Arjun Sen
6/18/20
GWSS 241 Post #4
One of the most noteworthy aspects of this week's readings was Martha Gonzalez's article, where she describes her musical transformation from imitation to original. As she discovered her own unique music style, she was able to find her voice and develop it. Though it is unfortunate that he spent so many years simply imitating others, the passion she displayed in her original music far outshines those years. Her transition from absorbing all the music and dance around her throughout her early and teenage years to the confident expression of music with Quetzal is inspiring.
Her tenet "songwriting is storytelling" is one that has been long held in cultures throughout the world for centuries, and can be used to embody traditions, life-histories, and struggles faced by an individual, a community, or a race. One of the first examples of this that comes to mind in modern music is in Detroit rapper Eminem's early work; he describes the struggles he faced growing up with an abusive, alcoholic mother and an absentee father. By relating the hardships he faced in his early years through his music, Eminem achieved widespread fame and success, and is currently one of the best-selling artists of all time.
DJ Selections:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJO5HU_7_1w
My first selection is Eminem's 'The Real Slim Shady': I feel this song combines both of my takeaways from the readings: originality and storytelling in music. The song is a classic example of Eminem's early music, incorporating his comically violent style along with his struggles of being white in a predominantly black industry and with people attempting to copy his sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pr061VLRfs
My second choice is Drake's 'Glow'. The song powerfully describes coming into your own and finding yourself, and is a strong example of finding and developing yourself from humble backgrounds. I chose this song as to me, it speaks as to how powerful you can become when you truly find and understand yourself
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
gwss blog 4
Mia Gasero
This week's reading reminded me a lot about how culture impacts music through storytelling. The role of an “artivista” and how these emerging Latinox artists have chosen another route to express their activism by showcasing their healing mechanisms through music. Also to keep “their ancestors strong through difficult times…”(265) as said in American Sabor by Berros-Miranda, Dudley and Habell-Pallan.These Latinx artists differ from those who have become widely known from mainstream media that has cared more about “spectacle over participation.” Artivistas are centered around the idea of giving back to their community. The idea of an “artivistas” relates back to songwriting being storytelling in Imaginaries by Gonzalez. Music is essentially history and a lot can be remembered in a song whether it is discussing the past, present or future, it still allows the listener to grasp on to what time period were in and how that reflects the current state of a community such as whether they are rising or healing. Gonzalez writes, “When we become critical of the discourses that teach an outlook of community assessment through a lens of deficit and instead look to our communities from an asset-based perspective, we stand to create something more sustainable.” (13) Essentially meaning that by using what they have already and discussing with others, they are still able to decolonize the space they are in through imagining. Their music represents the fight for social justice first and foremost while visualizing the life of Latinx. These two articles emphasize the importance of creative, cultural expression through music that is not overshadowed by mainstream media.
I choose “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday as it represents an idea highly seen today within the BLM movement and the protest song will never be forgotten.
I choose “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cookie as it also represents cultural storytelling about the civil rights movement and represents the BLM today.
GWSS #4
Katherine Blakeslee
This week's readings taught me how community and art are always intertwined, and how art is such an important part of creating a culture within communities. Artists who stay connected to their roots are especially celebrated because they use their platform and influence to keep their culture and community alive. The Quetzal reading discusses how "songwriting is storytelling", which is the oldest human tradition. Elders telling stories is an oral tradition that can be seen in almost every community and culture, and in our present day songwriting is one of the most popular ways to do this. This is why people appreciate when songs relate to the artist’s background and culture, as a way to perform this tradition and reach out to a larger audience. In addition to storytelling, songs can also be used to further activist movements that are related to certain communities. Beyonce is one of the main examples we have explored of how such a well known and influential artist is able to use their platform to bring attention to issues that are affecting people from their community. Throughout history there are so many instances of privileged white artists taking elements and style from Black artists, without giving them the proper credit or recognition. Fortunately, there has been some progress with this issue as Black artists like Beyonce are recognized for how they changed the music industry and culture, while she still gives homage to her Black Southern roots, but there is of course still a lot of work to be done.
DJ Selections:
It Was A Good Day - Ice Cube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q
I chose this song because it is done in a storytelling style, and Ice Cube is rapping about daily life in his community.
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott Heron
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnJFhuOWgXg
I chose this song because it is an example of how songs are used in activism efforts, especially when mainstream media doesn't want to bring these issues to light.
This week's readings taught me how community and art are always intertwined, and how art is such an important part of creating a culture within communities. Artists who stay connected to their roots are especially celebrated because they use their platform and influence to keep their culture and community alive. The Quetzal reading discusses how "songwriting is storytelling", which is the oldest human tradition. Elders telling stories is an oral tradition that can be seen in almost every community and culture, and in our present day songwriting is one of the most popular ways to do this. This is why people appreciate when songs relate to the artist’s background and culture, as a way to perform this tradition and reach out to a larger audience. In addition to storytelling, songs can also be used to further activist movements that are related to certain communities. Beyonce is one of the main examples we have explored of how such a well known and influential artist is able to use their platform to bring attention to issues that are affecting people from their community. Throughout history there are so many instances of privileged white artists taking elements and style from Black artists, without giving them the proper credit or recognition. Fortunately, there has been some progress with this issue as Black artists like Beyonce are recognized for how they changed the music industry and culture, while she still gives homage to her Black Southern roots, but there is of course still a lot of work to be done.
DJ Selections:
It Was A Good Day - Ice Cube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q
I chose this song because it is done in a storytelling style, and Ice Cube is rapping about daily life in his community.
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott Heron
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnJFhuOWgXg
I chose this song because it is an example of how songs are used in activism efforts, especially when mainstream media doesn't want to bring these issues to light.
Monday, June 15, 2020
GWSS #4
Name: Chenyu L.
Songs:
This Is Me - The Greatest Showman
It is so easy to feel small when you are part of a marginalized community. In P. T. Barnum's circuses, everything is precious and all talents are welcomed. But what if you are scared to step out of the huge tent, to confidently show the world how beautiful you are? You cannot change who you are, or what you are, but you can change how you feel about yourself and your place in the world.
Sabor A Mí - Luis Miguel
This is the very first Latin pop that I heard in my childhood. To me, this is the mark that can trigger all of my memories and emotions on Latino Music. It has the healing power in the guitar and language, that connects the audience to the singer and to each other. Music does great things to humans that worths great appreciation and care.
Work Cited:
“Commercial Stars and Artivistas” in American Sabor: Latinos and Latinas in US Popular Music.
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/country-mexico-ice-nationalism/
The marketing of hip-hop as an African American genre shows how ethnic and national labels can limit our understanding of music.We almost always automatically connect African American groups with hip-hop genre, even though nowadays hip-hop is known and performed by artists all around the world, way beyond that oriented labeling. It is a double-blade sword. The origin of hip-hop is not-to-be-forgotten, unlike the Mexican root of Country Music: people "take for granted that country music... is white." But at the same time, it is forever a strong symbol, which can further become a limit to the understanding of the music, when music itself should be for all people to enjoy and communicate with. Sometimes, being labeled is the same as being marginalized. The opposite of mainstream comes straight as abnormal or extraordinary. In class, we have seen many artists suffering the losses by being marginalized by the society. It strikes a chord deep within me, and hopefully, it does the same to others.
Songs:
This Is Me - The Greatest Showman
It is so easy to feel small when you are part of a marginalized community. In P. T. Barnum's circuses, everything is precious and all talents are welcomed. But what if you are scared to step out of the huge tent, to confidently show the world how beautiful you are? You cannot change who you are, or what you are, but you can change how you feel about yourself and your place in the world.
Sabor A Mí - Luis Miguel
This is the very first Latin pop that I heard in my childhood. To me, this is the mark that can trigger all of my memories and emotions on Latino Music. It has the healing power in the guitar and language, that connects the audience to the singer and to each other. Music does great things to humans that worths great appreciation and care.
