Weeks 10-12
Modernism:
What does 'The Wasteland' mean?
1) how has it been interpreted? (cite examples)
2)what are some of the key features
3) In what way has it been influential
Post-Modernism
1) What common qualities do 'the beats' share? Why 'beats'?
2) How is beat poetry linked to rap?
3) How was Bob Dylan's 'Masters of War' involved in controversy during the Bush administration?
4) On what grounds was 'Howl' accused of being obscene - grounds for the defense?
5) What kind of protest song/rap other media have come out in the last decade? Is there a spirit of protest anymore?
What does 'The Wasteland' mean?
1) how has it been interpreted? (cite examples)
2)what are some of the key features
3) In what way has it been influential
Post-Modernism
1) What common qualities do 'the beats' share? Why 'beats'?
2) How is beat poetry linked to rap?
3) How was Bob Dylan's 'Masters of War' involved in controversy during the Bush administration?
4) On what grounds was 'Howl' accused of being obscene - grounds for the defense?
5) What kind of protest song/rap other media have come out in the last decade? Is there a spirit of protest anymore?
"What kind of protest song/rap other media have come out in the last decade? Is there a spirit of protest anymore?"
ReplyDeleteIt is fair to say that music still plays a role in advocating minorities or victims of oppression. Arguably, a lot of contemporary music serves no greater purpose than to be played at full volume at a night club filled with drunk youths, but that doesn't mean that music is completely void of the so-called 'spirit of protest'.
It is harder to achieve the radical revolutionist status that artists such as Bob Dylan acquired during a time where issues of war and oppression had scarcely been addressed by the masses - but you'd be a fool to think that there is no longer potential to provoke change.
In 2005, popular singer/songwriter Pink wrote and recorded a song entitled "Dear Mr President". This song specifically targets the President (at the time) George W Bush and his blatant disapproval of equal rights for homosexuals, his tendency to neglect and overlook the needs of the homeless, and even illuminates his rumored use of cocaine in college. Similarly to Dylan's 'Masters of War' it also touches on the war in the Iraq - which has resulted in the loss of thousands of human lives.
This song is evidently a protest against Bush's administration, and Pink made no effort to conceal the fact. She considers this song to be one of the most important songs she has ever written.
This is certainly not the only song that has been written in protest of politics and politicians (I could write thesis length analysis of all songs written by 'the Smiths' and their blatant disregard for the monarchy/government) - but if we specifically focus on songs written or popularized within the last decade I think it's fair to say that the issues that appear more prevalent in modern music are things such as self-love and empowerment.
Again referencing Pink's work - the song "Perfect" explores issues such as self-harm, suicide and depression. Arguably, you could claim that this is in the spirit of protest against the warped body image issues that are perpetuated within the media, and an alarming lack of awareness surrounding mental health issues and suicide prevention.
On a slightly less affronting scale, you have Meghan Trainor, whose song "All About that Base" has had vastly mixed responses; on the one hand people are embracing her advocacy of being 'plus size' - whereas, on the other hand, people have branded her an insensitive 'sizest' who has premised her success on making naturally petite women feel bad about themselves.
Where decades ago, songs like 'Masters of War' might have been more like a mantra for protesters of war, modern songs are much more focused on a self awareness and reflection - rendering them much less radical.
Consider the contrast of a line;
"How many years can some people exist, before they're allowed to be free?"
and,
"You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll - So if that what you're into, then go 'head and move along."
Sure, I think it's a hugely important thing to breed a culture of self love and appreciation, but when you compare it to being enslaved merely because of your race, it doesn't really resonate the same way - does it?
Which is simply a sign of the times I suppose. Back when Dylan was popularized, the methods of protest weren't as globally accessible as they are nowadays. When people disagree with a political agenda, they can write a blog about it, or make a Facebook status or YouTube video, and it can be accessed from anywhere in the world (excusing China and North Korea due to censorship) within hours - or even seconds.
Very well thought out.
Delete'Where decades ago, songs like 'Masters of War' might have been more like a mantra for protesters of war, modern songs are much more focused on a self awareness and reflection - rendering them much less radical.'
