In Robert Reich’s article entitled “Four Morality Tales,” he addresses four different myths which are commonly assumed within American culture. He then addresses the history and significance of each myth, and then goes through the 1900s and explains how these myths have evolved and come together over time. He then walks through each myth and addresses how each individual myth has an idea of an “us” and a “them” which are going to be inevitable. I thought it would be interesting to provide each myth, and walk through how I think each applies in the current day of 2011. Keep in mind, when I give these examples, I am not giving my personal opinions, but instead what I think the majority of Americans actually think.
The first myth Reich explained was “The Mob at the Gates.” This basically describes the “dark forces” that we as Americans are scared of. There is always a particular group of people that we as Americans assign this role to. It’s almost as if America needs an enemy. It has been England, Native Americans, Nazis, and Communists. Right now, I think that the mob at the gates is the idea of terrorists, especially Middle-Eastern Muslims. 9/11 Changed this drastically. Because of the Muslim extremists that committed these horrendous acts, many Americans make huge generalizations about Muslims in general. Also, the media has grabbed hold of what happened on 9/11 and used it to justify prejudices against Muslims, as well as the wars the U.S. is currently engaged in. Americans today are more scared of a terrorist attack than they are of any other outside threat, and they are therefore the “Mob At The Gates” in 2011.
The second myth identified was the myth of the “Self-Made Man.” This is the idea that anyone who works and tries hard enough can make it in America. Right now, this myth is under harsh criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. With jobs and the economy at a low, people are doubting how much opportunity there is out there to be a self-made man. It is very common to graduate college without a job. Graduate school is becoming more and more a necessity in order to work one’s way up the occupational ladder. This myth currently ties a lot into the latter two myths.
The third myth was the myth of “The Benevolent Community” which is basically saying that Americans look out for each other, especially during times of hardship. He shows how this attitude was derived from several religious principles that talk about doing for others. Personally, I think America has become so cut-throat capitalistic that many have forgotten this principle all together. It has become more about winning as an individual. This happens both politically and fiscally. Instead of working together to achieve common goals, politicians point fingers and try to call each other out to prove points. Meanwhile, America’s economy is starving and young kids are jobless right out of college. We have billionaires with so much money that they don’t know what to do with, and in the same city have people that cannot get a job and have no food to eat. I don’t know where the benevolent community is, but I don’t see it nearly as much as I think we should.
The fourth and final myth is the myth of “Rot at the Top.” This is basically the myth that with power comes corruption. Both sides are politically trying to argue their own version of this right now. Obama is attempting to close tax loopholes for the wealthiest Americans who can afford to pay their fair share of taxes. He is attempting to display that the heads of multi-billion dollar corporations are paying less taxes than middle class Americans. This is Obama’s definition of how the wealthy elite are malevolent for society. Obama argues that unions are good, because they were created so the middle and lower class can be sure they are not mistreated. Meanwhile, The Republicans are arguing that Obama is the definition of corruption at the top. They are arguing that he is attempting to promote “class warfare” and that he has an agenda to gain power. They dislike unions because they think that it is a way for “lazy” people to unfairly control their wages if they don’t think they’re getting paid enough (I think?).
Our country is so divided right now and I could go on forever about these myths and the depth of each. I’ll save everyone the time. Hopefully our leaders will learn to be big boys and girls, work together, and will achieve great things, like this country is extremely capable of doing.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Something To Hold On To
Culture is changing drastically and as a result, there is a big difference among us. You cannot hold anything anymore.
When you buy something today, you are literally paying for the noise that comes out of your headphones, or the image that comes on your television. You literally get nothing else. This is because everything is digital. I have an outdated love for vinyl and it is not just because it is the best quality one can find for listening to music. It’s also because of the fact that you are buying so much more. Within that package is a world of art and beauty. While you listen to the vinyl you can read the artwork as the record plays, helping you further understand the messages the songs have to offer. There is usually expandable artwork that goes along with the themes of the album. The cover art in itself is part of the album, and can be held and viewed and contemplated on. You can hold it. It’s yours forever. It is an entity that you can hold, rather than a file on your computer or a collection of pixels in the small corner of your iPhone.
Though movies have not reached this level to the extent of music, they are on the decline with Netflix and On Demand. Now movies are digital. Soon DVDs will be a thing of the past. No longer can we hold them.
I enjoy my iPod more than anyone, because it allows me to carry my entire music collection. But, unlike many people, I still see the beauty in having a collection of music and movies that is actually there as an historical artifact.
Another downfall to iTunes is the decline of the album. People no longer buy albums in their entirety, the way they are meant to be listened to. Singles are dominating because it is so convenient to click on a song and take it out of the context it was meant to be heard in. Albums were formed as a piece of art, and taking it out of this context is like cutting out your favorite part of a Picasso painting. It’s disgraceful. Because of this, new artists are caring less and less about making good “albums” and are caring more and more about having that hit song.
The reason I listen to many of the bands I listen to is because they still release albums as entire pieces of art, and they still release them on vinyl. The idea of the album is still in the forefront of their mind, and this intrigues me and gives me hope.
This is not an anti-technology rant, simply an observation. If my iPod suddenly disappeared I would be more upset than anyone, because I would lose all 17,546 songs I have. I simply think that if vinyl was still the primary source for listening to music, people would have a greater appreciation for the art of the musical album, instead of clicking on a song and tearing it away from the album it was meant to be on.
When you buy something today, you are literally paying for the noise that comes out of your headphones, or the image that comes on your television. You literally get nothing else. This is because everything is digital. I have an outdated love for vinyl and it is not just because it is the best quality one can find for listening to music. It’s also because of the fact that you are buying so much more. Within that package is a world of art and beauty. While you listen to the vinyl you can read the artwork as the record plays, helping you further understand the messages the songs have to offer. There is usually expandable artwork that goes along with the themes of the album. The cover art in itself is part of the album, and can be held and viewed and contemplated on. You can hold it. It’s yours forever. It is an entity that you can hold, rather than a file on your computer or a collection of pixels in the small corner of your iPhone.