Work Cited:
“Commercial Stars and Artivistas” in American Sabor: Latinos and Latinas in US Popular Music.
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/country-mexico-ice-nationalism/
GWSS Blog Post #4
Candace Chang
I felt that an important part of this week’s readings was the importance of the way styles are created. In American Sabor, the author discusses the way many genres are built through the contributions of a variety of communities and people. For instance, they note, “The marketing of hip-hop as an African American genre shows how ethnic and national labels can limit our understanding of music and it should remind us that other genres of American music - from country to jazz to rock and roll - have also been shaped through sharing between diverse communities” (231). They further talk about how such styles and scenes are created in response to... “problems of racism and prejudice facing marginalized communities” (251). I think this is significant because we often think of genre too simply. Yet the experiences and stories that go into these musical streams are so important. This could also be seen in Martha Gonzalez’s “Imaginaries.” In detailing her own musical career she emphasizes the importance of having experience in multiple styles, “I use my overall experience as a musician familiar with the genres of Africa and its diaspora to compose zapateado patterns. Intuitively, but not deliberately, I rely on my percussive training with the congas, bata, chekere (shaker), and the music and dance of Cuba and Ghana” (369). Similarly, she also emphasizes the struggles she faced as a Chicana as an important part of developing her sound. Style is complex and tied to multiple experiences, often from different communities. But the beauty comes from the similarities they find with one another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Nd5WMWHEQ
The first song I want to recommend is chachacha by Girl Ultra. Girl Ultra sings in her native Spanish- connecting to the theme of identity shaping style. However, she also blends her music with inspiration from early 90s contemporary soul and r&b. Here we see, multiple streams influencing the style of the music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9-FPSPFuMA&list=PLErWMVNXg8qhg6ZofAuE2cK84d3SqutzT
The second song I want to recommend is Gospel For a New Century by Yves Tumor. In this song, Yves defies expressing a single genre. When I play this song for others they don't expect the singer behind it to be a black man. This relates back to the idea that genre is not always connected to one identity, and multiple experiences shape the sound of all music.
I felt that an important part of this week’s readings was the importance of the way styles are created. In American Sabor, the author discusses the way many genres are built through the contributions of a variety of communities and people. For instance, they note, “The marketing of hip-hop as an African American genre shows how ethnic and national labels can limit our understanding of music and it should remind us that other genres of American music - from country to jazz to rock and roll - have also been shaped through sharing between diverse communities” (231). They further talk about how such styles and scenes are created in response to... “problems of racism and prejudice facing marginalized communities” (251). I think this is significant because we often think of genre too simply. Yet the experiences and stories that go into these musical streams are so important. This could also be seen in Martha Gonzalez’s “Imaginaries.” In detailing her own musical career she emphasizes the importance of having experience in multiple styles, “I use my overall experience as a musician familiar with the genres of Africa and its diaspora to compose zapateado patterns. Intuitively, but not deliberately, I rely on my percussive training with the congas, bata, chekere (shaker), and the music and dance of Cuba and Ghana” (369). Similarly, she also emphasizes the struggles she faced as a Chicana as an important part of developing her sound. Style is complex and tied to multiple experiences, often from different communities. But the beauty comes from the similarities they find with one another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Nd5WMWHEQ
The first song I want to recommend is chachacha by Girl Ultra. Girl Ultra sings in her native Spanish- connecting to the theme of identity shaping style. However, she also blends her music with inspiration from early 90s contemporary soul and r&b. Here we see, multiple streams influencing the style of the music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9-FPSPFuMA&list=PLErWMVNXg8qhg6ZofAuE2cK84d3SqutzT
The second song I want to recommend is Gospel For a New Century by Yves Tumor. In this song, Yves defies expressing a single genre. When I play this song for others they don't expect the singer behind it to be a black man. This relates back to the idea that genre is not always connected to one identity, and multiple experiences shape the sound of all music.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
GWSS 241 Blog Post #4
Leslie Munoz Ruiz
GWSS 241 Blog Post #4
GWSS 241 Blog Post #4
"Imaginaries" by Quetzal
"Commercial Stars and Artivistas" in American Sabor: Latinos and Latinas in US Popular Music." By Marisol Berros-Miranda, Shannon Dudley, Michelle Habell-Pallan
The connections that I made between the two readings is that community is vital to art and music." In the Commercial Stars and Artvisitas" reading, it talks about how many Latinx artists were discovered. It also discusses the importance of keeping in contact with the community and being aware of the issues. Furthermore, in the Quetzal reading, the song "Imaginaries" explains how music should reflect the rich history and culture of the Latinx community. The text describes how decolonizing music is a string method to enriching the history of Chicana/o music.
Both of the readings critique how famous Latinx singers have furthered themselves from their culture and history. They advocate for artists to use their influence and help their community.
DJ selections:
"Freedom is Free" by Chicano Batman
"Becky from the Block" by Becky G
The two songs that I chose were "freedom is free" by Chicano Batman and "Becky from the Block" by Becky G. I picked the first song because it explains the resistance that they feel and how they will not conform to American societal norms. The band repeats that "Freedom is Free," and no one can control their thoughts and morals. Furthermore, the song explains that we should not treat life as a game of success, but rather to manage life with kindness and respect.
The second song that I chose was "Becky from the Block" by Becky G. It is a cover from "Jenny from the Block" by Jennifer Lopez. Becky G pays respect to her upbringing and her culture through this song. Even though she moved away from the community, she acknowledges her success was because of the help that she received.
GWSS Blog Post #4
Accessibility and maintaining a connection to our roots and history are especially important during this time
and age. When recognizing our intersectionalities and heritage we see how we
have developed as an individual in society. In the music industry, it often is
very difficult to realize how much culture has an influence on multiple types
of genres. Within "Commercial Stars and Artivistas" of American
Sabor: Latinos and Latinas in US Popular Music”, they constantly express the importance
of the participation in various genres. Success in the music industry is often very
difficult to obtain. Celebrities like Jenifer Lopez or even Shakira have had a
rise to fame. However, as expressed by the chapter fame comes with various
costs. These Latin artists have a very large fan base, however, “They rarely
play in their fan’s home communities, nor do they spend time with their fans
off stage. They are faces of the corporate culture that values spectacle over participation.”
(Marisol Berros-Miranda) That being said it is very important to understand the
deep meaning behind the music industry. There are those that are activists
within their art and go against the norm of the music industry. These are
expressed as “artivistas”. Finding ways to support local artists that are
bringing culture to life and are continually using music as a method of recognition.
Additionally, there is a lack of accessibility for those that want to share
their art with the world. Often marginalized communities are never given the
credit they deserve, and nor do they have the resources or privilege that many
other individuals have. Especially in this time, we need to change this so that
culture is shared rather than stolen for others' gain. It is about learning from
each other’s histories and growing from them.
Two songs: "Redemption Song" Bob Marley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KkWamnD3sE
"The Power of Equality" Red Hot Chili Peppers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT6UCvR7kgU
GWSS Blog Post #4
Maricruz Maldonado
Popular music most of the time has little to no activism involved in it. Some songs look like they could have had potential to change society such as "God is a Woman" by Ariana Grande. There is of course artist that have had expressed their opinions and advocate for change. The issue is that there is not enough of them. The fact that Beyonce made her album Lemonade and started to give a voice to the Black community and especially Black woman is powerful. The public had opinions and some were not happy that her songs were not meant for them. This comes from a White privilege that has been mentioned in past discussions. There has been history were White artist like Elvis Presley stole from Black artist like Big Mama Thornton. Talented Black Women like her have been ripped off and left to be forgotten because racist people only like White artists. They will not be forgotten because of classes like this one that are in a way like an altar. This is because they educate us to not forget how popular music was created by people of color. In Quetzal Imaginaries Quetzal Flores' "was raised with a family of social activist he saw music as a means to work for social justice as well as a form of creative expression"(8). In other words, he is using his music to raise social justice which is something Artist today should be doing. What they fail to reinforce is that music holds so much power. In American Sabor it talks about how "Quetzal and other Chicano rock bands at the turn of the century expands on the earlier musical fusions of Los Lobos and foregrounds the ideals of community building, border crossing, and social justice"(31). It goes on further to say "Quetzal, Ozomatli, and other bands have opened up a space for the next generation of Chicano music that responds to the social experiences of Mexican Americans"(31). These bands were able through their music to tell a story and pave pathway for future artist to talk about social justice.
