Journal 6: Is Country Music to Blame for Racial Criticism?

Rising country star, Jason Aldean, Courtesy of Carrie Allen Tipton

                In Carrie Allen Tipton’s article, “Country Music Hollers Back at Hip-Hop,” she boldly states that throughout the past few years country music has developed dissociation with the rest of the musical world.  Through the use of three different examples she claims that country music is looking down on urban life and any life different from their own.  Widely popular, “Homeboy” by Eric Church, “Dirt Road Anthem” by Jason Aldean, and “Holler Back” by the Lost Trailers, are said to have deeper messages that should be addressed.  Lines such as, “We do it different around here, but we sure do it right,” and “Here you are runnin’ these dirty old streets, tattoo on your neck, fake gold on your teeth,” are alleged to be destructing urban values.  

However, I tend to disagree.  Regardless of the fact that I am a country music fan, I do not believe that there is anything wrong with being proud of where you came from.  I do not think that country music is out to demoralize anyone who lives a different lifestyle; in fact, I think it is the exact opposite.  While reading this article, I found myself getting fairly defensive.  Just like any other genre of music, they sing about the lifestyle they prefer.  Rap and hip-hop produce music around the life that they have come to know and what it has taught them.  Country music is no different.  I can relate to country music in a lot of ways, but for it to be considered looking down upon urban values is unrealistic. 

Carrie Allen Tipton definitely made her point, but she did it a bit too strongly.  I can see where she is coming from and where one might take it the wrong way, but the majority of her arguments were one sided. For example, Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem,” in which he took it upon himself to actually record with rap singer Ludacris.  Teaming up with a member of a completely different genre shows class and respect for a different type of music from your own.  To me, that is quite the opposite of dissociation.

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/165500-country-music-hollers-back-at-hip-hop/

Journal 5: Women in the Spotlight

The New Adventures of Old Christine sitcom, courtesy of justjohnnywebster.com

In the article, “In Defense of…Julia Louis Dreyfus and Other Women Who Make Us Laugh,” by Colin McGuire he expands on the sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine.  Julia Louis Dreyfus is the lead role in this sitcom and makes the show absolutely hilarious.  However, the show was cancelled, in his opinion, for no reason. He goes on to explain that all we see are men reaching for more power in the television world and not enough acceptance of female lead roles. 

He also expanded that it is not just in television but in the real world as well.  Women are constantly on a lower pedestal, despite professed intelligence and humor.  McGuire goes on to explain that it will not be long before women start to outgrow the age of men. In fact, he claims that it gives TV viewers a well-rounded benefit, because women are truly just as funny.  

Along with McGuire’s point of view, I can see the importance of allowing women to breakthrough previous stereotypes.  I think it is important in today’s age to allow women to express themselves, when they were not allowed to before.  Whether, they show true charisma or not is one thing, but the ability for it to be accepted is what is important. He also claimed that it will not be long before a woman holds the title to presidency. 

One statistic I found incredibly amazing was that 90% of male leaders who make jokes receive a round of applause and laughter.  While, 80% of female CEO’s and head position leaders who make jokes, receive nearly no response.  I find it quite fascinating how that works and how people respond to different sexes.  I’m not entirely sure if I believe that in my lifetime I will ever see a female president, but it is my hope that one day that bears true.  

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/164010-in-defense-of-funny-women/

 

Journal 4: Impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York

Start of NYC Marathon, Courtesy of A.T. Willett Photography

In the article, “Up and Running” by Louisa Thomas, the impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York’s world renowned marathon was discussed.  The question raised, was what is more important, the marathon, or the millions of people out of power and water? She talked about how a week previous to the cancellation of the marathon Mayor Bloomberg was adamant about hosting it regardless of the recent hurricane and the many people affected. 

                While reading the article, I could understand the Mayor’s position about the race.  People from all over the world come to race in the New York Marathon.  Some people earn much of their income off of racing in this race.  What’s more, people participate in many other marathons all year just to qualify for this 26.2 mile trek.  This race brings in so much revenue to the state and community.  I can completely see and understand his standpoint on hosting the race.  However, it raises a lot of controversy over what is more important. 

                It amazes me how people will come together in events of tragedy.  There are simply no words for people helping others they do not even know.  I think that act of kindness is irreplaceable and cannot be matched by anything else.  The fact that all of those signed up to race laced up their shoes to help repair damage and generate a city under massive complication, is hard to even fathom.  In spite of this tragic event cancelling something so important to many people, they did not hesitate to lend a helping hand.  To me, that says it all.  Kind gestures speak louder than words.  

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8594475/examining-outrage-cancelation-new-york-city-marathon