Though movies have not reached this level to the extent of music, they are on the decline with Netflix and On Demand. Now movies are digital. Soon DVDs will be a thing of the past. No longer can we hold them.
I enjoy my iPod more than anyone, because it allows me to carry my entire music collection. But, unlike many people, I still see the beauty in having a collection of music and movies that is actually there as an historical artifact.
Another downfall to iTunes is the decline of the album. People no longer buy albums in their entirety, the way they are meant to be listened to. Singles are dominating because it is so convenient to click on a song and take it out of the context it was meant to be heard in. Albums were formed as a piece of art, and taking it out of this context is like cutting out your favorite part of a Picasso painting. It’s disgraceful. Because of this, new artists are caring less and less about making good “albums” and are caring more and more about having that hit song.
The reason I listen to many of the bands I listen to is because they still release albums as entire pieces of art, and they still release them on vinyl. The idea of the album is still in the forefront of their mind, and this intrigues me and gives me hope.
This is not an anti-technology rant, simply an observation. If my iPod suddenly disappeared I would be more upset than anyone, because I would lose all 17,546 songs I have. I simply think that if vinyl was still the primary source for listening to music, people would have a greater appreciation for the art of the musical album, instead of clicking on a song and tearing it away from the album it was meant to be on.
Remembering 9/11
On CBS Sunday Morning, September 11, I watched a segment that documented different 911 victims and the different reactions to the tragedies that occurred. Of course, all of the reactions were extremely sad to watch, even 10 years after the fact. We can all agree that this was an extremely terrible thing that happened to our nation and especially to the families of the victims. All of the victims that were interviewed look weak and very much still affected by their losses. I would make the argument that we as a nation are not much different than these individuals.
What this segment really got me thinking about was what September 11 did to our nation as a whole. Many people like to argue that September 11 brought our nation together in a way that nothing else could. They like to argue that we united to come together against a common enemy.
Quite honestly, I have never seen two parties as polarized as they are today. Everything is coming down to idealism and an attempt to make sure the other side does not look good, when in reality I think that we should be working to get things achieved, especially when the economy is as bad as it is today.
There is so much finger pointing. Obama likes to continually remind us that he inherited this terrible economy from President Bush, and rightfully so. Meanwhile, if you ask any Republican, Obama is the biggest spender in our nation’s history, and is single handedly the reason that the economy is so bad. Because of this attitude, Congress refuses to pass anything that is put forth by Obama, simply because of the idea that it was created by a Democrat. Meanwhile, jobs are at an extreme low, and we are on the verge of another depression. All the politicians are doing is pointing fingers at who is to blame, while our country suffers because of it. I think Obama would get things done if he had any one Republican that would work with him, but once again, our country is more divided that it has ever been.
This is the point where I look back and question if our nation has come together at all since 911. Look at the way Muslims are depicted in the mass media. They are made to look like terrorists, and the morons watching these stations buy into it. I talked to a Muslim American at the park the other day who told me she was scared to leave her house on 911 because of the hateful remarks she gets from people. This is a damned shame. This is the land of the free. 99% of the Muslims out there are peaceful people with the same common goals as anyone else. The fact that we are so divisive and cannot come together on anything is a shame.
This idea ties a lot into the theme of myths and the idea that 911 strengthened our nation and helped us come together. While fully respecting 911 as a horrible moment in our nation’s history, I would argue that it is even more of a tragedy because of how divisive our nation has become since. If this moment does not bring us together, what, if anything, will?
What this segment really got me thinking about was what September 11 did to our nation as a whole. Many people like to argue that September 11 brought our nation together in a way that nothing else could. They like to argue that we united to come together against a common enemy.
Quite honestly, I have never seen two parties as polarized as they are today. Everything is coming down to idealism and an attempt to make sure the other side does not look good, when in reality I think that we should be working to get things achieved, especially when the economy is as bad as it is today.
There is so much finger pointing. Obama likes to continually remind us that he inherited this terrible economy from President Bush, and rightfully so. Meanwhile, if you ask any Republican, Obama is the biggest spender in our nation’s history, and is single handedly the reason that the economy is so bad. Because of this attitude, Congress refuses to pass anything that is put forth by Obama, simply because of the idea that it was created by a Democrat. Meanwhile, jobs are at an extreme low, and we are on the verge of another depression. All the politicians are doing is pointing fingers at who is to blame, while our country suffers because of it. I think Obama would get things done if he had any one Republican that would work with him, but once again, our country is more divided that it has ever been.
This is the point where I look back and question if our nation has come together at all since 911. Look at the way Muslims are depicted in the mass media. They are made to look like terrorists, and the morons watching these stations buy into it. I talked to a Muslim American at the park the other day who told me she was scared to leave her house on 911 because of the hateful remarks she gets from people. This is a damned shame. This is the land of the free. 99% of the Muslims out there are peaceful people with the same common goals as anyone else. The fact that we are so divisive and cannot come together on anything is a shame.
This idea ties a lot into the theme of myths and the idea that 911 strengthened our nation and helped us come together. While fully respecting 911 as a horrible moment in our nation’s history, I would argue that it is even more of a tragedy because of how divisive our nation has become since. If this moment does not bring us together, what, if anything, will?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Freedom of Expression
I enjoy a good debate. When I heard about the girl who was not allowed to wear a shirt that says “Gay? Fine by me.” many thoughts crossed my mind. I put myself in the shoes of the principal and what I would do if this were my school, my student, and my decision to make.
First off, this is simply a political statement. Regardless of what this statement is, students should be allowed to express their political point of view, as long as it does not degrade anyone else. I guarantee you that this girl would not be sent home for wearing a “W The President” shirt or an Obama shirt.
Secondly, the statement on the shirt was not hateful or degrading of any group. Quite the contrary, it was a very accepting and inclusive message. By wearing this shirt, the young woman was simply implying, “I do not care if you are gay.” What is wrong with this? Even if you do disapprove of gay people, what is wrong with someone who doesn’t? How does this affect you? If a girl wore a shirt to school with curse words, or hate filled messages, sure you send them home. There has to be a line and I understand that. If I were principal, that line would be drawn with inappropriate or hateful messages. There is nothing wrong with expressing one’s point of view. That’s the beauty of America.