Some artist that I recommend listening to that have activism in their songs are Calibre 50- El inmigrante https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9zLchnWQcs and Logic- One Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIZhyifo6Q4 Calibre 50's song El Inmigrante is in Spanish but essentially what this song does is call out society for saying they hate Donald Trump yet they made him president. Through the story of an immigrant he spreads the message that we are not criminals but hard workers who all we ask for is equality, respect, and tolerance. This is the type of music our society needs because it tells a story and advocates for social justice. In Logic's song One Day the video is what makes his song part of activism because we know how immigrant children have been locked in cages when they are separated by ICE. Little do we know is that then they are trafficked and sold to other families. Logic is trying to expose ICE by using his platform and the way he does it is in a smart way. Some people don't want to hear the truth and when he drops a song the music video comes as a surprise. The children must be released and the separation of children from their families must be stopped. Overall, these are the types of artist that have my respect and will continue to change the world as they educate the public on social injustice.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Critical Karaoke
Name: Allison Bennett
NOTE: My recorded performance has been uploaded to Canvas.
The first time that I heard this slow opening was two summers ago, when I was delving into what would become my all-time favorite music genre: Seattle grunge. While the relentless drumming and aggressive power-chords of Pearl Jam’s Ten is what initially captivated me the most, I quickly fell in love with the band’s more laid-back songs, too. Something to know about me is that when get into a band, I get INTO a band. I mean, I pore over the lyrics of every song, trying to figure out what they could possibly mean, and of course I study the band’s history as if I were preparing to take a test. So why THIS song?
Well, two summers ago, becoming obsessed with an iconic ‘90s scene wasn’t the only thing going on in my life. I had just escaped an abusive relationship that I had been in for over two years. I was at the start of a long process of recovery, and I felt completely alone. Though it sounds dramatic, this song helped me realize that I had it all wrong; my painful experiences weren’t unique to me.
She [lied] and [said] she’s in love with him”. I did the same. The song tells the story of a woman, who, like me, had found herself trapped in a toxic relationship. “She dreams in red”; she yearns for healthy, stable and true love, but she doesn’t find it where she is, and fears she never will.
The accuracy and precision of these lyrics were strangely comforting to me, as a constant reminder that others have been there; I was never alone. The song deeply resonated with me, perfectly putting words to the feelings and situation that I had been in.
“There’s no one else who needs to know”. Just like this woman, I never told anyone about the what I had endured daily, the gaslighting, the hot-and-cold, the anger outbursts. I, too, struggled to remember the good memories at the beginning of my relationship; were they real? What about the person who I originally fell in love with; was he just a façade? “Swears she knew him, now she swears he’s gone”…
I know what you may be thinking: this song is written by a group of heterosexual white men; how could they possibly be able to describe my experiences as a woman? And that’s where some history comes in. While none of the band members have the capacity to fully understand what it is like to be in our shoes, that is not to say that Vedder, in particular, did not do all that he could to paint a picture that would do us justice.
In 1992, Vedder unapologetically scrawled “PRO-CHOICE” across his arm at an MTV Unplugged performance that would infamously go down in dominant rock history as a defiant challenge to the patriarchal grounds upon which dominant rock culture stood. The band also contributed songs to the Home Alive: the Art of Self Defense compilation, taking a stand against violence against women and sexual assault. Importantly, when “Better Man” was written, the riot grrrl movement was in full swing. However, riot grrrl artists often chose to avoid the mainstream, preferring to preserve their authenticity over spreading their feminist messages to a larger audience.
By contrast, Pearl Jam was at the center of alternative rock, and rose to mainstream fame. Though none of the band members could speak FOR riot grrrls, they did try to speak WITH them through this song, by attempting to help bring women’s shared experiences of the abusive relationship to the forefront of society’s attention. Reflecting the male-centered orientation of rock, Pearl Jam’s audience has been primarily composed of men, many of whom were (and are) rockists who pitted masculinized rock against femininized pop, worshipping the former and lambasting the latter. Just as Pearl Jam was not afraid to offend and likely lose the loyalties of some of the rockist men in their audience in 1992, in “Better Man,” they once again chose to separate themselves from that same segment of their audience. Through this song, Pearl Jam leverages its centered positionality in an attempt to force a conversation about issues affecting women before a rockist audience who would not consider these issues otherwise, as rockism is marked by the erasure of femme perspectives. By using their privilege, Pearl Jam successfully shed light on a woman’s perspective, literally using their voices to draw attention to an oppressive experience shared by many women, including myself. For that, I’m forever grateful.
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27ztFtLKvuQ
NOTE: My recorded performance has been uploaded to Canvas.
AFRAM
337 Critical Karaoke Script: Pearl Jam’s “Better Man”
The first time that I heard this slow opening was two summers ago, when I was delving into what would become my all-time favorite music genre: Seattle grunge. While the relentless drumming and aggressive power-chords of Pearl Jam’s Ten is what initially captivated me the most, I quickly fell in love with the band’s more laid-back songs, too. Something to know about me is that when get into a band, I get INTO a band. I mean, I pore over the lyrics of every song, trying to figure out what they could possibly mean, and of course I study the band’s history as if I were preparing to take a test. So why THIS song?
Well, two summers ago, becoming obsessed with an iconic ‘90s scene wasn’t the only thing going on in my life. I had just escaped an abusive relationship that I had been in for over two years. I was at the start of a long process of recovery, and I felt completely alone. Though it sounds dramatic, this song helped me realize that I had it all wrong; my painful experiences weren’t unique to me.
She [lied] and [said] she’s in love with him”. I did the same. The song tells the story of a woman, who, like me, had found herself trapped in a toxic relationship. “She dreams in red”; she yearns for healthy, stable and true love, but she doesn’t find it where she is, and fears she never will.
The accuracy and precision of these lyrics were strangely comforting to me, as a constant reminder that others have been there; I was never alone. The song deeply resonated with me, perfectly putting words to the feelings and situation that I had been in.
“There’s no one else who needs to know”. Just like this woman, I never told anyone about the what I had endured daily, the gaslighting, the hot-and-cold, the anger outbursts. I, too, struggled to remember the good memories at the beginning of my relationship; were they real? What about the person who I originally fell in love with; was he just a façade? “Swears she knew him, now she swears he’s gone”…
I know what you may be thinking: this song is written by a group of heterosexual white men; how could they possibly be able to describe my experiences as a woman? And that’s where some history comes in. While none of the band members have the capacity to fully understand what it is like to be in our shoes, that is not to say that Vedder, in particular, did not do all that he could to paint a picture that would do us justice.
In 1992, Vedder unapologetically scrawled “PRO-CHOICE” across his arm at an MTV Unplugged performance that would infamously go down in dominant rock history as a defiant challenge to the patriarchal grounds upon which dominant rock culture stood. The band also contributed songs to the Home Alive: the Art of Self Defense compilation, taking a stand against violence against women and sexual assault. Importantly, when “Better Man” was written, the riot grrrl movement was in full swing. However, riot grrrl artists often chose to avoid the mainstream, preferring to preserve their authenticity over spreading their feminist messages to a larger audience.