An interesting comment. I don't know about less radical, however, just a different focus, more on inward or inner damage than traditional 'social injustices'
'What's a protest song?' B Dylan, 1969.
In 1962 there was limited technology – and public access to it was even scarcer than the technology itself.
ReplyDeleteThere was TV, Radio and records, but beyond that the mediums for which a person could gain publicity were virtually non-existent. Sure, you could make a sign and rally outside of some Government house, and maybe that would gain a bit of attention from reporters, but to get global recognition was exceedingly difficult.
In that sense, one of the most successful outlets for spreading a political viewpoint was to write about it; and spread that message through a book, poem or song. You might somehow manage to also get on the T.V. – But the broadcasting in that day was fairly limited.
So, it would be fair to say that this imposed a certain responsibility on musicians that doesn’t exist in the same capacity in 2015. If I want to spread my political agenda, I can record myself singing a song about it and upload it to YouTube in an afternoon, but such liberties were not even dreamt of in the 60’s. I suppose that is why, when you compare music from that era to the current ‘top playlist’, it’s easy to see a decrease in the ‘spirit of protest’. Artists that were at their most popular between the periods 1960 to 2000 were more renowned for writing works with a political agenda. For example:
• Bob Dylan - Blowin’ in the Wind, The Hurricane, Masters of War..
• The Smiths – The Queen is Dead, Meat is Murder…
• Patti Smith – Rock’n’Roll Nigger,
• Queen – “I want to Break Free” (considered controversial due to the music video which shows Freddie Mercury dressed in women’s clothing)
• The Clash – I Fought the Law, White Riot
• John Lennon/The Beatles – Imagine, Revolution, Happy Christmas (War is Over)
• Pink Floyd – Another Brick in the Wall…
…to name but a few.
Now compare this to 7 of the most popular artists in 2014:
• Pharrell Williams - Happy
• Katy Perry – Dark Horse, Roar
• Taylor Swift – Shake it Off
• Iggy Azaela - Fancy
• Sam Smith – Stay With Me
• Ariana Grande - Problem
• Jason Derulo – Talk Dirty
2014 Year End: Music: Top 100 Songs | Billboard Hot 100 Chart. (n.d.). Retrieved May 19, 2015, from http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2014/hot-100-songs
Top 100 Songs of the '70s. (n.d.). Retrieved May 19, 2015, from http://rateyourmusic.com/list/Clarkone68/top_100_songs_of_the_70s/
Quite a list...! What about The Boss (Springsteen) 'Darkness at the Edge of Town, his album Wrecking Ball which was aimed specifically at reviving the 'spirit of protest'. JP Hartly anyone? Nina Simone? It goes on...
DeleteActually you should mention The Bos... his latest album entitled "High Hopes" is fantastic... and there's a song called "America Skin (41 Shots)" that gives me chills. It's a homage to Amadou Diallo - who was shot by 4 police men who fired a total of 41 shots at the unarmed man.
Delete(I would also like to add that I am severely depressed a result of that research. Never have I been so sure that I was born in the wrong generation.)
ReplyDeleteDon't be. We lived in a fools paradise when we were young. Protest made us feel virtuous! Every age has its challenges. Being born into the cold war, with constant threat of nuclear annihilation, was really no fun.
DeleteI totally agree with you in that sense Courtney.
DeleteModern music does not have a lot of protest behind it. Music these days is all about how much money, drugs and ‘pussy’ people have. After Bob Dylan writing ‘Masters of war’ and the presidential elections in 2004 writing about things that actually mattered started to be come very uncool and frowned upon. Unfortunately protest music is associated with punk rock and old folk singers, this does not appeal to the youth of today.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few songs that have come out in the 21st century that have been about protesting and more serious matters, these songs have been hidden behind jumpy pop music and love songs. It is unfortunate that the only way to make ‘protest’ songs appeal to the youth of today is to hide the meaning behind glitter and overly bouncy music. Where as in the 60’s and 70’s protest music was cool and the younger generations strived off the meaningful music that was around, Artists like Bob Dylan and John Lennon are advocates of there cause. John Lennon known for his time with the Beatles and then his solo career showing his political activism.