What bothers me is the fact that this girl was not allowed to wear a shirt to school because the majority of the people around her disagree with her political agenda. Is that where we want to be as Americans? Do we want to be so scared of an opposing point of view that we refuse to acknowledge that it exists? I think not. It may be radical, but sending someone home for a shirt like this is not too different than what Hitler did when he was in power. He destroyed anything that opposed what he thought. Mindsets like this are dangerous.
On a positive note, the girl’s family threatened to sue and is now allowed to wear the shirt whenever she pleases. It is sad that it came to this, but it gives me faith in the United States as a country. We are not Nazi Germany. People are free to express their opinion. That, my friend, is a beautiful thing.
First off, this is simply a political statement. Regardless of what this statement is, students should be allowed to express their political point of view, as long as it does not degrade anyone else. I guarantee you that this girl would not be sent home for wearing a “W The President” shirt or an Obama shirt.
Secondly, the statement on the shirt was not hateful or degrading of any group. Quite the contrary, it was a very accepting and inclusive message. By wearing this shirt, the young woman was simply implying, “I do not care if you are gay.” What is wrong with this? Even if you do disapprove of gay people, what is wrong with someone who doesn’t? How does this affect you? If a girl wore a shirt to school with curse words, or hate filled messages, sure you send them home. There has to be a line and I understand that. If I were principal, that line would be drawn with inappropriate or hateful messages. There is nothing wrong with expressing one’s point of view. That’s the beauty of America.
What bothers me is the fact that this girl was not allowed to wear a shirt to school because the majority of the people around her disagree with her political agenda. Is that where we want to be as Americans? Do we want to be so scared of an opposing point of view that we refuse to acknowledge that it exists? I think not. It may be radical, but sending someone home for a shirt like this is not too different than what Hitler did when he was in power. He destroyed anything that opposed what he thought. Mindsets like this are dangerous.
On a positive note, the girl’s family threatened to sue and is now allowed to wear the shirt whenever she pleases. It is sad that it came to this, but it gives me faith in the United States as a country. We are not Nazi Germany. People are free to express their opinion. That, my friend, is a beautiful thing.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Taste Cultures
8/29/11
Today in class we talked about taste cultures and why people like what they like. This caused me to do a self-evaluation of what I appreciate and why I appreciate it. Why do I hate reality shows? Why is Bob Dylan my hero? Why do I have less respect for my friends who watch Jersey Shore? Why do I enjoy listening to albums on vinyl? Why do I hate Justin Beiber? Why do I love Madmen and Arrested Development?
After some contemplation I came to the conclusion that I appreciate intellect and intelligence. I like things that take thought, creativity, intelligence, and that may require more thought and contain a deeper meaning. I enjoy listening to albums that you have to listen to a few times through in order to fully understand or appreciate. I like songs that have deeper meaning, where the lyrics can be taken out of the song onto paper and still be beautiful. I enjoy artists that write their own music, play their own instruments, and that put thought into their music. I enjoy shows that require historical knowledge. I enjoy comedy shows that require thought and knowledge in order to understand the jokes.
With this said, I hate the majority of things that are popular, because they are quite the contrary. I hate the fact that uneducated morons are paid millions of dollars to be on television while partying and flexing their muscles in their tight wife beaters. I hate Snookie. I hate the fact that the typical “hit” on the radio is usually written by someone then passed to someone else with a pretty face with no artistic ability who then claims that the song is theirs. These untalented people are then praised and go on to become millionaires. I hate reality TV and the fact that people think that it is actually real life.
I don’t hate these things because I am cynical. I hate these things because they require no deep thought and no intellectual ability. We as a society are putting our values into things that are absolutely worthless, and that disturbs me. American culture is taking a major turn for the worst simply with the things we choose to put our time, value, and money into. I think it’s a matter of lack of self-respect.
If you’re reading this, you’re most likely too smart to be sinking down to Snookie’s level. So stop. It’s that simple. Stop contributing to the downfall of our society by putting your values into trash.
Today in class we talked about taste cultures and why people like what they like. This caused me to do a self-evaluation of what I appreciate and why I appreciate it. Why do I hate reality shows? Why is Bob Dylan my hero? Why do I have less respect for my friends who watch Jersey Shore? Why do I enjoy listening to albums on vinyl? Why do I hate Justin Beiber? Why do I love Madmen and Arrested Development?
After some contemplation I came to the conclusion that I appreciate intellect and intelligence. I like things that take thought, creativity, intelligence, and that may require more thought and contain a deeper meaning. I enjoy listening to albums that you have to listen to a few times through in order to fully understand or appreciate. I like songs that have deeper meaning, where the lyrics can be taken out of the song onto paper and still be beautiful. I enjoy artists that write their own music, play their own instruments, and that put thought into their music. I enjoy shows that require historical knowledge. I enjoy comedy shows that require thought and knowledge in order to understand the jokes.
With this said, I hate the majority of things that are popular, because they are quite the contrary. I hate the fact that uneducated morons are paid millions of dollars to be on television while partying and flexing their muscles in their tight wife beaters. I hate Snookie. I hate the fact that the typical “hit” on the radio is usually written by someone then passed to someone else with a pretty face with no artistic ability who then claims that the song is theirs. These untalented people are then praised and go on to become millionaires. I hate reality TV and the fact that people think that it is actually real life.
I don’t hate these things because I am cynical. I hate these things because they require no deep thought and no intellectual ability. We as a society are putting our values into things that are absolutely worthless, and that disturbs me. American culture is taking a major turn for the worst simply with the things we choose to put our time, value, and money into. I think it’s a matter of lack of self-respect.
If you’re reading this, you’re most likely too smart to be sinking down to Snookie’s level. So stop. It’s that simple. Stop contributing to the downfall of our society by putting your values into trash.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Attention Seekers Within Religions
Today I was walking on campus and I heard someone shouting. At first I panicked because it sounded to me like someone was hurt, or in some sort of trouble. Upon turning around I realized it was an evangelical Christian, Bible in hand.