By contrast, Pearl Jam was at the center of alternative rock, and rose to mainstream fame. Though none of the band members could speak FOR riot grrrls, they did try to speak WITH them through this song, by attempting to help bring women’s shared experiences of the abusive relationship to the forefront of society’s attention. Reflecting the male-centered orientation of rock, Pearl Jam’s audience has been primarily composed of men, many of whom were (and are) rockists who pitted masculinized rock against femininized pop, worshipping the former and lambasting the latter. Just as Pearl Jam was not afraid to offend and likely lose the loyalties of some of the rockist men in their audience in 1992, in “Better Man,” they once again chose to separate themselves from that same segment of their audience. Through this song, Pearl Jam leverages its centered positionality in an attempt to force a conversation about issues affecting women before a rockist audience who would not consider these issues otherwise, as rockism is marked by the erasure of femme perspectives. By using their privilege, Pearl Jam successfully shed light on a woman’s perspective, literally using their voices to draw attention to an oppressive experience shared by many women, including myself. For that, I’m forever grateful.
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27ztFtLKvuQ
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Ofrenda Reflection
Raia X
GWSS 241
I don't think I have ever attended an event like this. This is a beautiful community and side to Seattle I have personally never before seen.
My favorite quote was that it's "not about sadness of dying, but joy of living." Fall quarter, I experienced loss for the first time. I have learned so much about the varying healing processes people go through when learning a loved one. Hearing Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna talk about their process of putting themselves into family's hearts in an interactive, intricate, sacred space of honoring, made me appreciate this tradition even more.
It is really interesting to me how the process of losing a loved one especially is mirrored by one's cultural upbringing. Each altar has a message and story to it, many of which I may have completely missed as an ignorant, innocent scroller through the offerings. I think the reclaiming of this tradition is so important because it can really shape one's healing process. I know for a fact that I now have a much deeper appreciation for this art.
GWSS 241
I don't think I have ever attended an event like this. This is a beautiful community and side to Seattle I have personally never before seen.
My favorite quote was that it's "not about sadness of dying, but joy of living." Fall quarter, I experienced loss for the first time. I have learned so much about the varying healing processes people go through when learning a loved one. Hearing Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna talk about their process of putting themselves into family's hearts in an interactive, intricate, sacred space of honoring, made me appreciate this tradition even more.
It is really interesting to me how the process of losing a loved one especially is mirrored by one's cultural upbringing. Each altar has a message and story to it, many of which I may have completely missed as an ignorant, innocent scroller through the offerings. I think the reclaiming of this tradition is so important because it can really shape one's healing process. I know for a fact that I now have a much deeper appreciation for this art.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
GWSS Blog Post #4
GWSS 241 Blog Post #4
Adubbs
Following our Ofrendas for the Future event over the weekend,
combined with this week’s materials, and our discussion around the Black Lives Matter
movement I personally found this week to be very emotional. I have always
viewed music as an intersectional and inclusive space where humans can come
together to enjoy a universal language because as an avid music-lover and concertgoer
this is what I have experienced. However, as this class and this week’s
materials have highlighted, the commercialization of music helped cultivate a culture-for-profit
which contributes to the systemic and institutionalized erasure and discrediting
of people of color, despite their meaningful contributions.
As we read in chapter four of American Sabor, “early
hip hop musicians were reacting to the physically barren landscape of what they
referred to as “the ghetto” – an urban neighborhood where low-income people are
concentrated and neglected”. Hip hop was born from the creative responses of
these marginalized communities to create space for Black and Brown youth to express
themselves through the art that is known today as emceeing, breakdancing, deejaying,
and graffiti. And as we learned through our readings, “Latin@s were deeply
involved in both scenes despite being invisible in media” (MHP). Mainstream
media was and always has been problematic in this way. Since reporters can take
whatever images and words that will help write the most compelling stories,
critical parts may be left out or altered in a way that misrepresents what is actually
happening. We are still seeing this today with the recent Black Lives Matter
protests across the Unites States and other parts of globe.
For my DJ selections I wanted to share J. Cole’s “Be Free”
Jorja Smith’s “Blue Lights”
I chose these two songs specifically because they directly
address the war on our Black community by the police force. In J. Cole’s song
we see painful imagery of Black and Brown folx being attacked and beaten by police.
In the song we hear audio from Michael Brown’s friend who witnessed his brutal
and unjust murder. In Jorja Smith’s song she sings about wishing she could turn
police car lights into strobe lights or fairy lights, so as to signal something
other than fear. The song shares a message about how young Black boys shouldn’t
have a guilty conscience but that they do because the police are always after
them, despite having done nothing wrong. However, to connect this to my points
above, media often paints people of color as “thugs”, thereby justifying the deadly
actions of the police. But songs like these expose the truth about what’s
happening in our communities.
Last but not least, I would like to conclude my post by paying
my respects to all of the Black lives that have been robbed, especially the
recent lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade.
Emma Hurring 6/3 GWSS 241, blog post #4
W, 6/3 GWSS 241, blog post #4 - Emma Hurring
In her article Self-Reflective Moments in Zapateado, Martha Gonzalez states how she, "was a singer through imitation", but later, "found that [she] had many things to say with words". I was simultaneously inspired by this and saddened. I thought it was disheartening that an individual took so much time in realizing that she could have her own voice, and had spent so many years just going off others. In my opinion, music is deeply personal and often reflective, and I'm disappointed for her that she wasn't able to partake in this. However, I do think that it's really inspiring that she eventually found music that she could create that she was really passionate about. In Quetzal Imaginaries, Martha Gonzalez comment on how how song writing is "story-telling", expanding on this she states how song writing can embody, "a person’s life-views, triumphs, and struggles". This opinion is furthered by Flores, who understood what it meant to use your profession and creativity as a means of fighting for "social justice". Flores further connects with Martha Gonzalez on the concept of being able to perform as yourself, or expressing what you really want to through your own music. For example, he states that "self-representation" was a struggle, suggesting he really found it hard to talk about and convey his thoughts, opinions and sense of self through his music.
DJ Selections for the week:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW9rITLjKz8
My first DJ selection is the Nicki Minaj song, I am your leader. I chose this song because it is very self-reflective of Minaj's own life, feelings and experiences within the music industry. I thought this really related to my paragraph above, as it shows how over time artists can really create music that talk about their life and the things that are important to them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi7Yh16dA0w
My second DJ selection is Sara Bareilles - Love Song. I chose this song because it really speaks to me about using music to talk about the things that you want your music to be about. Sara was encouraged by her producers to write a love song, as they believed it would help to make her records sell more effectively. She chose not to do so, and wrote the ironic "Love Song". This was her moment where she was able to perform as herself, and write about the things that really mattered to her and make her music really reflective of her own experiences within the music industry.
In her article Self-Reflective Moments in Zapateado, Martha Gonzalez states how she, "was a singer through imitation", but later, "found that [she] had many things to say with words". I was simultaneously inspired by this and saddened. I thought it was disheartening that an individual took so much time in realizing that she could have her own voice, and had spent so many years just going off others. In my opinion, music is deeply personal and often reflective, and I'm disappointed for her that she wasn't able to partake in this. However, I do think that it's really inspiring that she eventually found music that she could create that she was really passionate about. In Quetzal Imaginaries, Martha Gonzalez comment on how how song writing is "story-telling", expanding on this she states how song writing can embody, "a person’s life-views, triumphs, and struggles". This opinion is furthered by Flores, who understood what it meant to use your profession and creativity as a means of fighting for "social justice". Flores further connects with Martha Gonzalez on the concept of being able to perform as yourself, or expressing what you really want to through your own music. For example, he states that "self-representation" was a struggle, suggesting he really found it hard to talk about and convey his thoughts, opinions and sense of self through his music.
DJ Selections for the week:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW9rITLjKz8
My first DJ selection is the Nicki Minaj song, I am your leader. I chose this song because it is very self-reflective of Minaj's own life, feelings and experiences within the music industry. I thought this really related to my paragraph above, as it shows how over time artists can really create music that talk about their life and the things that are important to them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi7Yh16dA0w
My second DJ selection is Sara Bareilles - Love Song. I chose this song because it really speaks to me about using music to talk about the things that you want your music to be about. Sara was encouraged by her producers to write a love song, as they believed it would help to make her records sell more effectively. She chose not to do so, and wrote the ironic "Love Song". This was her moment where she was able to perform as herself, and write about the things that really mattered to her and make her music really reflective of her own experiences within the music industry.