Modern songs about war are often masked as love songs with a more meaningful back ground. Good examples of this are; Green Day- wake me up when September ends this song came out in 2004 protesting Bush and the Iraq War, it taker became a semi official tribute song to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Other songs such as leaving me by the New Zealand artist Sammy J have this same effect, talking about war and how it splits people up but using the idea of a love story to portray this idea.
M.I.A’s song born free is another great example of modern protest music, M.I.A Is well known for her bold songs and strong meaning within them but the video clip for the song Born Free was believed to be extreme, it was taken off the internet and had a lot of bad press, her song describing her time as a child hiding with her family during the Sri Lankan Civil War and the horror of genocide.
The lacking of meaning and protest in modern music makes me very much wish I had been born in a different generation. It makes me so sad to see the youth of today walking around listening to songs about how much money someone has and how they are going to get ‘pussy’ ect.. there isn’t a spirit of protest In the new generation people are too materialistic and selfish to think about the outside world anymore.
1.What common qualities do 'the beats' share? Why 'beats'?
ReplyDeleteIn the post-war period of America, many artists suffered from the bad political, economic social conditions. During this time, the individual efforts were concerned and there was a great feeling of insecurity. The developments of politics and culture were encouraged by the consumer commodity (Zettl, L., 2012). This background has promoted the creation of Beat Movement. The Beat Generation refers to the young artists and writers who want to run away from the bad situation of society and culture at that time. They were against the culture driven by commodity and consumption and they thought it invaded people’s privacy. They doubted, questioned and had their own opinions towards the culture and society. The representatives of this Beat generation include Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs. They made great efforts to form their own cultural characteristics such as drug addiction and repression of sex. The famous works in this period include “Howl”, Naked Lunch and other works. Through these works, the Beat Generation set up their own spirits.
Another common characteristic of the Beats is their efforts to simplify the society. They dare to question and refuse the power of authority because they believe in their own understanding of the cultural sensibility. They try to change the ideas and perception of people, and they encourage these people to live on their own. The Beats made contribution through their works and behaviors. They also believe in clarity, drugs, sex and other things. Within this generation, William S. Burroughs showed his liberty form the society through his own experiences of drug addiction. He used this to be the base of his works. In general, the Beats generation made great breakthrough of the cultural and social development. They showed great creativity in this Beats movement and brought great changes to the history.
The Wasteland is a poem by T.S. Eliot consisting of five sections, The Burial of the Dead, A Game of Chess, The Fire Sermon, Death by Water and What the Thunder Said. It has been called one of the most important poems of the 20th century. It can be a difficult poem to read and follow due to the fact that it shifts between speakers and scenes regularly and often without warning.
ReplyDeleteAs with all poetry it is heavy with metaphor and figurative language which leaves it open to interpretation. However despite the beauty of the language used it is a serious poem about a serious subject. The decline of western culture and the beauty which the culture once possessed. Eliot saw his beloved high culture being destroyed by booze, atheism and a general sense of laziness and he wanted to make sure that high culture got the eulogy it deserved.
References:
Shmoop. (2015). The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot. Retrieved June 6, 2015 from http://www.shmoop.com/the-waste-land/
Thorpe, V. (2009). Margate's Shrine to Eliot's Muse. The Guardian. Retrieved June 6, 2015 from http://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/jul/12/ts-eliot-margate-shrine
Sparknotes. (2012). Eliot's Poetry T.S. Eliot. Retrieved June 6, 2015 from http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/eliot/section2.rhtml
How is beat poetry linked to rap?