Before I start my rant, I think it should be understood that I truly have the utmost respect for people who stand up for what they believe in. No matter what they are standing up for, it really does take a lot to truly believe in something and to stand up publically for it. This does not even apply only to religion. Look at Rosa Parks. She believed in something firmly. It was not easy standing up for equal rights, as shown by her time and jail and constant reticule, but her name is still remembered today because she stood up for what she believed in.
I have no problem with anyone who is strong in their faith. Actually quite the contrary. People who are strong in their faith impress me a lot. It gives people a set of codes to live by, and people who practice what they preach are usually pretty predictable people, a quality we all want in a friend.
I do, however have a problem with what I saw on campus today. This man was targeting people who were walking by, calling them sinners, shouting out that they were going to go to hell. I have a problem with this on many levels.
The man is distorting and casting a dark shadow on Christianity as a whole. That is something I take very personally as a Christian. The Christian faith is the only faith that promises salvation to any and everyone that accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. When you look into the scripture, salvation is the bottom line. The Christian faith accepts the fact that we all sin and that none of us are worthy. Through Christ and his endless mercy, the sinner is saved. When you think about it, it’s actually quite an uplifting message, though it’s often distorted to be about guilt and hell and not being worthy. There is no telling how many people walk by who may be on edge about the Christian faith who get completely turned off for good with this mans absurd and offensive message. If this was the first thing I had ever seen of the Christian faith, I would have been completely turned off too. It’s ludicrous.
To me, it seems like these evangelical morons are looking for self-attention, and are using Jesus and God to gain attention while simultaneously turning people off to the Christian faith who do not know any better. I personally see religion as a private matter and it is not something I talk about a lot. I instead try to live the best I can every day, attempting to be the best I can be. With that said though, I have no problem with someone who wants to stand outside and read the Bible and talk to people about their beliefs. I think things like that are healthy, and in the end makes everyone more confident of those beliefs, no matter what those beliefs are.
To me, these men are very similar to the Muslim terrorists. They are a very small minority that are totally distorting entire religions. These religions are full of great people who could not disagree more with what these extremists are doing. These extremists unfairly cast a bad shadow on the religion as a whole. There are always going to be crazies, and these crazies must be overlooked because giving them too much attention is very dangerous. These men on campus want attention or else they would not be out there. Every time I see one of these people on campus, very unholy thoughts come across my mind of what I would like to say to them, but refrain because attention is what they want.
Before I start my rant, I think it should be understood that I truly have the utmost respect for people who stand up for what they believe in. No matter what they are standing up for, it really does take a lot to truly believe in something and to stand up publically for it. This does not even apply only to religion. Look at Rosa Parks. She believed in something firmly. It was not easy standing up for equal rights, as shown by her time and jail and constant reticule, but her name is still remembered today because she stood up for what she believed in.
I have no problem with anyone who is strong in their faith. Actually quite the contrary. People who are strong in their faith impress me a lot. It gives people a set of codes to live by, and people who practice what they preach are usually pretty predictable people, a quality we all want in a friend.
I do, however have a problem with what I saw on campus today. This man was targeting people who were walking by, calling them sinners, shouting out that they were going to go to hell. I have a problem with this on many levels.
The man is distorting and casting a dark shadow on Christianity as a whole. That is something I take very personally as a Christian. The Christian faith is the only faith that promises salvation to any and everyone that accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. When you look into the scripture, salvation is the bottom line. The Christian faith accepts the fact that we all sin and that none of us are worthy. Through Christ and his endless mercy, the sinner is saved. When you think about it, it’s actually quite an uplifting message, though it’s often distorted to be about guilt and hell and not being worthy. There is no telling how many people walk by who may be on edge about the Christian faith who get completely turned off for good with this mans absurd and offensive message. If this was the first thing I had ever seen of the Christian faith, I would have been completely turned off too. It’s ludicrous.
To me, it seems like these evangelical morons are looking for self-attention, and are using Jesus and God to gain attention while simultaneously turning people off to the Christian faith who do not know any better. I personally see religion as a private matter and it is not something I talk about a lot. I instead try to live the best I can every day, attempting to be the best I can be. With that said though, I have no problem with someone who wants to stand outside and read the Bible and talk to people about their beliefs. I think things like that are healthy, and in the end makes everyone more confident of those beliefs, no matter what those beliefs are.
To me, these men are very similar to the Muslim terrorists. They are a very small minority that are totally distorting entire religions. These religions are full of great people who could not disagree more with what these extremists are doing. These extremists unfairly cast a bad shadow on the religion as a whole. There are always going to be crazies, and these crazies must be overlooked because giving them too much attention is very dangerous. These men on campus want attention or else they would not be out there. Every time I see one of these people on campus, very unholy thoughts come across my mind of what I would like to say to them, but refrain because attention is what they want.
The Beauty of NOT Being Main-Stream
I think there is a lot of beauty in something that is great, but that does not become “main-stream.” I know it’s very cliché to say, “I’m not into main-stream music dude.” I would be one of these cliché people but if it helps I will provide some explanation.
Quite simply, the majority of mainstream music is horrendous because the majority of people want music that is catchy, talentless, and meaningless. Americans want a song they can listen to once and that they immediately enjoy. The majority of radio hits aren’t lyrically deep, they’re simply catchy.
Because of the “typical” radio tunes, I enjoy listening to music that is not as well-known and accepted by the masses, but that is rich in lyrical and musical content. This is not to say that either you are popular and untalented, or talented and underground. There are many that cross over into both or neither genre, but in general this is usually the way things go.
There is beauty in meaningful art that is not main-stream. There are many artists who make profound work up until a certain point in which main-stream America wraps their screaming teenage hands around the artist’s throat and literally force them to produce shit. It is hard for artists to become popular without becoming “too” popular. It’s hard to make catchy songs without making them “too” catchy or “poppy.” It is hard to sell out large venues without having at least 20% of the crowd being drunk and inconsiderate jackasses who care nothing about the band they just bought tickets to see.