GWSS Blog Post #4
Hello,
I hope everyone is doing well during this time and taking the steps to stay healthy, safe and educated!
As quoted in the chapter "Commercial Stars and Artivistas" of American Sabor: Latinos and Latinas in US Popular Music, "The popularity of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and others represented an unprecedented level of commercial success for Latinos. This success came at a price, though, because stars like these are virtually inaccessible to their fans. They rarely play in their fans' home communities, nor do they spend time with their fans offstage. They are the faces of a corporate culture that values spectate over participation." This same reality can be said for many other artists of color. These communities are exploited for the purpose of money and entertainment. They are controlled by their management companies, most often white I would argue, and are silenced from speaking out against issues and straying from the norm of the music canon. This prevents them from being able to perform in their home communities, address issues of injustice within the industry, and participate within the art of their ancestral history. This reminds me of the sports industrial complex I learned about in my Gender and Sports class and the exploitation of black athletes in low income neighborhoods. They are taken away from their communities and used for revenue and entertainment, completely under the power of the big shot institutions paying them and making them sign contracts. This just shows you how deeply rooted systemic issues of power and race are within our society and how powerful it is to have to activist processes in place and people doing work to dismantle these systems. Our culture needs to change and the lives of the marginalized must be prioritized.
DJ Selections
"Where Is The Love" by the Black Eyed Peas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYeekQkAdc
"God Bless Amerika" by Lil Wayne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nb4EHY_2bI&list=PLAZEcPgunTPKtixp6y5t1IA15JoDeRJwv&index=21
Both of these songs mean so much considering the time we're in. There is a need for change within our societal system, specifically regarding the treatment of black people. Lil Wayne alludes to the disproportionate amount of police violence experienced by black individuals and expresses his fear for his life on the daily. This is unfair and can go on no longer. As the Black Eyed Peas proclaim, "where is the love?" Everyone deserves human rights but how can we focus on this before black lives are centered. We as a society need to recognize our privilege and how our experiences may be different for others. Maybe then there can be more empathy!
I hope everyone is doing well during this time and taking the steps to stay healthy, safe and educated!
As quoted in the chapter "Commercial Stars and Artivistas" of American Sabor: Latinos and Latinas in US Popular Music, "The popularity of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and others represented an unprecedented level of commercial success for Latinos. This success came at a price, though, because stars like these are virtually inaccessible to their fans. They rarely play in their fans' home communities, nor do they spend time with their fans offstage. They are the faces of a corporate culture that values spectate over participation." This same reality can be said for many other artists of color. These communities are exploited for the purpose of money and entertainment. They are controlled by their management companies, most often white I would argue, and are silenced from speaking out against issues and straying from the norm of the music canon. This prevents them from being able to perform in their home communities, address issues of injustice within the industry, and participate within the art of their ancestral history. This reminds me of the sports industrial complex I learned about in my Gender and Sports class and the exploitation of black athletes in low income neighborhoods. They are taken away from their communities and used for revenue and entertainment, completely under the power of the big shot institutions paying them and making them sign contracts. This just shows you how deeply rooted systemic issues of power and race are within our society and how powerful it is to have to activist processes in place and people doing work to dismantle these systems. Our culture needs to change and the lives of the marginalized must be prioritized.
DJ Selections
"Where Is The Love" by the Black Eyed Peas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYeekQkAdc
"God Bless Amerika" by Lil Wayne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nb4EHY_2bI&list=PLAZEcPgunTPKtixp6y5t1IA15JoDeRJwv&index=21
Both of these songs mean so much considering the time we're in. There is a need for change within our societal system, specifically regarding the treatment of black people. Lil Wayne alludes to the disproportionate amount of police violence experienced by black individuals and expresses his fear for his life on the daily. This is unfair and can go on no longer. As the Black Eyed Peas proclaim, "where is the love?" Everyone deserves human rights but how can we focus on this before black lives are centered. We as a society need to recognize our privilege and how our experiences may be different for others. Maybe then there can be more empathy!
GWSS Blog Post #4
Raia X
GWSS 241
What a week it has been. What a perfect time to talk about activism. Unfortunately, I was not able to make Tuesday's class discussion because I was ill. However, I can only imagine what a thought-provoking learning opportunity it was.
In Martha Gonzalez' Chicana Artivista, we learn about the impact of her work on the Los Angeles Chicano music scene. Quetzal served as more than an outlet for artistic expression. It also allowed for Chicano influence on the civil rights movement. The sentiment of Mexican music carries a significant presence, and when I explored the 2014 album Quetzanimales, I especially appreciated the distinct ability to hear the syncretism of cultures through the mariachi, violins, and elongated Spanish and English lyrics sang with confident pride.
My DJ selection in honor of Martha Gonzales is Shakira's Suerte. The fact that Shakira made a Spanish AND English version of this iconic song is something I still struggle to understand. This was of course part of her artistic exploration, but I can't help but think of how much better it sounds as a Spanish anthem. Here is the Spanish version:
https://youtu.be/a8Rwz6zBJSE
In American Sabor, we read how the creation of commercial media infrastructure just within Miami was able to create mega stars like Shakira herself. I think the Latin-American industry is inherently taking a stance and "political" for some, given the immigrant narrative that POC take on in a country with racism and xenophobia engrained in its very soil. I had no idea that CBS was the first to create a latin division, and that makes me think they are 1) strategic and 2) respectable. It takes a lot to be the first to take actions such as these, whether its splitting off a major media company to make a latin company for representation, or posting #BlackLivesMatter.
My DJ selection in thinking of commercial media infrastructure with the Latin American context is Danza Kuduro. It makes me giddy when cultures cross, and clubs play songs outside their usual Drake and Future mix. There is something exciting about representation in the music context.
https://youtu.be/us3tczsrKQc
Thank you for everything this quarter.
GWSS 241
What a week it has been. What a perfect time to talk about activism. Unfortunately, I was not able to make Tuesday's class discussion because I was ill. However, I can only imagine what a thought-provoking learning opportunity it was.
In Martha Gonzalez' Chicana Artivista, we learn about the impact of her work on the Los Angeles Chicano music scene. Quetzal served as more than an outlet for artistic expression. It also allowed for Chicano influence on the civil rights movement. The sentiment of Mexican music carries a significant presence, and when I explored the 2014 album Quetzanimales, I especially appreciated the distinct ability to hear the syncretism of cultures through the mariachi, violins, and elongated Spanish and English lyrics sang with confident pride.
My DJ selection in honor of Martha Gonzales is Shakira's Suerte. The fact that Shakira made a Spanish AND English version of this iconic song is something I still struggle to understand. This was of course part of her artistic exploration, but I can't help but think of how much better it sounds as a Spanish anthem. Here is the Spanish version:
https://youtu.be/a8Rwz6zBJSE
In American Sabor, we read how the creation of commercial media infrastructure just within Miami was able to create mega stars like Shakira herself. I think the Latin-American industry is inherently taking a stance and "political" for some, given the immigrant narrative that POC take on in a country with racism and xenophobia engrained in its very soil. I had no idea that CBS was the first to create a latin division, and that makes me think they are 1) strategic and 2) respectable. It takes a lot to be the first to take actions such as these, whether its splitting off a major media company to make a latin company for representation, or posting #BlackLivesMatter.
My DJ selection in thinking of commercial media infrastructure with the Latin American context is Danza Kuduro. It makes me giddy when cultures cross, and clubs play songs outside their usual Drake and Future mix. There is something exciting about representation in the music context.
https://youtu.be/us3tczsrKQc
Thank you for everything this quarter.