ReplyDeleteBeat poetry originated from 1940s in America led by the Beat poets. Rap music could be tracked back to the Western African music with lyrics. It became popular in the 1970s in America at first. In the beginning, rap music was only played within the teenagers of African American group and it was treated as a street art at that time. Like a poem, rap music involves the expression way of speaking and rhyming lyrics. Rap shares some characteristics with the Beat poetry. Both of them use the alliteration, assonance and words in the literature. The creator of rap focused also on the lyrics of the song. Both of them experienced several years and they are curated by different artists. Rap is more like the spoken language than the traditional written language, that’s why it is also considered as not so serious, which is like the impression that Beat poetry give people. Beat poetry has expressed strong and power feelings, which is similar to the expression of rap. But the rhyming lyric of rapping music is considered as one of the most complicated style of the poetry.
Another common characteristic of rap and the Beat poetry is that they both have high artist values. Although they are different from the traditional and main-stream culture, they have proved their contributions to the development of culture. They had both negative opinions in the beginning and they spent a lot of efforts in altering people’s perception and created their own culture. The developers of rap and beat poetry are both the young artists who had a lot of creative ideas and wanted to make breakthroughs to the traditional culture and art. No matter they were considered as a right and good culture performance, they should be considered in a neutral way.
How was Bob Dylan's 'Masters of War' involved in controversy during the Bush administration?
ReplyDeleteBob Dylan’s ‘Masters of War’ was created in 1963 which was about the merchants of arms. It was not considered as an excellent at that time, but with the time passing by, the meaning of this song was discovered and it became a very good cultural work. Nowadays, this song was ranked in the list of protest songs. The song has the problem of lack of sensitivity and some of the words in the song sound shocking such as “I hope that you die”. In that time the protest songs are popular because the people think about the change of the word and the songs may also change it. Bob Dylan was considered as one of the most excellent writers of these protest songs. Many teenager like his songs because he can draw out there anger, fear and make them feel real. The topic of this song was about the nuclear war and later it was used to fight against the Bush government. In the middle of the first Iraq War, Bob Dylan played this song and it was one of the greatest moments of his performance. He focused on the words like Jesus, Guns and Die. His excellent performance provided bullets to the war leader. Since then, this song became popular again. When Bush claimed to set the second Iraq war in 2002, Dylan occurred again and played this song “Masters of War”. In 2003, this song was extracted in the Internet and there was only silence and drum taps left. It was like the scene after the war. It added the negative attitude against the war and also against the leader-Bush administrations. It woke up the awareness of American people and made them think about the horror of the war and ask for a peaceful world.
2) How is beat poetry linked to rap?
ReplyDelete4) On what grounds was 'Howl' accused of being obscene - grounds for the defense?
Beat poetry started up in the 1940's when politics and poetry were being questioned after the war. Poets like Gregory Corso, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Gary Snyder and Allen Ginsberg'would become known as the Beat generation.'(poets.org, n.d.) They wanted to alter conventional writing and consciousness. 'hallucinogenic drugs were used to achieve higher consciousness, as was meditation and Eastern religion.'(poets.org, n.d.) This already sounds a lot like rap today. Groups like Public Enemy challenged the mainstream consciousness of the public with songs like Fight the Power which challenged authority and asked people to think for themselves. The straight forwardness of both rap and beat poetry is very confronting to anyone who listens or reads it. They don't shy away from the worst of reality and push on the sensitivities that no one wants to talk about.
In regards to hallucinogenic drugs, its common knowledge that a lot of rappers today use drugs for recreation and maybe even for inspiration. It is possible that the process for both is very similar.
The year after Howl was published it 'was brought to trial the next year on charges of obscenity'(poets.org, n.d.). The outspoken, raw nature of this poem is probably what people took such issue with, especially back then. The very gritty and confronting way he approaches sex, religion and individual people is hard to take in for the majority of people I think. Eventually 'in a hugely publicized case, the judge ruled that Howl was not obscene and brought national attention to Ginsberg and the Beat poets.'(poets.org, n.d.).
References
Ginsberg, A. (1956). Howl and Other Poems. San
Francisco: City Lights Books. Retrieved from https://autonline.aut.ac.nz/bbcswebdav/pid-3175435-dt-content-rid-5192089_4/institution/Papers/166101/Publish/Desire_Critical%20Reader_2014.pdf
http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/text/brief-guide-beat-poets
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