The bottom line is that it is easy to “sell out” and become popular when you are talented. In actuality, it is very hard not to. The Avett Brothers are still making profound music, but upon signing to a major record label, have become much more popular and my experiences at their more recent shows have been extremely different than the first times I saw them live. The first time I saw them was in 2008 at a small bar called The Soul Kitchen in Mobile, AL. There were probably 30-40 people there and it was one of the best concerts I have seen. The crowd was intimate and the sound quality was great. I just saw them at Tuscaloosa’s new Amphitheatre and the experience was quite different. From trying to fend drunk guys off my girlfriend, to trying to understand the lyrics from so far away, to trying to shush people during the quiet songs, I lost my interest in seeing the Avett Brothers live (this being my 10th show).
I don’t think the Avett Brothers said, let’s sign with Columbia and sell out. I think they’re a talented band who makes great music that appeals both to music lovers and casual fans. When you reach popularity on this level, you’re going to have to start catering to a different crowd with bigger venues and sometimes different style music.
I respect bands that can reach massive appeal without losing the aspects of what they started with. Wilco is a band that has done a fabulous job with this. They have been around for over 15 years and are still playing very similar style shows to when they started. Their fan base has definitely grown (with their own record label and music festival) but they have managed to keep the level of “douche-bag-ness to a minimum, which is something I completely respect because it is very hard to do.
Quite simply, the majority of mainstream music is horrendous because the majority of people want music that is catchy, talentless, and meaningless. Americans want a song they can listen to once and that they immediately enjoy. The majority of radio hits aren’t lyrically deep, they’re simply catchy.
Because of the “typical” radio tunes, I enjoy listening to music that is not as well-known and accepted by the masses, but that is rich in lyrical and musical content. This is not to say that either you are popular and untalented, or talented and underground. There are many that cross over into both or neither genre, but in general this is usually the way things go.
There is beauty in meaningful art that is not main-stream. There are many artists who make profound work up until a certain point in which main-stream America wraps their screaming teenage hands around the artist’s throat and literally force them to produce shit. It is hard for artists to become popular without becoming “too” popular. It’s hard to make catchy songs without making them “too” catchy or “poppy.” It is hard to sell out large venues without having at least 20% of the crowd being drunk and inconsiderate jackasses who care nothing about the band they just bought tickets to see.
The bottom line is that it is easy to “sell out” and become popular when you are talented. In actuality, it is very hard not to. The Avett Brothers are still making profound music, but upon signing to a major record label, have become much more popular and my experiences at their more recent shows have been extremely different than the first times I saw them live. The first time I saw them was in 2008 at a small bar called The Soul Kitchen in Mobile, AL. There were probably 30-40 people there and it was one of the best concerts I have seen. The crowd was intimate and the sound quality was great. I just saw them at Tuscaloosa’s new Amphitheatre and the experience was quite different. From trying to fend drunk guys off my girlfriend, to trying to understand the lyrics from so far away, to trying to shush people during the quiet songs, I lost my interest in seeing the Avett Brothers live (this being my 10th show).
I don’t think the Avett Brothers said, let’s sign with Columbia and sell out. I think they’re a talented band who makes great music that appeals both to music lovers and casual fans. When you reach popularity on this level, you’re going to have to start catering to a different crowd with bigger venues and sometimes different style music.
I respect bands that can reach massive appeal without losing the aspects of what they started with. Wilco is a band that has done a fabulous job with this. They have been around for over 15 years and are still playing very similar style shows to when they started. Their fan base has definitely grown (with their own record label and music festival) but they have managed to keep the level of “douche-bag-ness to a minimum, which is something I completely respect because it is very hard to do.
Sinking to Snookie's Level
“I hate that I watch this show, but it’s so addictive.” That is the comment that my roommate made this morning when he turned on the show Jersey Shore. It is a known fact within my household that I despise the majority of popular television, and I guess he felt the need to attempt to justify as to why he would turn this atrocious show on.
I looked deeper into this issue and began to focus on why he would even feel the need to justify watching one of the most popular shows on TV. After all, everyone has their own tastes, and those tastes cannot always match up. I came to the resolution that my roommate is a smart guy and he feels the need to justify it because he knows that it is complete shit. I would even go a step further, and argue that even though millions of Americans watch this show, they too realize that it is complete shit, and contributing to the downfall of American culture. Look at what we glorify.
America is putting value on trash, and is consciously doing so. If more smart people (like my roommate and many others) would put themselves above the trash that is displayed on MTV and stop watching it, television would be forced to cater to people on a more educated and productive level. Instead, we have college kids who lower themselves to the level of Snookie and whoever else is on this sorry excuse for a show.
It truly depresses me that my generation will be remembered for things like Jersey Shore, and music artists like Ke$sha. This is coming from a total lack of self-respect. People are lowering themselves to watch and listen to complete garbage when they are capable of comprehending and processing so much more. If more people actually thought about what they were taking in I think that it would force television to put better things on TV.
It is important to know that I am not coming at this from a moral point of view. I could not care less what language is used or what body parts are depicted. I simply think that we are putting so much value as a society on completely uneducated morons and idiots. There is a show on MTV that glorifies people that are “16 and pregnant.” What the hell people? This means we have 15 year olds watching this show saying to themselves, “If I get pregnant, I may be able to be on this show!” HOW IS THIS HELPING US AS A SOCIETY? Hint: It’s not!
Excuse me for ranting, but the 60s got the Beatles, and I’m left with Snookie! And if you’re naïve enough to think that I believe Snookie will have any lasting effect on anyone’s mind after a year or two, you need to keep reading this journal because you have a lot to learn.
I looked deeper into this issue and began to focus on why he would even feel the need to justify watching one of the most popular shows on TV. After all, everyone has their own tastes, and those tastes cannot always match up. I came to the resolution that my roommate is a smart guy and he feels the need to justify it because he knows that it is complete shit. I would even go a step further, and argue that even though millions of Americans watch this show, they too realize that it is complete shit, and contributing to the downfall of American culture. Look at what we glorify.
