcNTc
The Gits – Second skin (Live)
I chose the first song by Toby Keith as an example to build upon the points that Ludwig Hurtado was bringing up in her article. It is one that I can relate to personally, as I grew up listening to Toby Keith and this song, but after reading Hurtado’s message and the history of Country music, I heard the lyrics of this song in an entirely new way. While I’m not saying that the song is bad because it is patriotic in any way, I do find it ironic given the new knowledge I know have of the origin connection with Latino Music. The second song I chose was not one that I had previously listened too, but I found it on Youtube and figured it was the right song to pick in honor of Mia Zapata and her amazing music. Shown in the video, you can clearly see that she was doing what she enjoyed, and all her fans were totally into the show. I think the energy shown on stage and in the crowd perfectly showcases her personality, and the self confidence that Home Alive was teaching people.
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