Defining America
Gina Langlinais
English-Online
10.16.18
Defining America
Liberty, Freedom, and Independence define America to me. It is choices, and is made up of all types of religions, and speaks many languages from all over the world. Pop Culture does a great job of representing America today.
However, earlier in music America was traced back to the American Revolution with Yankee Doodle. Finding its roots while armies marched across foreign lands. The song was created by an African American soldier, Private Willie Duckworth in May 1944. This chant is used in P.E classes and movies and is recognized by most people as the “Sound Off,” 1-2 sound off 3-4. There are historical links for the cadence which has links to the field holler and work songs. While working tirelessly in the cotton fields, slaves sang about their harsh overwhelming environment.
In a military soldier’s atmosphere, A soldier also must endure environment and training, which is a reflection of most cadences that military branches chant during any physical exertion that involves physical pain or pleasure.
While having a considerable amount of respect and appreciation for it, aside from the cadence, our music industry today plays a significant role in today’s society from many different angles. Most people listen to music every day, whether it is while driving, working out, or just relaxing. The most prominent form of leisure for people in the world today. Music has a way of making an impact on people’s lives. On occasion, the impact makes such an impression that it affects the way people in society dress, friends they socialize out with or idolize or even sometimes how we may act. People of pop music are some of today’s most significant role models here in America.
Some characteristics of pop culture are things such as fine art, opera and literary works in high culture are meant for an upper-class audience, pop culture differs in other forms in significant ways and is accessible to the public. There is no need to have a higher degree in education to partake in the enjoyment.
Also, pop culture differs from the folk culture in that it is ever-changing. In contrast, folk culture, which proceeds from tradition, tends to be old-fashioned and anchored.
When using the words pop culture, it is being used very freely. Without singling out Kesha, Taylor Swift, and Justin Timberlake. I am using it most broadly, talking about all popular music, which includes anything from the last three mentioned back to old-school rappers Run DMC, Nelly, and Eminem, as well as country’s George Strait, Gary Allan, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Urban. Pop music can be anything played on the radio, VH1, iTunes or Amazon Prime.
Hip Hop culture is not restricted to African American culture. There is a wide range of Caucasians and Latin Americans who are also very big into hip-hop and have been very successful. To name a few examples of that are; The Beastie Boys, Adam Levine, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Kelly Clarkson. Those names have made a considerable impact on the spreading of race throughout rap and hip-hop. An important factor, because it keeps America that much farther away from racial boundaries.
In society, there is a strong need for people to fit the normed definition of beauty. People will go to every extent to fit that mold including damaging or killing themselves. Currently, the society we live in is composed of many cultures. These cultures influence our daily worries. American, European, and Hispanic cultures are some of the influenced to name a few. These cultures have influenced the ways people live, act, and often even the way we think.
Often people unconsciously find themselves picking up beauty tips from fashion, beauty, or self-help magazines that can be picked up at local drug stores. Beauty tips are spread throughout everyday lives through advertisements. However, are these beauty tips an actual implementation to one’s culture? Are these tips a standard of beauty or an ordinary and influential routine?