First of all, I really enjoyed the presentations today!
I really liked how the first group, who did theirs on Brasil, showed us multiple pictures, and I really liked the book you guys brought in, since it was a book on graffiti from around the world, instead of just Brasil. I also really liked the documentary that was showed, and how it followed the guy around, and he talked about his music.
The second presentation was great too! I thought both groups had great media to help the projects come together, because sometimes it’s really hard for people like me who don’t understand the language or the culture to understand hip-hop from that area. Great Job!
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Reply to Presentations
Slingshot
I found the film on Palestinan Hip-Hop very intersting. Hip-hop was used to adress the opinions of the people living in places like Gaza. They talked about their cultural history about how Isralians came and pushed the Palestines into a confined area. There doesnt seem to be very many jobs or things for people to do in Gaza, so some people, like the main characters, make music for a living.
I noticed that the more powerful underground American Hip-hop artists influenced these artists. They listened to some such as Tupac, MosDef, and Atmosphere. I think they might have listened to these people and seen how they had made a difference, and thought that they could do the same. I don’t know much about the Arab culture, but what I’ve seen from the video, it seems that they are pretty laid back. I’m only saying this because I was surprised about how the artists parents reacted when asked about what they thought about their sons making music all of the time.
Women in the Arab culture seem to be more restricted. I thought that the lady singer should have gone on stage and performed, but then I realized that some people actually could have been serious about hurting their family and friends. I realized that they would not be protected, like someone might be protected here in the United States.
All in all I thought it was a powerful and moving independent film, and I actually learned a lot.
I noticed that the more powerful underground American Hip-hop artists influenced these artists. They listened to some such as Tupac, MosDef, and Atmosphere. I think they might have listened to these people and seen how they had made a difference, and thought that they could do the same. I don’t know much about the Arab culture, but what I’ve seen from the video, it seems that they are pretty laid back. I’m only saying this because I was surprised about how the artists parents reacted when asked about what they thought about their sons making music all of the time.
Women in the Arab culture seem to be more restricted. I thought that the lady singer should have gone on stage and performed, but then I realized that some people actually could have been serious about hurting their family and friends. I realized that they would not be protected, like someone might be protected here in the United States.
All in all I thought it was a powerful and moving independent film, and I actually learned a lot.
Alter-Ego
The term “Alter-Ego”, usually means that one leads a double life. But in the case of Felicia Pride, Negra is her alter-ego, a part of herself she pulls from her pocket whenever she needs to be confident, daring, or outspoken. In Felicia’s case, her alter-ego is just a dormant part of an amazing woman.
Felicia talks about how she uses Negra to help her overcome certain situations. She noticed that artists like Eminem and Beyoncé found a way to be themselves and to also have an “alter-ego” at the same time. I think that everyone has an “alter-ego” or at least a different way of acting around others. Depending on the person they are talking to, they may talk and act differently, but it’s not because they are leading a double life, it’s just because the situation has changed.
In some ways I have another alter-ego persona, but not as extreme as Beyoncé or Eminem. At ACLC I am reserved; I don’t really talk to anyone, I go to class and I leave. However, with my best friend I talk about everything and anything from politics to music, and I act crazy and sing like an idiot. The only reason I don’t do this with others is because I feel like I have nothing to share with them, that they can’t handle another side of who I am. With my mom I’m calm and thoughtful. In ways I have different identities, but in the end, what I’m sharing with other people is who I really am, it just depends on what kind of situation I am in. Like Felicia Pride, I am always Me, Myself, and I.
Felicia talks about how she uses Negra to help her overcome certain situations. She noticed that artists like Eminem and Beyoncé found a way to be themselves and to also have an “alter-ego” at the same time. I think that everyone has an “alter-ego” or at least a different way of acting around others. Depending on the person they are talking to, they may talk and act differently, but it’s not because they are leading a double life, it’s just because the situation has changed.
In some ways I have another alter-ego persona, but not as extreme as Beyoncé or Eminem. At ACLC I am reserved; I don’t really talk to anyone, I go to class and I leave. However, with my best friend I talk about everything and anything from politics to music, and I act crazy and sing like an idiot. The only reason I don’t do this with others is because I feel like I have nothing to share with them, that they can’t handle another side of who I am. With my mom I’m calm and thoughtful. In ways I have different identities, but in the end, what I’m sharing with other people is who I really am, it just depends on what kind of situation I am in. Like Felicia Pride, I am always Me, Myself, and I.
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Fight the Power
On September 25 2008, “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy hit the top of VH1’s Best Hip-Hop list. The song is about fighting for what people want, and fighting for what is right. In the first chorus, Chuck says that freedom of speech will be his freedom, and if he can’t have it, it will become his death. The song is powerful because he talks about today’s society, and recognizes that even he doesn’t like the rock and roll legend Evils Presley because he was racist. (Fight, lyrics) This reminded me when we went on our first field trip to an art gallery, where the artist asked us why Washington was on the dollar bill, because he was a slave owner.
“Fight the power” is more than just a song, at the time when it was played, it was almost like a whole other movement: “the group performed the song on a red, black, and green stage framed by a large photo of Malcolm X…”(Can’t Stop, p.279) This was more like a demonstration, than a performance, and people rallied together to remember the rights of the people, that they were equal just like everyone else, and to remember their ancestors. Another page was turned in the history of hip-hop.
“Fight the power” is also straight forward, short and simple.
“Cause I’m black and I’m proud
I’m ready and hyped plus I’m amped
Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps
Nothing but rednecks for 400 years if you check” (Fight, lyrics)
This is a reminder of how long African-Americans suffered, how long white people ruled, but now times are changing. Public Enemy wrote their song with meaning, and Chuck wanted his music to provoke the people, but he didn’t want to lead. This song made the top 100 not only because it was a good song, but because of the history behind it.
“Fight the power” is more than just a song, at the time when it was played, it was almost like a whole other movement: “the group performed the song on a red, black, and green stage framed by a large photo of Malcolm X…”(Can’t Stop, p.279) This was more like a demonstration, than a performance, and people rallied together to remember the rights of the people, that they were equal just like everyone else, and to remember their ancestors. Another page was turned in the history of hip-hop.
“Fight the power” is also straight forward, short and simple.
“Cause I’m black and I’m proud
I’m ready and hyped plus I’m amped
Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps
Nothing but rednecks for 400 years if you check” (Fight, lyrics)
This is a reminder of how long African-Americans suffered, how long white people ruled, but now times are changing. Public Enemy wrote their song with meaning, and Chuck wanted his music to provoke the people, but he didn’t want to lead. This song made the top 100 not only because it was a good song, but because of the history behind it.
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