America is putting value on trash, and is consciously doing so. If more smart people (like my roommate and many others) would put themselves above the trash that is displayed on MTV and stop watching it, television would be forced to cater to people on a more educated and productive level. Instead, we have college kids who lower themselves to the level of Snookie and whoever else is on this sorry excuse for a show.
It truly depresses me that my generation will be remembered for things like Jersey Shore, and music artists like Ke$sha. This is coming from a total lack of self-respect. People are lowering themselves to watch and listen to complete garbage when they are capable of comprehending and processing so much more. If more people actually thought about what they were taking in I think that it would force television to put better things on TV.
It is important to know that I am not coming at this from a moral point of view. I could not care less what language is used or what body parts are depicted. I simply think that we are putting so much value as a society on completely uneducated morons and idiots. There is a show on MTV that glorifies people that are “16 and pregnant.” What the hell people? This means we have 15 year olds watching this show saying to themselves, “If I get pregnant, I may be able to be on this show!” HOW IS THIS HELPING US AS A SOCIETY? Hint: It’s not!
Excuse me for ranting, but the 60s got the Beatles, and I’m left with Snookie! And if you’re naïve enough to think that I believe Snookie will have any lasting effect on anyone’s mind after a year or two, you need to keep reading this journal because you have a lot to learn.
Technology and Human Interaction
Today in class we entered into a discussion about media, and specifically how relevant it is to our culture today. We also went into discussion about how it can be applied to and intertwined with religion. It really got me thinking a lot about the extent to which technology in general interferes with human interaction.
In class I shared a story about how when the TV was removed from the main room in my apartment, it increased human interaction and my roommates and I talked drastically more. This lack of technological interference created a whole new type of interaction.
Today it is so easy to zone out. Zoning out takes no effort and takes no thought. You simply pull out your phone and are able to zone out for as long as you want for as long as you want. I got on the transit after class today and was paying a lot more attention to how much technological devices actually steal human interaction away from people. I was on a full transit back to Creekside, a few people were even forced to stand because of lack of seats. I decided to take out my earphones and observe what I saw and heard.
As far as what I saw … phones. Lots of phones. People on their phones, people listening to music, people texting, tweeting, playing games, and everything you can think of. As far as talking, there was one guy talking to the girl next to him and by the end of the bus ride he actually got her phone number, no joke. That in itself goes to show how when technology is put away for a while, how much can be accomplished in its place.
I love my iPhone, iPod, and Apple computer as much as anyone does, but I do think that people today are becoming a little overly excessive with the amount of time that they use them, and the amount of time they take from interacting with others.
I spent a semester in Spain and it was the best semester of my life. This is mainly because no one over there had phones so people were forced to get to know one another, instead of constantly being in touch with those we left behind at home. Here people were forced out of their comfort zone. Friends were no longer a text away. People had to talk, interact, and learn about each other. There were no cell phone games to be played to kill the awkward silence between you and whoever was on the bus beside you. Instead, you asked their name and made friends.
I now live with a friend I met in Spain, and I would make the argument that if either of us had had our cell phones with us on that trip, there is a good chance I would be living with someone completely different. Just something to think about. Put down your device and talk to someone. It will get you somewhere.
In class I shared a story about how when the TV was removed from the main room in my apartment, it increased human interaction and my roommates and I talked drastically more. This lack of technological interference created a whole new type of interaction.
Today it is so easy to zone out. Zoning out takes no effort and takes no thought. You simply pull out your phone and are able to zone out for as long as you want for as long as you want. I got on the transit after class today and was paying a lot more attention to how much technological devices actually steal human interaction away from people. I was on a full transit back to Creekside, a few people were even forced to stand because of lack of seats. I decided to take out my earphones and observe what I saw and heard.
As far as what I saw … phones. Lots of phones. People on their phones, people listening to music, people texting, tweeting, playing games, and everything you can think of. As far as talking, there was one guy talking to the girl next to him and by the end of the bus ride he actually got her phone number, no joke. That in itself goes to show how when technology is put away for a while, how much can be accomplished in its place.
I love my iPhone, iPod, and Apple computer as much as anyone does, but I do think that people today are becoming a little overly excessive with the amount of time that they use them, and the amount of time they take from interacting with others.
I spent a semester in Spain and it was the best semester of my life. This is mainly because no one over there had phones so people were forced to get to know one another, instead of constantly being in touch with those we left behind at home. Here people were forced out of their comfort zone. Friends were no longer a text away. People had to talk, interact, and learn about each other. There were no cell phone games to be played to kill the awkward silence between you and whoever was on the bus beside you. Instead, you asked their name and made friends.
I now live with a friend I met in Spain, and I would make the argument that if either of us had had our cell phones with us on that trip, there is a good chance I would be living with someone completely different. Just something to think about. Put down your device and talk to someone. It will get you somewhere.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Can Death Be A Good Thing?
Right now Amy Winehouse has a song at number 24 on the iTunes music chart. My prediction is that her songs will probably do nothing but get more and more popular in the upcoming months following the loss of Winehouse last weekend. It is a known fact that when someone famous dies "before their time" they somehow rise in fame with literally zero effort (no pun intended). Look at how many more kids these days listen to Michael Jackson. My little brother, who just turned 14, would have no idea who Michael Jackson was. Well, I guess I can take that back because he had definitely heard me playing Jackson's tunes in my car before his death, but none the less, all of my little brother's friends went through their Michael Jackson phase after his death. They purchased his records, looked up his Youtube videos and are now extremely familiar with Jackson's material. Now, don't get me wrong, in no way am I attempting to belittle the death of Jackson, Winehouse, or anyone else for that matter, but it is a known fact that before her death, Winehouse was thought of as a talented artist, but was known more for her heroine addiction and obscure personality. Jackson was known to be a talented genius (and he damn sure was), but let's be honest, we all heard more child molestation jokes than we did his hits on the radio during the months leading up to his death. I also don't want it to be misunderstood that Winehouse is anywhere close to the genius that Jackson is, she is simply the most recent example and therefore my motivation for writing this blog. My point is that death is the best thing that can happen to one's career in any field, especially if the individual dies young, which raises the question of "why?".