GWSS Blog Post #4
Shiena Carmen
GWSS 241
June 3, 2020
"A street culture called hip-hop that was created by African American, Puerto Rican, and other Caribbean youth in New York City int eh 1970s." (American Sabor, pg. 209) It's interesting how Hip-hop is not only influenced by multiple genres and cultures, but the also by the division of neighborhoods. "The neighborhood was experiencing a process of intensive urban decay at the time, due in part to the construction in the 1960s of the cross-bronx freeway, which displaced communities and started a massive population, consisting mainly of African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other Caribbean immigrants, lacked job opportunities and community services." (American Sabor, pg. 209) I find it disheartening that the many different ethnicities that have influenced hip-hop are the ones that are always targeted and are looked down upon.
B-boy Crazy Legs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCW2glsq-_o
A Puerto Rican American b-boby from New York expresses himself to hip-hop and outreaches to community by dance instructing and theater productions.
Who is It's compelling how we are influenced by our environments and the music that heavily influences people. "During the early 1980s and through my older cousins, I was exposed to rap, b-boying, break dancing, and pop-locking. These various forms of self-expression were all very popular in the projects. This was also my first encounter with a wide variety of popular mainstream U..S. music, from Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Earth, Wind, Fire, R&B, the Oldies, and The Huggie Boy Show to hip-hop and rap." (Gonzalez, pg. 364) It's inspiring to know the impact the genres of music have on people that not only connect them together, but also bonds people to enjoy similar taste in music as well as activities.
Music that has social justice and activism weaved within their music and lyrics that moves you. This music influences people to be inspired to understand the notions and events happening.
Quetzal: NPR Music Tiny Desk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu5laJPLn7g
GWSS 241
June 3, 2020
"A street culture called hip-hop that was created by African American, Puerto Rican, and other Caribbean youth in New York City int eh 1970s." (American Sabor, pg. 209) It's interesting how Hip-hop is not only influenced by multiple genres and cultures, but the also by the division of neighborhoods. "The neighborhood was experiencing a process of intensive urban decay at the time, due in part to the construction in the 1960s of the cross-bronx freeway, which displaced communities and started a massive population, consisting mainly of African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other Caribbean immigrants, lacked job opportunities and community services." (American Sabor, pg. 209) I find it disheartening that the many different ethnicities that have influenced hip-hop are the ones that are always targeted and are looked down upon.
B-boy Crazy Legs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCW2glsq-_o
A Puerto Rican American b-boby from New York expresses himself to hip-hop and outreaches to community by dance instructing and theater productions.
Who is It's compelling how we are influenced by our environments and the music that heavily influences people. "During the early 1980s and through my older cousins, I was exposed to rap, b-boying, break dancing, and pop-locking. These various forms of self-expression were all very popular in the projects. This was also my first encounter with a wide variety of popular mainstream U..S. music, from Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Earth, Wind, Fire, R&B, the Oldies, and The Huggie Boy Show to hip-hop and rap." (Gonzalez, pg. 364) It's inspiring to know the impact the genres of music have on people that not only connect them together, but also bonds people to enjoy similar taste in music as well as activities.
Music that has social justice and activism weaved within their music and lyrics that moves you. This music influences people to be inspired to understand the notions and events happening.
Quetzal: NPR Music Tiny Desk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu5laJPLn7g
GWSS Blog Post 4
Bralen Trice
This week’s readings showed how important Latinx/African
cultured music is to our society and the cultures surrounding it. A key point from
one of this week’s readings that I wanted to talk about is from Martha
Gonzalez. She says, “The culmination of my experiences with dance and musical
traditions from around the world has given birth to a dance style that I call
Zapateado Afro-Chicana/o Fandanguero” (2008, Gonzalez). This quote from her writing
really stood out to me not only because of the importance of these cultures to
music but how two completely different cultures can come together and create an
entirely new genre or style of music/dance. This quote also made me think of
the style of dancing we learned about in the ofrenda workshop zoom meeting a
few days ago. I believe that this style of combining two cultures together can
be very beneficial to the music industry today. This reading from Gonzalez this
week ties to the reading from Quetzal imaginaries because they are both
advocating for different cultures within our society and the connection to
music that they have. “Quetzal is an ensemble of highly talented musicians,
joined for the goal of creating good music that tells the social, cultural,
political, and musical stories of Chicanas and Chicanos of East Los Angeles and
their kindred spirits, locally around the globe” (2011, Smithsonian Folkways
Pg. 5). We have focused on the importance of Latinx music within the music industry
for a long time now and these readings have taught me that a certain type of
music for example Chicano/a music can be connected and related with any type of
music and reach other groups of people within society.
The two songs I chose are:
This Land is Your Land- Performed by Chicano Batman
Keep Ya Head Up- Tupac Shakur
The connections between the readings and the songs I chose
is the message being sent to different cultures such as Chicano/a and African/African-Americans.
I really like these songs because they speak a message to these different cultures
within our society. Also, what we have been learning about in class recently
ties to both these two songs and the readings. I think it is important that
people take the time to listen to these songs but like really listen to the
words and understand the message behind them. The importance of these cultures
within music is greater than you may think.
Blog Post #4
I believe that art is a style that people can express through all different types of ways, Dancing, Painting, Singing, Playing an Instrument, etc. I think it brings all types of cultural backgrounds that support one another. In both readings, We can see how dancing can play a role through a music style background.
In American Sabor, Hip Hop is a type of music where it has the tool where we can remember things that are close to us. Hip hop is a genre of music "that was created by African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other young Caribbean youth in New York" ( Pg.208). Hip Hop is a big influential genre today for most Americans because it expresses how people feel and what they say in their songs. With Hip Hop, people can breakdance to and have dance battles to the beat of the songs and can have people come together to show off their skills.
Another piece of evidence I found was in Martha Gonzalez's article,, I read about how people can learn the meaning behind other people's dancing and what they are trying to express from the dancing. Like when I saw one of the girls dancing on the zoom conference on May 30th, and how she expressed herself. But in Martha Gonzalez's article, she says " Tarima is the center of the fandango and bailadoras are respected and praised for their ability to maintain balance" ( Pg. 366 ) I think that was a really great piece
The 2 songs that I have chosen for this post were " Juju on that Beat " by Zay Hilfigerr and Zayion McCall, and Michael Jacksons Hit Song " Thriller" by Michael Jackson
These are the songs that I have picked because these songs have dances that originated from these songs and they became popular and they have gone to become viral videos and have been popular to this day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2v_zGWawP0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA
In American Sabor, Hip Hop is a type of music where it has the tool where we can remember things that are close to us. Hip hop is a genre of music "that was created by African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other young Caribbean youth in New York" ( Pg.208). Hip Hop is a big influential genre today for most Americans because it expresses how people feel and what they say in their songs. With Hip Hop, people can breakdance to and have dance battles to the beat of the songs and can have people come together to show off their skills.
