"La-Di-Da-Di-Da"

The song "Sixteen Military Wives" was written by the Decemberists for their third album, Picaresque, in 2005, during the decline of the Iraq War's popularity. The band's lyrics are known to comment on historical incidents, which is reflected in this song as well. Colin Meloy, songwriter, personally characterized this song as a protest song.

What exactly is the song attempting to protest? What kind of metaphors are made in order to back up that point? Do you feel like this song is an accurate portrayal of the American condition? What is the significance of the video from 3:00-3:18?

The lyrics are available here.

[post composed by Blog Group 5]

"All too often"

This video is largely about the uncertainty of early pregnancy and the difficult decision of whether or not to go through with abortion. As Americans, we are constantly faced with decisions that are affected by financial strains and this video blends the stress of hardships and responsibility quite well. Due to the intense subject covered in this video finding topics to speak of for this week’s blog should not be too difficult.

Although this video by J. Cole doesn’t have explicit images of American flags and patriotic themes, there is a message delivered that very much affects many young people in the U.S. today. With pressures to hold a roof over everyone’s heads in today’s economic hardships, the issue of abortion today just might be stronger today than it has in the past.

Do you think the level of unemployment today will have an impact on others regarding the issue of abortion and unplanned pregnancy? Are there any instance you can think of that might lead to considering abortion? Is there anything in this video in particular that jumps out at you implicitly or explicitly as an American identity?

[post composed by Blog Group 4]

The Ideal "American Woman"?

We chose the music video "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz. The song was originally performed by a Canadian band called The Guess Who for their 1970 album American Woman. Lenny Kravitz then remade the song in 1999 for the movie Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, which was later incorporated into his own album. Throughout the video, there is repetition of American symbols, such as the American flag, provocative dancing and attire worn only by women, and a concert-like atmosphere.

Do you think this is an accurate portrayal of the American woman in our society? How do you feel about the new image of the American woman compared to women in America's past, such as only 50 years ago? How is independence depicted within the video?

[post composed by Blog Group 3]

Where is the Love?

This song was released on June 3, 2003; however it was first worked on by Ron Fair, a Black Eyed Peas group member, in late 2001. “Where is the Love” has many contributions from very well-known artists. They are Fergie, Justin Timberlake, Ron Fair, and Will I Am.

What message are the artists trying to convey to their audience through this song? What issue or issues do you believe they are referencing? Are there any scenes in the video that stand out to you, why? What forms of repetition are used the most? Why do you think these forms were used? Is there one specific message that stands out to you, or multiple?

[post composed by Blog Group 2]

"It's a show tune, but the show ain't been written for it yet..."

The video our group has chosen is "Uncle Sam Goddamn" by Islamic hip hop artist 'Brother Ali'. For those of you not familiar with the artist; Ali Newman (born Jason Newman, 1977) is an American rapper, born and raised in the Midwest, who has been practicing the Muslim faith for over a decade. As an albino, Ali was often ridiculed by his classmates throughout his childhood and has frequently explained that, from an early age, he felt "most at home amongst African Americans." In this video he offers an extremely critical view of the United States, its Government and its people. The song, released in 2007, sparked controversy with Ali's sponsor, Verizon, and has been the the source of heated debate. The video uses some provocative imagery from American history and makes extensive use of violent themes and profanity -- however, we feel this is a perfect example of American identity in music culture and, therefore, an apt selection for this week's blog post.

The artist references "the overseers" (minute 2:10 - 2:20); who do you think there 'overseers' are to the artist?

The footage seems to focus on more controversial military conflicts in American history - such as Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan -- omitting footage like that of the Parisians cheering in the streets after their liberation by allied forces in World War II; why do you think this is?

You can find the lyrics here.

[post composed by Blog Group 1]

Oh, the Horror!

Many of you are probably familiar with The Onion. For those of you who aren't, The Onion is an internet-based fake news program with a humorous, satirical bent (somewhat similar to The Daily Show with John Stewart and The Colbert Report). Its standard modus operandi is to present absurd news items in the deadpan style of traditional news networks like CNN.

This video brings together tropes from disaster news reporting and horror movies. More specifically, it presents cliched horror movie music and dialog in the form of a national disaster report. Because The Onion often deals in satire, one finds oneself asking a few questions of it:

Is this satire? If so, what is it satirizing and how? What does it say to us, the viewers? Does it make an argument? If so, what is that argument and how is it made? Why use comedy/satire at all?

[sample post composed by instructor]