Looking back at history, musical artists that die young are some of the most well known and most respected artists of all time. Look at Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Janis Joplin, Kurt Kobain, Keith Moon and John Bonham. All died before their time but they are now some of the most influential figures of all time. Why? Why does dying help your career so much?
The first way dying helps is because it allows media (magazines, movies, television, news of any sort) to build you up to be an icon by focusing ONLY on the positive things. The deceased obviously has no more say so in the matter and can no longer "tamper" their image. Death allows the mass media to focus SOLELY on the positive things the deceased has done in their lifetime, and allows only these achievements to be recognized. Drug addiction, child molestation, suicide, gang wars, and alcohol addiction are looked past and the public begins to focus on what these people were able to create and achieve in their lifetime.
The second way dying can help is because it allows the artist to go out in their prime. Lennon died being (debatably) the smartest Beatle without ever creating a bad album. John Bonham died when Led Zeppelin was in their prime, and therefore is considered the best drummer of all time. Tupac and Biggie died when gangsta rap was in it's prime and are therefore thought of as the two greatest rappers of all time. Jimi Hendrix died at 27 and is therefore thought of as the best guitarist of all time. I would make the argument that they went out in their prime so death builds them up as individuals, but I would also make the argument that the deaths cause people to build up their institutions more. Because John Lennon died early, his later albums are considered better because death causes people to analyze them more, as well as the Beatles' albums. Because Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac died young, it caused gangsta rap to rise in popularity in the early 90s. Because John Bonham died it made Led Zeppelin seen as a better and more "legendary" band. Because Kurt Kobain killed himself, it allowed Nirvana to stand as one of the greatest bands of all time (even though they only released 3 studio albums). Nirvana became a symbol for the misunderstood and confused. Because Jimi Hendrix died when he was 27, he is considered one of the best guitarists of all time. Death allows people to go out in their prime before they put out any material that is not as good, and therefore causes them to fizzle out or fade away. Death allows these individuals to go out with a boom while they are on top and end their legacy has a better chance of living on. When you go out on top, you are going to do nothing but become some sort of legend and rise even higher.
With these things being said, I am not trying to take away from the fact that these deaths are extremely unfortunate, and tragic events. At the same time, I think they play into the fact that everything happens for a reason. Jimi Hendrix could have lived to be 70 but I would make the argument that if he had, he would not be as well known as he is today because somehwere along the way he would have made a "bad" album. Same with Nirvana, Tupac, Amy Winehouse and the others listed above. This is not to say that they would not still be considered great, but probably not AS great and as legendary. We are lucky to be blessed with the music of these fallen individuals. Even though they are gone their music, but more importantly their legend, will live on forever. And I bet this legend would not be as well known had they not died early.
Looking back at history, musical artists that die young are some of the most well known and most respected artists of all time. Look at Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Janis Joplin, Kurt Kobain, Keith Moon and John Bonham. All died before their time but they are now some of the most influential figures of all time. Why? Why does dying help your career so much?
The first way dying helps is because it allows media (magazines, movies, television, news of any sort) to build you up to be an icon by focusing ONLY on the positive things. The deceased obviously has no more say so in the matter and can no longer "tamper" their image. Death allows the mass media to focus SOLELY on the positive things the deceased has done in their lifetime, and allows only these achievements to be recognized. Drug addiction, child molestation, suicide, gang wars, and alcohol addiction are looked past and the public begins to focus on what these people were able to create and achieve in their lifetime.
The second way dying can help is because it allows the artist to go out in their prime. Lennon died being (debatably) the smartest Beatle without ever creating a bad album. John Bonham died when Led Zeppelin was in their prime, and therefore is considered the best drummer of all time. Tupac and Biggie died when gangsta rap was in it's prime and are therefore thought of as the two greatest rappers of all time. Jimi Hendrix died at 27 and is therefore thought of as the best guitarist of all time. I would make the argument that they went out in their prime so death builds them up as individuals, but I would also make the argument that the deaths cause people to build up their institutions more. Because John Lennon died early, his later albums are considered better because death causes people to analyze them more, as well as the Beatles' albums. Because Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac died young, it caused gangsta rap to rise in popularity in the early 90s. Because John Bonham died it made Led Zeppelin seen as a better and more "legendary" band. Because Kurt Kobain killed himself, it allowed Nirvana to stand as one of the greatest bands of all time (even though they only released 3 studio albums). Nirvana became a symbol for the misunderstood and confused. Because Jimi Hendrix died when he was 27, he is considered one of the best guitarists of all time. Death allows people to go out in their prime before they put out any material that is not as good, and therefore causes them to fizzle out or fade away. Death allows these individuals to go out with a boom while they are on top and end their legacy has a better chance of living on. When you go out on top, you are going to do nothing but become some sort of legend and rise even higher.
With these things being said, I am not trying to take away from the fact that these deaths are extremely unfortunate, and tragic events. At the same time, I think they play into the fact that everything happens for a reason. Jimi Hendrix could have lived to be 70 but I would make the argument that if he had, he would not be as well known as he is today because somehwere along the way he would have made a "bad" album. Same with Nirvana, Tupac, Amy Winehouse and the others listed above. This is not to say that they would not still be considered great, but probably not AS great and as legendary. We are lucky to be blessed with the music of these fallen individuals. Even though they are gone their music, but more importantly their legend, will live on forever. And I bet this legend would not be as well known had they not died early.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Why LP Albums Should (and might) Make A Comeback
I have always enjoyed the idea of the album as a work of art. Albums can conglomerate songs into a one solid entity of art that is designed to be listened to in a particular order. This careful selection of songs and order, combined with album cover art can create a mood, a theme, or even a concept. In 1967 the Beatles allegedly created "The First Concept Album" when they carefully strung 13 new songs together in a particular order that was reminiscent of a concert or show. They created album cover art that did not just depict themselves, but instead created an entire psychedelic atmosphere, with beautiful colors and cardboard cutouts of all of their inspirational figures. With this came the idea that albums can create an entire theme, and these themes can inspire many people, and even generations. Much of today's technology and culture surrounding music is destroying the idea of an album.