Another piece of evidence I found was in Martha Gonzalez's article,, I read about how people can learn the meaning behind other people's dancing and what they are trying to express from the dancing. Like when I saw one of the girls dancing on the zoom conference on May 30th, and how she expressed herself. But in Martha Gonzalez's article, she says " Tarima is the center of the fandango and bailadoras are respected and praised for their ability to maintain balance" ( Pg. 366 ) I think that was a really great piece
The 2 songs that I have chosen for this post were " Juju on that Beat " by Zay Hilfigerr and Zayion McCall, and Michael Jacksons Hit Song " Thriller" by Michael Jackson
These are the songs that I have picked because these songs have dances that originated from these songs and they became popular and they have gone to become viral videos and have been popular to this day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2v_zGWawP0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA
GWSS 241 Blog Post #4
Jaelin O’Halloran
GWSS 241
3 June 2020
Blog Post 4
In Martha González’s article, “Zapateado Afro-Chicana Fandango Style: Self-Reflective Moments in Zapateado,” González writes about a dance style that she calls Zapateado Afro-Chicana/o Fandanguero, “percussive dancing on a wooden platform.” Her article offers her perspective on Zapateado and the impact it has had on her, especially on her compositions. In another article of hers, co-authored with Russel Rodriguez, “Imaginaries,” they discuss quetzal, “an ensemble of highly talented musicians, joined for the goal of creating good music that tells the social, cultural, political, and musical stories of Chicanas and Chicanos of East Los Angeles and their kindred spirits, locally and around the globe.” González writes, “the group Quetzal emerged out of a particularly contentious time in Los Angeles, generated by events such as the 1992 Los Angeles uprising (the reply to acquitted LAPD officers who had beaten Rodney King), the 1994 Proposition 187 campaign (to deny medical and public services to undocumented immigrants and public education to undocumented children), and the repercussive reach of the Zapatista insurrection in Mexico.” As a result, music and public art emerged as, “platforms from which to voice marginalized people’s desires, opinions, and resistance to the conditions in which they found themselves.” As we can see from these two readings, music and dance have the ability to make profound impacts on people and thus act as a catalyst for social change. The article, “Imaginaries” also caused me to reflect on the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmed Arbery and George Floyd. These events, in the context of this course, cause me to pause and wonder what cultural events may transpire that will allow for the sentiments of the Black Lives Matter movement to be elevated. When we look back at these horrific events, what music/dance/performances will have emerged from the crisis we are living through right now?
DJ Selections:
· Choosey & Exile - "Black Beans" (Full Album Stream | 2019) – contemporary Afro-Chicano music
GWSS Blog Post #4
mintgreenelephant
Blog Post 4
6/2/20
The readings both emphasize the importance of using art forms as platforms to advocate for social change. Considering the current protests for justice for George Floyd, these sources provide interesting perspectives of past events and how artist communities responded.
In the liner notes for “Imaginaries,” Martha Gonzalez and Russell Rodriguez explain, "The group Quetzal emerged out of a particularly contentious time in Los Angeles, generated by events such as the 1992 Los Angeles uprising … , the 1994 Proposition 187 campaign … , and the repercussive reach of the Zapatista insurrection in Mexico. These events spurred a powerful synergy, in which avenues of expressive culture such as music and public art emerged as platforms from which to voice marginalized people’s desires, opinions, and resistance to the conditions in which they found themselves" (7). It is powerful to see the impact that groups, like Quetzal, can have on social movements through using their art forms to advocate for change. These words could not be any more relevant today. Artists are using their platforms and art to give a voice to the voiceless and to resist violence against black people.
Similarly, Michelle Habell-Pallán’s “American Sabor” details how young Latin@s in the ‘90’s "balanc[ed] tradition with progressive ideas such as gender equality. They used music and dance to invite participation, to heal themselves and their communities" (279). This quote shows that artists making space for ‘participation’ and ‘heal[ing]’ to occur during times of injustice can be as effective as a method of protest as incorporating progressive ideas into art.
DJ Selections:
I immediately thought of this song after I saw protestors chanting “No justice, No peace” at protests across the US. Not only does Sam Carter scream the same words “no justice, no peace,” the song is incredibly relevant to the current state of the world. Ben Barlow’s vocals depict corruption and violence, urging people to open their eyes to it.
Kendrick Lamar - The Blacker the Berry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdPtVZDspIY
This song is extremely relevant right now as it condemns racism and violence towards African Americans. He brings up institutional racism through lines such as: “You hate my people, your plan is to terminate my culture” and “Institutionalized manipulation and lies, Reciprocation of freedom only live in your eyes”.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Women Who Rock
Bralen Trice
I
really enjoyed being in the zoom call with all of these people who are very
influential within society. I learned lots of new things and saw lots of new
things such as the dancing done by one of the instructors. It really
opened my eyes to all of the culture within music and the people surrounding it.
I personally think that this was an important thing that we did because
learning about all of the different culture within music really helped me to
understand how many different people there are in the music industry and all of
the impacts of the different types of music and things related around the world.
I am grateful I received the chance to be able to join that zoom meeting,
listen, and learn many new things about the world around me. Another key thing that
I really enjoyed talking about and learning about was the people who make all
of these cultures and traditions within music come to life. I left this zoom
meeting confident in my knowledge of the world of music surrounding me whether
that be certain people, certain songs, or certain traditions/dancing. This
class for me has truly been an eye opener and an experience that I am very
grateful to have had. I feel that if I were to recommend this class to someone
then they would for sure take it based off of the information that I give them.
Based on what I learned from this class I now know that music is also a way for
people to express their opinion on certain issues such as gender equality,
racism, etc.
GWSS Blog Post 4
Art can be expressed through music, dance, speech, and many other forms. It brings together various backgrounds that support and promote one another. In both of the readings from this week, we are able to see how dance plays a role in musical form.
In the Martha Gonzalez article, we learn about the time the author and Quetzal Flores visit Veracruz. They learn about different forms of dance and the different meanings behind it. She explains how “The Tarima is the center of the fandango and bailadoras are respected and praised for their ability to maintain balance, timing, and grace while improvising their movements” (Gonzalez 366). The dance is more complicated than it looks, but once she learned it, she was able to bring zapateado back with her and incorporate it into her band’s music.
Similarly, in American Sabor, hip hop is a form of art that has the tool of remembering. Hip hop is a form of music and dance “that was created by the African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other young Caribbean youth in New York in the 1970s” (208). With hip hop, there is breakdancing and different turn table techniques that bring people together. Even though not everyone knows about the origin of dance and music, it is something that people should be more aware about and learn more on.
The songs that I have chosen for this week include “Blood on the Leaves” by Kanye West and “Strange Fruit” by Nina Simone. The song that Kanye West has produced uses samples from Nina Simone’s song, which talks about the lynching of African Americans in the US. Both of these songs reflect on the history of the US and help us to remember US history. They are said to help create a call to action to end injustice, which is still prevalent today.
Strange Fruit By Nina Simone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnuEMdUUrZQ
Blood on the Leaves by Kanye West: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFBtVBqrjfw
Monday, June 1, 2020
Ofrenda for the Future Reflection
Note: I am turning this in a day late, as I was sadly not able to attend the event synchronously, and the video was not posted until after I fell asleep Sunday night. Thanks for your patience.
During these tumultuous times, being reminded of the power of healing and remembering is especially poignant and important. When Black people are being murdered by law enforcement regularly in this country, and the people brave enough to speak out are only being tear gassed and shot with rubber bullets in response, having a place to reflect, mourn, and heal is incredibly powerful. As Ofelia Esparza showed us, Ofrendas are art and are very powerful to communities. They remember and honor people who have passed, which is very relevant to what is happening in the world right now. One of the panelists talked about the need for public places to pray, as churches and more traditional places of worship are less popular with the younger generations. I think Ofrendas are especially needed as places of healing, especially for my Black and Brown counterparts, as in these times there’s such a demand due to the violence from law enforcement. At the same time, it gives us a place to remember and honor the lives of these Black people murdered, not just their deaths. These are real people murdered, and we have to remember and humanize them as people and real lives lost, not just corpses. Within the Black Lives Matter movement, there is often a focus on Black men killed, and while that is a meaningful epidemic, we must not forget to remember the Black women and Black trans people who are also killed in remarkable numbers. Racism affects women and LGBTQ people as well.
GWSS Blog 4
From this Tuesday’s material and last Thursday’s material, I
think the most interesting connection I made was how both Quetzal and Home Alice
both seem to recognize and emphasize that music as well as other forms of art
can be incredibly powerful mediums to promote social improvements that support
their communities. While Quetzal is a rock band composed of Mexican American
musicians, they are also a group that takes pride in leading discussions in current
social issues like minority representation, disenfranchisement, environmentalism,
and female representation in the music industry. As stated in their liner notes
for their album Imaginaries, “For members of Quetzal, music expresses
the political and social struggle for self-determination and
self-representation, which ultimately is a struggle for dignity.” On the other
hand, Home Alive was an organization that promoted methods for women to protect
themselves in the Seattle in the community but also saw the potential in music
to spread their message. In Dawes article, “Finally, Filmmakers Tell the
Forgotten History of Seattle DIY Self-Defense Group Home Alive”, she interviews
Leah Michaels and Rozz Therrien who state that Home Alive’s mission wasn’t to
teach women how to beat people up but instead to show women that they are worth
defending, that, “You had better do what you can to keep yourself safe, and
safety means taking care of yourself and valuing yourself.” With this message
in mind, Home Alive must’ve seen the power of music in promoting this idea as
they released their 1996, 44-track compilation “Home Alive: the Art of Self Defense”.
