War and Peace

"Bleed Red" is the first single by singer Ronnie Dunn released in 2009. This song is about his desire for peace and forgiveness. He also states that, win or lose, no one gains anything from violence and that everyone is in fact a victim of war. In this video, he lists many big historical events to remind us of the ruthlessness of war and people's protest against violence.

What is your opinion about war and forgiveness? When it comes to war, should we forgive and forget? What do you find most thought-provoking about this song?


[composed by Blog Group 6]

Made in America

Since we have a Black president, many people claim that race relations in America are equal. Kanye, Jay Z, and Frank Ocean have collaborated on a song about the status of race relations in America.

What do you think they are trying to say? Do you agree with them? What do the images of the gang members bring to mind? What do you think the images of the people wearing a mask? Are they hiding something or just celebrating? Who do you think they are giving credit to for their own success?


[composed by Blog Group 5]

SEX! LIES! VIDEOTAPE! And then there's Jesus...

Here's a little throwback for you. Mr. West is someone who isn't scared of controversy. As a matter of fact, he wears it proudly on his sleeve. From criticizing the President of the United States to interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Music Awards, Kanye isn't scared to speak what's on his mind. One controversial act in particular was when he stirred up the world of pop culuture with the video and song "Jesus Walks."

What is so controversial about the song? What impact did the video have on you if any? Why does America have an uneasiness when mentioning religion in mainstream media?


 [composed by Blog Group 4]

Trapped in the Couch

“America” is a song by the English rock band Razorlight on their second album, Razorlight. The artist sings about the lifestyle of the typical couch potato and their feeling of isolation and boredom in American society. In this video, although it looks like a recording of a live show, it conveys a feeling of coldness and loneliness. The shots of a half face, which leave more space for the background, makes the idea of isolation more explicit. At the end of the video, with the artists holding signs saying “PANIC,” “LOST,” “FEEL NOTHING,” all the lyrics and scenes make more sense.

 Since this song is written by an English band, do you think it is telling the truth or misunderstanding? What are other interesting details are shown in this video? In this video, the screen in the back keeps showing some freeways and elevated highways, what do you think they mean?


[composed by Blog Group 3]

American Struggles Growing Up

"Welcome to My Life" is the title of a song recorded by rock group Simple Plan. This song deals with especially teenage angst and how life can get so bad yet no one can seem to understand you.  It most certainly can relate to American teenagers growing up and the video is showing clips of the kids in the car with his parents ignoring them.

What exactly is the artist trying to say? And what are some interesting points in this music video?  To what kind of audience is the artist trying to appeal? Based on the video, what struggles is the artist trying to convey? What do you think about the reference in the video when the singer asks "are you stuck inside a world you hate?" while showing the clip of the man in the business suit? Does this deal with particular American stereotypes?


[Composed by Blog Group 2]

What is happiness?

Our source is the music video “Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi. The song was first released September 15th, 2009 off of the album Man on the Moon.

The song features Kid Cudi at a party with a bunch of well-dressed, wealthy-looking individuals who are dancing and drinking. The entire video is shot in slow motion with the exception of the artist who occasionally remains in normal time while he is singing. At the end of the song, the artist leaves the party in a somber state.

What do you find most interesting about the video? How does what you find interesting relate to the argument of the video? What do you think the video’s idea of happiness is, and how does that relate to the typical American idea of happiness?


[Composed by Blog Group 1]