Today kids carry iPods, and on these iPods they may have Beatles songs. Some of these songs may be from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band. I would make the argument that very few actually have the album in its entirety. This is an utter shame if you ask me. In my opinion this is like cutting out your favorite part out of a Picasso painting, then proceeding to carry it around in your pocket claiming, "Look how much I LOVE Picasso!" No you don't! If anything, you are destroying one of his fabulous master pieces by segmenting into pieces of your choice. The painting is a whole, and when you experience that painting, you take every part of it into consideration. You don't buy a piece of a painting, you buy an entire painting. Where am I going with this? What I am saying is that the same respect should apply to an album. One should not simply buy a song here and a song there from this album or that album. It is cutting a piece of art into separate pieces, and there is no way to fully understand a piece of art if you do not take its entirety into consideration. If the artist wishes to segment his art himself by releasing singles, I think it is perfectly acceptable to buy those individual songs because at this point, that artist is releasing that song as a piece of art in itself.
It is a deeply rooted personal belief of mine that artists (that are worth listening to) create albums for us to listen to, and that is why I am extremely happy to see old LP vinyls making a comeback. The old man hidden deep inside of me bought a record player a couple summers ago and upon this purchase begun buying records. Musicians worth listening to have begun releasing their new albums on vinyls. Within these vinyls they are releasing an mp3 download so not only do you get the record, but you can also put the album onto your computer and portable mp3 device. The reason I enjoy records so much is because they were the fundamental centerpiece for how the album became pieces of art. These LP's are BIG. The album art is like a painting or a work of art in itself. Usually the albums open up to display the lyrics and many include artwork which was done by the artist. One is able to open up the record, put it on the turntable, and explore its contents while listening to the tracks IN ORDER. The reason I put so much emphasis on listening to the tracks in order is because if anyone has dealt with a record player, you will know it is almost not worth the effort attempting to select a particular song in the middle of the record. It is much easier to put it on, and let it play through. Once it reaches its halfway point,if you don't get up and turn it, it is going to simply sit there. This shows dedication to persist through the album by the listener. It can then be flipped over, and the rest of the album can be listened to IN ORDER.
I think that it is great how vinyls are making a comeback, at least within the market of good music. It has become a tradition when I go to a concert to buy the artist's newest album on vinyl. I usually come back after the show and have an entire experience sitting alone or with friends examining the album's contents and listening to each individual track in the order they were meant to be listened to. Albums are a great thing and the longer they stick around the better it will be for the beauty of music. The reason that albums should be listened to as a whole is the fact that we all owe that respect to the artists who created them. They were going through a certain time in their life when they created it and most are attempting to portray a certain mood. With giving them this respect and listening to albums in their entirety (instead of simply taking the easy road and paying .99 cents for the single) we can have our own experience which can be gained from their experience. Now I just sound like I am rambling, which I am not.
Go listen to an album, and enjoy the experience!
Today kids carry iPods, and on these iPods they may have Beatles songs. Some of these songs may be from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band. I would make the argument that very few actually have the album in its entirety. This is an utter shame if you ask me. In my opinion this is like cutting out your favorite part out of a Picasso painting, then proceeding to carry it around in your pocket claiming, "Look how much I LOVE Picasso!" No you don't! If anything, you are destroying one of his fabulous master pieces by segmenting into pieces of your choice. The painting is a whole, and when you experience that painting, you take every part of it into consideration. You don't buy a piece of a painting, you buy an entire painting. Where am I going with this? What I am saying is that the same respect should apply to an album. One should not simply buy a song here and a song there from this album or that album. It is cutting a piece of art into separate pieces, and there is no way to fully understand a piece of art if you do not take its entirety into consideration. If the artist wishes to segment his art himself by releasing singles, I think it is perfectly acceptable to buy those individual songs because at this point, that artist is releasing that song as a piece of art in itself.
It is a deeply rooted personal belief of mine that artists (that are worth listening to) create albums for us to listen to, and that is why I am extremely happy to see old LP vinyls making a comeback. The old man hidden deep inside of me bought a record player a couple summers ago and upon this purchase begun buying records. Musicians worth listening to have begun releasing their new albums on vinyls. Within these vinyls they are releasing an mp3 download so not only do you get the record, but you can also put the album onto your computer and portable mp3 device. The reason I enjoy records so much is because they were the fundamental centerpiece for how the album became pieces of art. These LP's are BIG. The album art is like a painting or a work of art in itself. Usually the albums open up to display the lyrics and many include artwork which was done by the artist. One is able to open up the record, put it on the turntable, and explore its contents while listening to the tracks IN ORDER. The reason I put so much emphasis on listening to the tracks in order is because if anyone has dealt with a record player, you will know it is almost not worth the effort attempting to select a particular song in the middle of the record. It is much easier to put it on, and let it play through. Once it reaches its halfway point,if you don't get up and turn it, it is going to simply sit there. This shows dedication to persist through the album by the listener. It can then be flipped over, and the rest of the album can be listened to IN ORDER.
I think that it is great how vinyls are making a comeback, at least within the market of good music. It has become a tradition when I go to a concert to buy the artist's newest album on vinyl. I usually come back after the show and have an entire experience sitting alone or with friends examining the album's contents and listening to each individual track in the order they were meant to be listened to. Albums are a great thing and the longer they stick around the better it will be for the beauty of music. The reason that albums should be listened to as a whole is the fact that we all owe that respect to the artists who created them. They were going through a certain time in their life when they created it and most are attempting to portray a certain mood. With giving them this respect and listening to albums in their entirety (instead of simply taking the easy road and paying .99 cents for the single) we can have our own experience which can be gained from their experience. Now I just sound like I am rambling, which I am not.
Go listen to an album, and enjoy the experience!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)