I just thought that it was very interesting that both a Mexican rock band and a
feminist empowerment organization both saw music not just as a form of self-expression
but also as very powerful ways to inspire and empower their communities in
different ways.
For my songs this week, with everything that’s happened over
the last few days throughout the whole country, I wanted to choose songs that
would help empower us as we continue to fight against systematic injustice committed
against the African American community to remind us of what we fight for.
J. Cole – “Change”
Joey Bada$$ - “For My People”
Emma Hurring Reflection, Ofrendas For The Future
Emma Hurring's Reflection: Womxn Who Rock's 10th Anniversary virtual UnConference, Ofrendas For The Future, 1:00-3:00 pm.
We will celebrate together in a two-hour virtual gathering with National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow, Ofelia Esparza (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)and other guests to reflect on the communal, on-line altar and honor resilience practices of people and groups from the past who help us envision and create a more free and just future. Please post your reflection in https://rockthearchive2020.blogspot.com/ (Links to an external site.)
You will write a 250 word blog post reflecting on your experience of the virtual “Ofrendas for the Future” event. Due Sunday, May 31, 2020 @ 11:59 pm via Canvas.
I really enjoyed the Womxn Who Rock's 10th Anniversary virtual UnConference. I was really inspired by Francisca Garcia, who stated that ofrendas were, "not only about remembering and passing down tradition, but a call to action". I was really moved by the overwhelming sense of importance attached to these ofrendas, and looking at different ways to call people to action and to help one another. Given the current political climate, Francisca's comment on using art and ofrendas to explore "injustices" really moved me. I thought about all of the ways that people were currently responding to the on-going injustices that were happening in the USA - it is interesting to me that some people choose ofrendas as their medium, whilst some take to protesting and others to fundraising; all are alternative choices and it interests me looking at which ones people choose. Furthermore, I loved the way that Rosanna Ahren spoke about the importance to her of being an activist in her work, which she described as a method to talk about and portray current social issues.
Additionally, another theme that ran throughout the event was the respect that the womxn had for on another. There was a continuous stream of praise, interest and encouragement of other womxn's work; Francisca Garcia spoke about how it had been an "honor" to view other womxn's work; I couldn't agree more. Often women are encouraged to tear each other down, and it was therefore really refreshing to hear womxn supporting other womxn.
Womxn Who Rock Reflection
I found the online conference to be a rather enriching experience. With the inability to congregate in person, I think meeting online is the next best thing and in some cases may be the preferred method of coming together (ie. all viewers can see the work in front of them, all viewers can see and hear what is being presented easily and unclose). The topic of remembering others is very rewarding to delve deeper into, especially in our current political atmosphere, what with ignoring the rights and lives of black people and persons of color. It was beautiful to see the artists and people recognized in the online meeting and represented in a way that is deserving of their legacy.
The inclusion of dance performances was very cool and very provocative. I was surprised by the inclusion and was happy to watch and think about the dances more. Seeing and hearing about all of the altars that have been created and were created recently is so inspiring and interesting to learn about. I loved hearing about/seeing altars that were created for artists I had little knowledge of. It was beautiful to see such an array of black and POC artists being remembered in such a powerful way and celebrated by such a wide variety of people-- young, old, people of all racial backgrounds. The conference was just a moving experience that I was happy and proud to be apart of. Can't imagine what it would feel like to be surrounded by these artists and supporters in a room full of altars.
The inclusion of dance performances was very cool and very provocative. I was surprised by the inclusion and was happy to watch and think about the dances more. Seeing and hearing about all of the altars that have been created and were created recently is so inspiring and interesting to learn about. I loved hearing about/seeing altars that were created for artists I had little knowledge of. It was beautiful to see such an array of black and POC artists being remembered in such a powerful way and celebrated by such a wide variety of people-- young, old, people of all racial backgrounds. The conference was just a moving experience that I was happy and proud to be apart of. Can't imagine what it would feel like to be surrounded by these artists and supporters in a room full of altars.
Women who Rock Reflection
My experience Saturday with the Ofrendas for the future conference was refreshing and unique, I have never been a part of anything like it before. I especially loved the entire conversation with the two women who create the ofrendas all around the country. Being able to see their work was a blessing because I found it amazing, especially the Coco ofrenda and the ofrenda that was made into a wall. They were all very impressive. During the conversation I was able to truly understand the meaning and use of ofrendas and the love/passion behind building one. I believe this was an important conversation to have because we are honoring people that have past away and everyone was telling different stories about how their family/background handles deaths, and during time we are having right now with all that is going one in the world, it is important to have these conversations and be open with feelings and emotions when honoring people that have past away.
GWSS Individual Blog Post 4
Sara Gustafson
Individual Blog Post #4
06-03-2020
In light of recent events, these readings were refreshing as they provided insight
into how music can affect social justice and help rebuild communities. Martha
Gonzalez’s “Imaginaries” introduces the band Quetzal and proclaims that Quetzal
Flores saw their music as a “proactive strategy to maneuver through the societal
problems that were affecting communities,” (8). Listing the tracks of “Imaginaries”
and their meanings allowed a deeper connection to how Quetzal’s music promotes
social change. Similarly, Michelle Habell-Pallán’s “American Sabor” discusses the
underground Latinx musicians that manifested rich Bomba and Fandango communities.
Specifically, artivistas Arciniegas and LaSalle “wanted to use bomba to heal themselves
and their communities,” (285). I was inspired to read about this use of Latinx music to
support communities around the world.
into how music can affect social justice and help rebuild communities. Martha
Gonzalez’s “Imaginaries” introduces the band Quetzal and proclaims that Quetzal
Flores saw their music as a “proactive strategy to maneuver through the societal
problems that were affecting communities,” (8). Listing the tracks of “Imaginaries”
and their meanings allowed a deeper connection to how Quetzal’s music promotes
social change. Similarly, Michelle Habell-Pallán’s “American Sabor” discusses the
underground Latinx musicians that manifested rich Bomba and Fandango communities.
Specifically, artivistas Arciniegas and LaSalle “wanted to use bomba to heal themselves
and their communities,” (285). I was inspired to read about this use of Latinx music to
support communities around the world.
Two particularly striking concepts emerged out of these readings for me: community
and change. Much like many other women my age, Beyoncé played an integral role
in how I view myself as a feminist and the community of feminists around me. When
I was 10, Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)” became an anthem that instilled ideas of
women empowerment and community I hold to this day. Also calling for community
and change is Lizzo’s “Like a Girl.” By poking fun at the traditionally male-dominated
behaviors like running for President, Lizzo challenges the notorious claim “like a girl.”
In all, she argues that being “like a girl” is not an insult, rather a compliment that has
the ability to diminish historical misogynistic language and discourse.
and change. Much like many other women my age, Beyoncé played an integral role
in how I view myself as a feminist and the community of feminists around me. When
I was 10, Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)” became an anthem that instilled ideas of
women empowerment and community I hold to this day. Also calling for community
and change is Lizzo’s “Like a Girl.” By poking fun at the traditionally male-dominated
behaviors like running for President, Lizzo challenges the notorious claim “like a girl.”
In all, she argues that being “like a girl” is not an insult, rather a compliment that has
the ability to diminish historical misogynistic language and discourse.
“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMU_iwe6U
“Like a Girl” by Lizzo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_xCVttXLm0
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